Zoo Educator

GENERAL PURPOSE
This position is responsible for facilitating and assessing on-site and off-site educational programs for various audiences including school-aged students, young children, families, and adults. This job supports the mission and vision of the Fresno’s Chaffee Zoo Corporation (FCZC) by providing educational programs that inspire a connection to the natural world using the Zoo’s resources and exhibits.

We are pleased to offer this part time position an Employee Assistance Program, 401K, Paid CA Sick Time earned on an accrued basis. The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $24.00 per hour. Offers will be based on the successful candidate’s experience.

ESSENTIAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Responsible for leading programs and activities to present age-appropriate information focused on wildlife, nature, and habitats.
• Present educational programming at offsite locations in classroom settings.
• Assists with the implementation of detailed themes, lesson plans, and activities for virtual, onsite and offsite programs.
• Provides guidance and support for Docents and Teen Volunteers during collaborative programming.
• Conducts all program in a professional, engaging manner.
• Utilizes surveys and informal interviews to assess the effectiveness of programs, and summer camp programs. Adapt content, materials, and other aspects of each program based on participant feedback.
• Provides feedback to the Program Coordinator about students' response to the programs and details of schools visited.
• Participates in animal handling programs and Zoomobile activities. Maintains annual certification for animal handling procedures.
• Assists with Behind-the-Scenes programs.
• Communicates logistics of programs and lab field trips with teachers, school sites, docents, and interdepartmentally.
• Proper care and handling of Biological Artifacts for program use.
• Maintains a safe and healthy environment for all campers.
• Act as peer mentor for seasonal Zoo Camp Instructors during the Summer Camp season.
• Work directly with animals to present animal-based programs in a classroom setting.
• Safely operate a vehicle for business purposes including but not limited to going to and from the zoo’s facilities and offsite.
Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support team and organizational goals.

EDUCATION AND JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Completion of 60 credit hours towards a degree in Education, Child Development, Biology, Ecology, or another related field highly preferred.
• Minimum of 6 months paid or unpaid relevant experience working with children is required (camp counselor, tutor, nanny, Zoo Educator/CI).
• California driver's license, valid vehicle insurance, enrolled in the CA Employer Pull Notice program and successful completion of the FCZ Drivers Training Program required.
• Strong verbal and written English communications skills required. Bilingual (Spanish or Hmong) communication skills a plus.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
These are physical and mental requirements of the position as it is typically performed. Inability to meet one or more of these physical or mental requirements will not automatically disqualify a candidate or employee from the position. Upon request for reasonable accommodation, the Zoo may be able to adjust or excuse one or more of these requirements, depending on the requirement, the essential functions to which it relates, and the proposed accommodation.

• Close visual acuity to perform activities such as reviewing lessons, analyzing charts, viewing a computer terminal, and extensive reading. Color perception is also required.
• Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication (in person and via telephone) at normal speaking levels with or without correction.
• Hand and finger dexterity is sufficient for typing and other administrative tasks.
• Must be able to lift, push, pull or carry up to 40 lbs.
• Must be able to walk 3 miles regularly and up to 8 miles occasionally per day.
• Must be able to bend, kneel, and stoop occasionally.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position functions both indoors and outdoors, with possible exposure to heat, cold, inclement weather, Zoo environments and external events.
• The employee may be exposed to environmental substances such as dust/dirt from Zoo grounds.
• The position works in close proximity to Zoo animals.
• This position works in close proximity with children and students of all ages at the Zoo and in classroom settings.
• Regular local travel and occasional out-of-town travel may be required.
• Ability to work overtime, evenings, weekdays, weekends, and holidays.