Visitor Education Specialist Full-Time

The Position

The Visitor Education Specialist designs and delivers engaging, inspiring, high-quality educational programs for the Lindsay Wildlife Experience (LWE). The emphasis of this role is leading LWE exhibit hall programs from Wednesday to Sunday, and staffing the front desk. The Visitor Education Specialist delivers or occasionally assists with outdoor programming, such as seasonal hikes and after-school workshops, as needed. This full-time position works 40 hours a week, Wednesday through Sunday.

Primary Responsibilities

• Deliver exhibit hall educational programs that are engaging, informative, safe, and of the highest quality.
• Provide exemplary customer service to program participants, museum staff, and volunteers.
• Operate the POS system as the main cashier for the front desk.
• Accept admission fees, sell merchandise from the museum store, complete paperwork, input/retrieve data into the POS system, and follow proper credit card and cash handling policies and procedures.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES:

• Communicate effectively and work closely with the Curator of Education and the entire Education Department to create and deliver programs according to the annual calendar: three programming periods per year, plus themed events that require specific programs.
• Attend trainings and meetings as required.
• Maintain department supplies and materials; provide material requests as needed.
• Encourage cognitive, emotional, and social development.
• Encourage outdoor and hands-on learning experiences.
• Answer multi-line phone system, direct calls to appropriate staff and/or volunteers.
• Assists with educational on-site programs and events (Field Trips/Wild @ Night). These utilize natural history specimens and live animal ambassadors.
• Assists with educational off-site outreach programs and events (Lindsay in the Classroom/Lindsay in the Community). These utilize natural history specimens and live animal ambassadors.
• Willing and able to support Education Department efforts not specific to this position should the need arise and when appropriate, such as exhibit floor programming, content development, volunteer engagement, classes, and workshops. This is essential to the Education Department’s culture of support and teamwork.
• Other duties as assigned. The Curator of Education reserves the right to modify the duties and responsibilities of the Visitor Education Specialist as necessary.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in animal science, biology, conservation biology, ecology, environmental education, or related field.
• Excellent public speaking and Visitor Education skills for audiences that vary in size, age, and knowledge.
• Previous education experience in the fields of wildlife biology, environmental science, or related subjects.
• Experience in the handling, care, and training of a wide variety of animals including, but not limited to, raptors, small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles.
• Experience with students with learning differences and ADHD is a plus.
• Willingness to represent the LWE at off-site outreach programs and similar special events.
• Creative thinking and research skills to develop inspirational programs that connect people to wildlife.
• Ability to display good judgment, problem solve, and exercise tact and diplomacy at all times; courteous and respectful interactions with supervisors, co-workers, and guests.
• Organized and capable of timely completion of projects with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Flexibility with regards to schedule.
• Computer skills: MS Office Suite of programs and Google for Work Apps.
• Must have a valid California driver’s license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Medium strength demands include exerting 20-50 pounds occasionally, 10- 25 pounds frequently, or up to 10 pounds constantly. Requires handling, using vision and hearing, and talking.
• Frequently requires standing, fine dexterity, walking, lifting, sitting, reaching, pushing/pulling, balancing, and twisting. Occasionally requires carrying, kneeling, foot controls, bending, and crouching. Rarely requires climbing.

NON-PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Frequently requires time pressures, frequent change of tasks, irregular schedule/overtime, performing multiple tasks simultaneously, working closely with others as part of a team, tedious or exacting work, and noisy/distracting environment. Rarely requires emergency situations.

OVERALL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards.
• Primarily office environment, as well as public exhibit hall programming, and infrequent outdoor event and/or outreach sites.

Hours, Benefits & Compensation

Non-exempt (hourly), full-time. Working 40 hours each week, Wednesday-Sunday.

$19-$21 an hour

EEO Policy Statement-

It is the policy of Lindsay Wildlife Experience to afford equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, citizen status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, reproductive health decisions, or any other characteristic or status that is protected by federal, state or local law.

Apply

To apply for this position, please send your cover letter, resume, and two references to jobs@lindsaywildlife.org in one file. In the title of your email, write “Visitor Education Specialist.” PLEASE FOLLOW THESE DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY.

Position Availability

Open until filled.