Summary: The Zoo Educator is responsible for the delivery of instruction, guest engagement, excellent communication, overall experience, safety, and security of program participants in a variety of Education Department programming. Educators may deliver programming in seasonal Zoo Camps, school programs, seasonal/event programming, overnight programs, and informal encounters both on Zoo grounds and off. This position works cooperatively with Education Specialists, Interpretive Specialists, other Zoo team members, volunteers, and interns throughout the camp season.
Essential Functions
Responsible for content and delivery of Education Department programming such as classes, tours, outreach, overnights, evening programs, and seasonal camps.
Provides an entertaining, safe, engaging environment for Program participants.
Responsible for organization and presentation of classroom teaching spaces and materials.
Development of themed educational programs to Program participants.
Communicates regularly and effectively with guests, volunteers, and Zoo staff.
Track participant numbers and other impact data, including evaluation of programming.
Work effectively as part of the Zoo Education Team, with staff, volunteers, and interns.
Communicate with others immediately when responding to an incident or an emergency.
Contributing professionally to a collaborative, innovative, and energetic work environment.
Competencies
Guest focus
Communication proficiency
Teamwork orientation
Stress management/composure
Problem solving skills
Required Education And Experience
Current enrollment in certification or degreed program in Education, Biology, Environmental or Natural Sciences, Theatre, Recreation, or related field.
2 years of relevant experience or any equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to do the job.
Preferred Education and Experience: Previous experience developing environmental education programming and working in professional child care, educational, entertainment or hospitality organization.
Expected Hours of Work: Hours will vary and do not exceed 30 hours a week. Requires flexibility in work schedule to fulfill needs of all Education Department programming. May include instruction of seasonal camp programming, overnight or evening programs and events.
Supervisory Responsibility: This position has no direct reports.
Reporting Structure: This position reports to the Education Manager.
Work Environment: This role will interact with large groups of children and adults in a classroom environment and on zoo grounds near animal ambassadors. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be exposed to outside weather conditions, wet/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles and vibration. The noise level in the work environment ranges from quiet to moderately loud.
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.
Ability to sit and stand for long periods of time as well as be able to bend and kneel.
Must be able to communicate over telephone and radio.
Ability to lift or move 40 pounds unassisted.
Ability to walk zoo grounds and operate a motorized cart.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Additional Requirements
Valid Driver’s License
Proof of Current Auto Insurance
Must have a clean driving record
Must pass a Drug Screening
Must pass a Background Screening
Must be 21 years or older
Please note that this job description is not exhaustive and additional duties may be assigned, or existing duties may be modified, at any time to meet the needs of the organization.
Memphis Zoo is a drug free workplace
Seniority level
Entry level
Employment type
Part-time
Job function
Education and Training
Industries
Entertainment Providers
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