School & Community Engagement Educator (Full Time)

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

Job summary

The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium seeks a School & Community Engagement Educator (full-time) to deliver on-site and off-site educational programs for schools and community groups. You will develop curriculum, curate resources, and support inclusive teaching through varied methods and technology.

Ideal candidates have a high school diploma or GED (education or biology coursework preferred), plus 1 year teaching experience and strong presentation and communication skills.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Course work in education or biological sciences desirable.
• 1 year teaching experience desired.
• Knowledge of classroom management techniques.
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office desired.
• Strong presentation and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Deliver on-site and off-site educational programming (e.g., Zoomobiles, homeschool programming, classroom experiences, community events).
• Facilitate programs for diverse audiences of various sizes and backgrounds.
• Develop and modify curriculum and supporting materials; curate resources.
• Integrate technology to enhance accessibility and participation.
• Assist with program evaluation and alignment to Zoo goals.
• Support mission and strategic plan through teaching and program delivery.

Skills

Presentation skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Classroom management

Public speaking

Education

High School diploma or GED

Course work in education or biological sciences

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:

Teaching and Facilitation (70%)

• 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.

Curriculum and Activity Development (20%)

• 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

Materials and Resource Management (5%)

• 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.

Other Duties (5%)

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

*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:

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