Preschool Teacher

Do you love working with young children and sharing the wonders of nature? The Santa Barbara Zoo is hiring a Preschool Teacher to deliver engaging, age‑appropriate lessons as part of the Early Explorers Preschool program. Join us in fostering curiosity and promoting conservation while ensuring the safety and well‑being of our youngest learners!

Under the general direction of the Preschool Director, a Preschool Teacher promotes the Zoo and its mission through implementing the Early Explorers Preschool program. This position supervises groups of children while delivering preschool curriculum in an engaging, age‑appropriate manner and ensuring the safety and well‑being of their groups.

• Coordinate with the Early Explorer Director to ensure effective execution of program curriculum and age‑appropriate delivery for children 3‑5 years old.
• Lead and assist in delivering experiential learning activities, including:
  • Nature‑based science activities
  • Songs, stories, and movement exercises
  • Hands‑on crafts and sensory play
  • Kindergarten readiness activities
  • Outdoor exploration, guided walks, and zoo tours
• Explain animal and environmental science concepts in an accessible, engaging way.
• Improvise pre‑approved activities when necessary.
• Supervise students and lead activities during extended day care as required.
• Inventory and maintain curriculum equipment and supplies.
• Respond to health, welfare, and safety issues of students.
• Sign students in and out according to established security procedures and respond professionally to parents or guardians.
• Interact professionally with parents/guardians, zoo visitors, volunteers, and other zoo staff.
• Maintain cleanliness of common spaces as required by Title 22 regulations.
• Work collaboratively with the Education team to continually improve the Early Explorers Preschool experience.
• Adhere to the Zoo’s policies and procedures, Title 22 laws, preschool licensing, and sustainable practices.
• Respond to emergencies quickly and follow emergency protocols.
• Remain calm and create an atmosphere of calm and control during emergency situations.

• Other duties as assigned to maintain efficient and quality zoo operations.

• Greets every guest with a smile.
• Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo.
• Answers phone calls, voicemails, and e‑mails promptly.
• Ensures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash, and reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions.
• Associates with guests to assist and share information.
• Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures.
• Maintains a clean, neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo’s uniform dress code.
• Takes responsibility for staying informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending meetings.
• Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement, the Zoo’s Core Values, and the Employee Pledge.
• Applies and exemplifies “green” (sustainable) practices whenever possible.
• Other miscellaneous duties as required.

• Minimum 18 years of age.
• Experience working with children.
• 12 ECE units required, including:
  • Child/Human Growth and Development
  • Child, Family and Community
  • Program/Curriculum
• Please include a copy of your unofficial transcripts.
• Requires an official transcript upon hiring.

• Successful completion of a DOJ, FBI, and CACI background check prior to training start date.
• First Aid and CPR certification (may be available through employer).
• Completion of Mandated Reporting for Suspected Abuse training.
• Proof of Measles and Pertussis vaccinations, TB clearance, and flu vaccine or declination statement.
• Experience in informal education, outdoor education, or early childhood environmental education preferred.
• Experience with special needs children is a plus.

• Basic knowledge of Early Childhood Education principles.
• Organize and implement daily activities.
• Lead activities in an age‑appropriate manner.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong problem‑solving skills…