Educator - Zoo Camp; Seasonal

Overview

Are you passionate about connecting people of all ages to the wonders of wildlife and conservation? The Santa Barbara Zoo is seeking enthusiastic Educators to bring our mission to life through engaging Zoo Camp experiences. Join our team to inspire curiosity and foster a love for nature in a hands-on, fun, and creative environment!

Note: This position is fully outdoors and requires extensive walking through Zoo grounds (hills and inclines) in all weather conditions

Position Status: Part-Time, Seasonal, Hourly, Non-Exempt

Requirements: Applicant must be minimum 18 years of age. At this time, the Zoo does not sponsor employment or internship visas.

Compensation: $18.40/hour

Schedule: Seasonal position, Up to 16-40 hours/work week during school breaks, vary during school year.

Spring Camp: March 30 - April 3

Summer Camp: June 15 – August 14 (Must commit to min 7 of the 10 weeks of Summer Camp)

Fall Camp: Nov 23-25 & 27

Winter Camp: Dec 21 - Dec 31 (No camp on Christmas Day 12/25 or New Year s Day 1/1)

Summary: Under general direction of the Education Manager and Education Team, Zoo Camp Educator promotes the Zoo and its mission through implementing tour Zoo Camps.

Essential Duties include the following:

• Zoo Camp: Supervises groups of up to 15 children while delivering camp curriculum in an engaging, age-appropriate manner, working with a particular age group within the 3-13 age range.
• Leads environmental and animal science activities, such as hands-on learning activities, games, crafts, stories, and songs.
• Supervises and ensures the safety and well-being of assigned group.

Secondary Duties:

• Other duties as assigned to maintain efficient and quality zoo operations.
• Greets every guest with a smile.
• Thanks guests for supporting and visiting the Zoo.
• Answers phone calls, voice mails, and e-mails promptly.
• Ensure the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash, and reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions.
• Associates with guests to assist and share information.
• Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo’s uniform dress code.
• Takes responsibility to stay informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending meetings.
• Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement and the Employee Pledge.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience:

• Minimum 2 years of college coursework in life sciences, zoology, education or environmental sciences or equivalent experience preferred.
• Minimum of 6 months experience in informal presentations.

License, Certification, or

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prefer experience in an environmental education setting
• Successful completion of a Department of Justice background check.
• First Aid and CPR certification required
• TB tests and Tetanus vaccinations as necessary
• Authorized to work in the United States

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Basic knowledge of biology and zoology preferred.
• Ability to organize, plan, collaborate and implement educational presentations.
• Skilled in improvisation.
• Energetic and engaging personality.
• Ability to present educational programs to diverse audiences and large groups of people.
• Ability to envision and implement innovative solutions and ideas.
• Ability to contribute to the creative process.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of computer software including word processing and database programs.
• Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and our guests.
• Ability to exercise safe work habits.
• Awareness of, sensitivity to, and empathy with animals.

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds occasionally and 10 or fewer pounds frequently.
• Ability to…