EDUCATION SPECIALIST II

The Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden (MPZBG) is seeking an energetic, experienced professional to be part of the Zoo team. Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden is the number one family tourist attraction in Evansville and is a significant cultural institution for our community. MPZBG provides enjoyable educational experiences to help others understand, appreciate and care for our natural world, and to promote conservation and sustainability in the region. MPZBG has an immediate opening for an Education Specialist.

Position: Education Specialist II – Guest Engagement
Organization: Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden, City of Evansville
Classification: Part-time, Non-Exempt
Schedule: Flexible hours, up to 29 hours/week
Reports to: Conservation Education Curator

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Education Specialist II will coordinate and implement experiential education programs for Zoo guests and patrons to facilitate an enjoyable, educational, and safe experience. The Specialist will conduct programs in both traditional and nontraditional settings, both indoors and outdoors, and will interact with audiences of all ages. The Specialist will assist with development and implementation of new experiential education initiatives, and with coordination of the ambassador animal and docent programs. The chosen applicant will gain hands-on experience and professional growth in environmental education and interpretation, program development, project management, animal handling, volunteer coordination, customer service, and facilities operations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Program Coordination -

1. Coordinates & conducts educational programs and interactive experiences to engage zoo guests and patrons, including…
a. Family oriented activities to enhance visitor experience
b. Zoo event audience engagement
c. Community outreach events & meetings
d. Birthday party audience engagement, per request
e. Rental party audience engagement, per request
2. Researches, develops curriculum, prepares materials, and conducts exciting and innovative family & public programs and experiences, including…
a. Formal, scheduled programs
b. Informal, interpretive “meet and greet” stations
c. Informal, roaming interpretation

d. Docent-led activities
3. Coordinates with the Education Program Coordinator to request, assign, and confirm adequate staff, volunteers, and ambassador animals for programming.
4. Seeks to expand community partnerships and engage with family-focused organizations and events.
5. Assists with general Education Department tasks as needed.

Volunteer Coordination -

6. Assists in scheduling and preparing volunteers to deliver programming.
7. Assists with training, monitoring, and certifying volunteers.
8. Other duties as assigned.

POSITION CRITERIA:

Education/Experience/Knowledge/Skills -

• Must be 18 years of age and have a valid driver license.
• A minimum of two years college coursework in education, or an environmental or biological science is required. An understanding of natural resources and environmental concerns is essential.
• Must be able to communicate effectively and professionally with staff, volunteers, and the public.
• Ability to observe, communicate and connect with people to allow adaptation of education techniques to suit the audience, particularly those with young children.
• Knowledge, resourcefulness, and creativity to research and prepare appropriate educational curriculum and materials.
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively as part of a team.
• Flexibility to serve as needed based on educational and operational demands.
• Demonstrates self-motivation, ambition, and enthusiasm in work ethic.
• Demonstrates integrity, dependability, and professionalism in personal conduct.
• Ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, and Publisher.
• Ability to use office equipment including computer, fax, phone and two-way radio.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment -

• Must be willing to work up to 29 hours per week, especially during peak visitor seasons.
• Must be flexible and available to work some evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Involves activity indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Must be able to stand, walk on uneven terrain, and remain on feet for extended periods of time.
• Able to move moderate to heavy items (up to 50 pounds).

Position : 3111971

Code : 1171-1

Type : INTERNAL & EXTERNAL

Location : MESKER PARK ZOO

Posting Start : 04/23/2025

Posting End : 12/31/9999