YOUTH PROGRAMS
SPECIALIST
This is your
opportunity to join a dynamic Education team at Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle. Applications
are now being accepted for Youth Programs Specialist in the School &
Community Engagement department. There is one part-time, temporary,
non-benefited position to be filled at this time. The pay rate is $13.50 per
hour.
SUMMARY
Develop and present programs for middle and high
school aged youth from diverse backgrounds that build ecological and science
literacy. Engage youth in leadership, career development and conservation
projects and actions on and off zoo grounds to build pathways to conservation
action.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND
RESPONSIBILITIES include
the following:
·
Develop
and lead safe and educational programs, curriculum, and experiences for
audiences of all ages involving project-based learning and inquiry-based
activities and research projects in a variety of field conditions both on and
off zoo grounds (including student service projects)
·
Mentor
middle and high school youth including those in Zoo Crew and Zoo Corps programs
and facilitate productive relationships between youth volunteers/interns and
other zoo staff
·
Provide
informal interpretation to youth, their families and the public on topics such
as science, natural history/ecology,
local and international conservation issues, and zoo exhibits and projects
·
Engage
in partnership discussions and community building with diverse populations and
community partners
·
Implement
opportunities for youth, their families, and the community to engage with the
zoo.
·
Handle
and present animals from a variety of taxa including arthropods and
reptiles. Train youth in presentation
animal handling and presentation techniques
·
Present
youth classes/camps and/or other programs throughout the zoo as needed
·
Serve
on intra-department program development teams
·
Present
youth classes/camps and/or other programs throughout the zoo as needed.
·
Develop,
acquire and maintain program props and supplies
- Assist with presentation of staff, volunteer and youth training programs as necessary
·
Perform
other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
To
perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each
essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative
of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may
be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
functions.
- Experience working with youth and
diverse audiences.
- Ability to lead and be a positive role model and mentor for youth and volunteers.
- Ability to develop and present
creative, mission-driven programming to a wide variety of audiences and to
mentor presenters, interns and volunteers
- Ability to work effectively as a
team member, and independently with little supervision
- Possess strong technology skills
and science, ecology and conservation background.
- Flexibility in dealing with
program delivery and changes in deadlines and operation protocol
- Ability to work a non-standard/flexible
schedule that includes one weekend day per week and may include some
evenings and holidays
- Ability to handle education
program animals and to become a WPZ certified animal presenter
- Ability to drive a car and an
electric cart
- Commitment to the mission of the
zoo and the institutions’ Core Values
A
minimum of 4 years combined education and experience in engagement of diverse
audiences; science and/or environmental education; experience in presenting
thematically-based interpretive programs and/or classes to audiences of all
ages, and with STEM curriculum development and program
implementation/evaluation. Experience with a zoo, aquarium, museum, park or
other informal education facility preferred.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
SKILLS
Must
be enthusiastic and customer service oriented and able to deal with clients in
a courteous and professional manner.
Enjoy working with the public including diverse populations and people
of all ages.
COMPUTER SKILLS
Proficient
and experienced with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel,
PowerPoint and Outlook. Must be able to
work with customized databases and technology, and conduct Internet research.
CERTIFICATES
AND LICENSES
Valid
Washington State Driver License, CPR/First Aid Certification
PHYSICAL
DEMANDS
The
physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by
an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities
to perform the essential functions.
The employee
must frequently lift and/or move up to 35 pounds and occasionally lift and/or
move up to 50 pounds while handling, lifting, and storing program supplies,
kits, and bulk food supplies. Specific vision abilities required by this job
include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and
ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee
is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.
The employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is occasionally
required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance and stoop,
kneel, crouch, or crawl while setting up displays, transporting class props and
materials.
WORK
ENVIRONMENT
The
work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an
employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities
to perform the essential functions.
While
performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outdoor
weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
to loud.
APPLICATION
DIRECTIONS
Applications
are only accepted online through our Jobs page at www.zoo.org;
no other forms of application will be accepted. Cover letter and resume are REQUIRED when applying for this
position. NO PHONE
CALLS PLEASE.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: March
11, 2012
Woodland Park Zoo is an equal
opportunity/affirmative action employer, dedicated to a policy of
non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, color, age, sex,
religion, national origin, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, or
gender identity/expression.
