Job Title: CPZ Youth Engagement Assistant Coordinator
Location: Central Park Zoo

Department: EDUCATION
Reports to: Coordinator Volunteers

Type: Temporary/Seasonal
Rate: $ 23

Schedule: Spring (March-mid-June): 24-32 hrs/week Saturday, Sunday, and 1-2 weekdays Memorial Day (position will start at 3 days per week and increase to 4); Summer (Mid-June-Labor Day): 5 days/week Wednesday-Sunday July 4 and Labor Day. Possibility that the position will continue into the Fall.

POSITION SUMMARY
You will work part-time for the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) as a valued team member of the Education Division. You will engage with and oversee youth ages 14-24, serving in volunteer, intern, and part-time positions. You will develop these youth by helping them to learn and acquire job skills, to explore career opportunities, and to share the mission of the Wildlife Conservation Society with thousands of zoo/aquarium visitors. You will build a more diverse, inclusive community of youth who value wildlife and wild places, are scientifically literate, and are mobilized for conservation change. You will gain valuable management experience in the field of informal science education and interpretation.

WHO WE ARE
WCS saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature. To achieve this, we harness the power of our Global Conservation Program in nearly 60 nations, in all the world’s oceans, and our five wildlife parks in New York City - Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and New York Aquarium - visited by 4 million people annually. We combine our expertise in the field, zoos, and aquarium to achieve our conservation mission.

WCS Education is a pioneer in zoo-based learning, inspiring over 1.5 million people each year across New York City. Since 1929, we have been at the forefront of science education, fostering the next generation of conservation advocates by creating meaningful connections to wildlife and nature. We provide innovative, high-quality learning experiences that empower individuals to care for and protect the natural world.

YOUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

You will work collaboratively with the Youth Development and Live Interpretation teams to:

• Work on-site at the Central Park Zoo. This position is fully in person.

• Recruit, select, and train more than 100 youth volunteers, interns, and part-time employees.

• Support in the design, creation, development, and execution of an interactive and engaging educational experience for youth interns & volunteers as well as for in-park visitors.

• Play a key role in the day-to-day oversight and support of youth internship & volunteer programs including leading meetings, providing supervision, and giving feedback.

• Create and maintain weekly schedules and track requirements such as training status, attendance, and performance

• Serve as a mentor and respected advisor to youth and create a warm, welcoming, and fun environment.

• Form a community of practice with fellow Youth Engagement Assistant Coordinators, Youth Development, and Live interpretation teams to share best practices and network across all 5 parks (supporting more than 500 youth).

• Support the Education Department and Adult Volunteer program as needed

#LI-DNI

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• You should possess or be in pursuit of a college degree, preferably a Bachelor’s, in a relevant field of study, such as, Education, Youth Development, Animal Science, Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, etc.
• You are able to relate to the experience of a young person living in NYC and can offer insights from your own personal experiences.
• You should have some experience working with, coaching, or mentoring youth, ages 14-24
• You are reliable, flexible, and accountable for your actions
• You have good organizational skills, and have a working knowledge of useful office tools such as excel, google docs, word processors, etc.
• You are a self-starter, and have a high level of self-motivation, with excellent time management, and documentation skills
• You enjoy engaging with others, and are able to work as a part of a team, as well as independently
• You are outgoing, and are willing to interpret science concepts in both a classroom setting, as well as with the public at zoo exhibits
• You have great verbal and written communication skills. Bilingual in English and Spanish a plus