LTE Education Coordinator - Zoo Outreach

The Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin, is recruiting for a Limited Term Employee (LTE) Education Coordinator - Zoo Outreach position. The typical workweek is Tuesday through Saturday, approximately 20 hours per week in the fall/winter and 30 to 35 hours per week in the spring/summer. Some evening work may be required.

Limited Term Employees (LTEs) are limited to 1,200 hours in a payroll year and are not guaranteed any hours per week.

Note to applicants – for the 2026 budget year, there is a 1% reduction in wages (which is already reflected above).

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND INCLUSION

As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customers’ needs through quality service is a shared goal. All employees must be able to demonstrate multicultural competence - the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

DEFINITION

This position assists in managing the Education Outreach program at the Henry Vilas Zoo, including onsite and offsite Ambassador Animal presentations, and connecting with the community. The Education Outreach Coordinator works under the direction of the Education Manager, and works with Education Department oversight from the Conservation Education Curator.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Duties include but are not limited to: Public outreach and event organization; Identify, build, and maintain strategic partnerships to meet departmental outreach goals; Oversee Wild Encounter Outreach Programs, including Zoo to You, Critter Connections, and Virtual Critter Connections; Monitor the Education email for outreach and Wild Encounters communication and act as the primary point of contact; Develop, revise, and evaluate curriculum for Wild Encounter programs; Handle and present Ambassador Animals in accordance with Henry Vilas Zoo and Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) protocols; Assist in training, support, and evaluation of volunteers and LTE staff on Ambassador Animal handling and presenting; Organize and maintain site spaces and materials; Comply and assist with staff and visitor safety protocols; build the capacity of the existing and emerging education programs; Assist in content development and revision for social media, website, and other communications media and materials; Perform other duties as assigned.

Education, Training And Experience

Education and/or experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in environmental outdoor or classroom education. Current knowledge of educational or interpretive teaching and evaluation techniques for zoos, nature centers, museums, or other informal learning centers. Experience engaging diverse communities.

Special Requirements

Must have a valid driver’s license, access to reliable personal transportation, or equivalent. Must be available for work on nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies.

Background Check Statement: Some positions may require a criminal background check which can include fingerprinting due to the nature of the job's responsibilities. Wisconsin's Fair Employment Law, s. 111.31 – 111.395, Wis. Stats., prohibits discrimination because of an arrest or conviction record. However, Dane County may disqualify an applicant if the position's responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant's criminal history (e.g. the nature of the crime and its relationship to the position, whether hiring, transferring or promoting an applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees, customers and vendors, etc.) Management reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

For Bilingual Positions

• Provide services in both English and the required foreign language (e.g., Spanish, Arabic, Hmong, etc.).
• Applicants being considered for bilingual positions will be tested during the recruitment process prior to employment. This will primarily consist of passing an oral language proficiency assessment from English to foreign language and foreign language to English, but may require additional language testing, such as written translation, if it is an essential function of the job.
• If applicable, individuals may confirm with the Employee Relations Division whether results of bilingual language certifications/examinations they currently hold qualify them for the position’s bilingual designation.
  
  

Physical And Environmental Work Requirements

This position works both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions, and requires walking, sitting, and standing for long periods of time. Must have the ability to see and hear within normal ranges with or without adaptive devices; ability to sit, stand, stoop, bend, use finger, wrist and hand motion, ability to speak and be heard.

Ability to plan, develop, and evaluate outdoor and environmental education programs to align with current standards. Demonstrated ability to work well in collaborative relationships across organizations and teams; Ability to work in a public setting and project a positive image.; Ability and experience working with diverse audiences historically excluded in environmental education or conservation organizations; Strong teaching, interpretation and presentation skills as well as the ability to interact and communicate with a variety of audiences in a professional and engaging manner; Ability to effectively create, implement and run educational programs for persons of all ages and ability levels; Strong teambuilding and facilitation skills; Seasonal staff and volunteer scheduling, recruitment, training and evaluation; Experience with positive reinforcement training or willingness to be trained to work with potential Ambassador Animals including snakes and other reptiles, mammals, birds, amphibians and invertebrates; Organization, time management a dynamic, fast paced environment; Effective communication (written and oral) with co-workers, volunteers, and the general public.