Position Overview

This is a full-time staff position, responsible for the development, implementation, coordination, marketing and evaluation of all educational programs. Some of the programs involved are: After School programs, Ambassador Program, Various Camps, Home school programs, etc. Other responsibilities are guest/public outreach programs as well as professional networking and participation in national zoological education associations; public relations, and public speaking.

Key Responsibilities

• Works closely with the Executive Director and senior staff to develop long term strategic goals for the education department.
• Develops and implements department policies and procedures which provide for the safety of staff, volunteers, the public and animal collection.
• Assures compliance with ethical standards of the profession as adopted by the America Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA).
• Maintains highest level of husbandry for department’s animal collection through proper scheduling, training and development of staff.
• Seeks to continuously develop educational value of collection.
• Recommends to Curator acquisition of animals to complement education’s collection.
• Works closely with other senior staff to develop educational programs and coordinate activities, which meet the goals of the entire Safari Game Search Foundation.
• Cultivates and solidifies relationships with other education institutions to develop mutually beneficial programs and serve community’s zoological and conservation education needs.
• Conducts outreach to local educational institutions to promote Wildlife Safari’s mission.
• Creates, markets and coordinates programs with local educational institutions and home school organizations.
• Creates modules, lessons, activities and programs to promote Safari’s education mission in a variety of settings e.g. camps, after school programs, etc.
• Makes learning fun and builds enthusiasm for Wildlife Safari education programs.
• Conducts outreach with education animal collection as requested by community.
• Works with guest services and other staff to promote, advertise and market education programs.
• Coordinates park’s Ambassador program.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Educational Requirements and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a field complementary to Wildlife Safari’s mission; Zoology, Wildlife Biology, Conservation Education, Environmental Education, or related field.
• Preferred experience in work relevant to animal husbandry and knowledge of captive animal management as well as experience as a formal or an informal educator or interpreter
• Operant conditioning experience preferred
• Experience working with children of a variety of ages a must, from pre-school to high school
• Proven ability to develop and deliver effective educational programs
• Must be able to perform keeper duties of the department to the highest standard of quality and efficiency, with strong team work and customer service skills
• Able to speak to the public both individually and in a presentation setting
• Demonstrated strong leadership, good communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work as a part of a team or independently

Physical Demands/Additional Requirements

• Ability to work 40 hours a week with overnights, as necessary
• Able to bend, stoop, crawl and walk on uneven surfaces
• Required to work outdoors and indoors in extreme weather conditions; ability to lift up to 50 (fifty) pounds
• Negative TB test
• Must be able to pass a drug test
• Demonstrated strong leadership, good communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience with Microsoft Excel, Publisher and Power Point
• Must maintain a valid Oregon driver’s license with three- to five-year clean driving record

Benefits

• Health, dental, AFLAC benefits
• 401k with match
• Paid time off
• Phone reimbursement