Youth Programs Supervisor - Woodland Park Zoo (Seattle)

YOUTH PROGRAMS SUPERVISOR

This is your opportunity to join a dynamic Education team at Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle. Applications are now being accepted for Youth Programs Supervisor in the School & Community Engagement department. There is one full-time, regular, benefited position to be filled at this time. Compensation is based on experience.

                                                                                                
SUMMARY

Provide vision and leadership for year-round engagement of middle and high school-aged youth from diverse backgrounds. Oversee development of programs that build ecological/science literacy and engage youth in leadership, career development and conservation projects in order to build pathways to conservation action.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

• Oversee development and implementation of educational and service programs for middle and high school youth that foster leadership, conservation self-efficacy and interest in science careers.
• Supervise Youth Program staff, interns and volunteers and oversee daily operations and implementation of youth programs.
• Oversee the development of curriculum and resources with an emphasis on scientific inquiry and STEM, learning to meet program and youth development objectives and outcomes.
• Develop and implement training opportunities for staff, interns and volunteers to meet youth development outcomes and zoo programmatic needs.
• Work with Education Research Team to assess impact of Youth Programs experiences.
• Develop Youth Program staff work plans, provide annual staff evaluations, and provide employee coaching to resolve most problems.
• Collaborate with Zoo Experiences, Early Childhood, and Child and Family Programs teams and other zoo departments to train and provide volunteers and interns to support program outcomes.
• Serve on the leadership team of the department, providing vision and leadership across program areas and to other departments and staff in the institution; help ensure smooth and effective education operations.
• Support Education managers and vice president in fundraising initiatives.
• Identify and analyze staffing, budget and equipment needs, and maintain financial and personnel records for Youth Programs.
• Respond to inquiries and concerns from the public, staff or parents of youth participants regarding programming, policies or youth issues.
• Develop and maintain internal partnerships and collaborative relationships with Youth Program staff in the community and in other AZA institutions.
• Research, develop and write a variety of zoo publications and other media.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervise Youth Programs staff, including Youth Programs Coordinators and Specialists, seasonal assistants, and Zoo Corps interns.

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 effectively with, and developing programs for, diverse youth and community audiences.
• Ability to develop and manage budgets and assist in grant writing/fundraising activities.
• Ability to play a leadership role in the department, representing cross-departmental goals and overarching zoo mission.
• Ability to carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
• Ability to interview, hire, and train employees; plan, assign, and direct work; appraise staff performance; reward and discipline employees; address complaints and resolve problems. 
• Ability to work flexible hours, including one weekend day per week and some evening work. 
• Ability to work independently.
• Commitment to the mission of the zoo and the institution’s Core Values.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

A minimum of 8 years combined education and experience in natural science or environmental education with comprehensive curriculum and program development, evaluation and delivery. Minimum two years leading and coordinating a team of 2+ staff and its projects.

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, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Valid Washington State Driver License required

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. 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 talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

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 occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

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:  Open until filled – apply now!

 
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.