School & Community Engagement Educator (Full Time)

Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is seeking a School & Community Engagement Educator to deliver on-site and off-site education programs, develop curricula, and assist with program materials maintenance. The role emphasizes engaging diverse audiences and promoting wildlife conservation through varied teaching methods.

The position requires flexibility, strong communication skills, and a willingness to become CPR/First-Aid certified; the team supports inclusive, inquiry-based learning and ongoing

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED is required.
• Course work in education, biological sciences or related field is desired.
• 1 year of formal or informal education or teaching experience is desired.

Responsibilities

• Delivers on-site and off-site educational programming such as Zoomobiles, homeschool programming, classroom experiences, and community programs or events.
• Facilitates programs for diverse audiences of various sizes, backgrounds, ages and abilities.
• Maintains understanding of animal collection, conservation projects and sustainability initiatives; communicates conservation messaging.
• Uses varied teaching styles (co-teaching, independent teaching, project-based learning, inquiry-based learning).
• Ensures safety, integrity, and professionalism in all contexts; makes independent decisions when needed.
• Supports inclusive teaching strategies and inquiry-driven learning to reach all audiences.
• Assists with program evaluation and curriculum development; curates resources to support goals.
• Integrates technology to enhance participation and accessibility.
• Keeps organized inventory of supplies and maintains spaces used for programs.
• Helps advance Zoo & Aquarium mission, strategic plan and core values.

Skills

Presentation skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Computer skills

MS Office

AV equipment

Education

High School diploma or GED

Education/biological sciences coursework

Tools

Microsoft Office

Audio-visual equipment

Job description

SCHOOL & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EDUCATOR (FULL TIME)

DEPARTMENT

Conservation/Education

CLASSIFICATION

Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO

School & Community Engagement Supervisor

DIRECT REPORTS

N/A

STARTING PAY $19.00/Hour

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Under general direction, the School & Community Engagement Educator delivers a variety of education programs that engage and empower diverse audiences to become advocates for wildlife and nature. This position is primarily involved in facilitating on and offsite programming for schools and community organizations, as well as developing curriculum, and assisting with program materials maintenance.

POSITION DUTIES & ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Duties

Percentage

Teaching and Facilitation

• Delivers on-site and off-site educational programming including but not limited to Zoomobiles, homeschool programming, classroom experiences, and community programs or events.
• Facilitates and scaffolds programs for diverse audiences of various sizes, backgrounds, ages, and abilities.
• Maintains a general understanding of the animal collection, conservation projects and sustainability initiatives and effectively communicates appropriate conservation messaging to audiences.
• Embraces a variety of teaching and learning styles as appropriate for each program, such as co-teaching, independent teaching, project-based learning, and inquiry-based learning.
• Thinks flexibly when appropriate to address challenges. Consistently makes decisions without direct oversight that champion safety, integrity, and professionalism in all contexts.
• Supports inclusive teaching strategies, continuously modifies presentation style, and incorporates inquiry-driven learning models to provide a successful learning experience for all audiences.

70%

Curriculum and Activity Development

• Assists with program evaluation and modification, assists in developing new and improving existing program curriculum.
• Curates supplemental resources such as books, biofacts, videos, and images to support program learning goals.
• Collaborates on the development of ZooED curriculum and materials and provides program support as necessary.
• Thoughtfully integrates technology into programming to enhance audience experience and provide avenues for inclusive and accessible participation

20%

Materials and Resource Management

• Maintains an organized inventory of supplies, equipment, and tools required for implementing assigned programs.
• Contributes to the upkeep of spaces and resources needed for program execution.

5%

Assists with facilitating and implanting the mission, strategic plan, and core values of the Zoo and Aquarium.

5%

*This position may at times be requested to perform other duties or special projects as assigned, which are in the best interest of the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium.

*All employees must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily and, upon request, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• EDUCATION & FORMAL TRAINING:
  • High School diploma or GED, required.
  • Course work in education, biological sciences or related field, desired.
• EXPERIENCE:
  • 1-year formal or informal education or teaching experience desired.
  • Previous zoo, aquarium, or museum related experience desired.
  • Knowledge of classroom management techniques and/or skills using teaching aids.
  • Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office and audio-visual equipment desired
  • Strong presentation, verbal, and written communication skills.
• OTHER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must have valid driver’s license.
  • Can move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without assistance. Assistance depending upon task.
  • Must be willing to become CPR/First-Aid certified.
  • Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays and overnight/evening hours, in all weather extremes.
  • Must pass a background and drug screening.