Basic Purpose and Responsibility
The Buffalo Zoo is seeking a full-time Education Program Specialist who will play a vital role in the Education Department. The Education Program Specialist designs, develops, administers, facilitates, and evaluates Zoo education curriculum, resources, and program strategies for a variety of audiences within the Zoo and the community to support the Zoo’s conservation and education missions. Additionally, the Education Program Specialist supports high-quality learning engagement, contributes to positive guest experiences and performs other duties as required. The ideal person for this position will have excellent communication and organizational skills, a positive and enthusiastic outlook, and strong curriculum development skills. This position reports to the Director of Conservation Education and Learning Engagement.
Here is a summary of two key programs this position will oversee:
- Life Science Career Lab strengthens self-efficacy in marginalized youth (ages 14-18) through connections to individuals in the field, job readiness skill-practice, and creation of a personalized career pathway.
- Buffalo Zoo Camps help hundreds of animal-loving youths (ages 4-12) find their community each year. Our learner-centered program provides opportunities for campers to meet animal ambassadors, explore the campus, and engage in hands-on activities to strengthen their relationship with wildlife and each other.
How to Apply
To apply, please send Resume and Cover Letter in Word document or PDF using subject line: Education Programs Specialist.
No telephone calls please. Position open until filled.
For more information about the Buffalo Zoo, please visit our website by using the following link: http://www.buffalozoo.org
Compensation and Benefits
This is a full-time, non-exempt hourly position. Salary range is $19.00-21.00 per hour (commensurate with experience).
Full-Time benefits available include health plan, HSA/HRA, FSA, life insurance, long term disability, dental, vision, 403B retirement plan, annual leave time, holiday time, and sick time. Benefits are available the month following the successful completion and passing of an introductory probation period review at 60 days of work (sick time available upon hire).
Essential Functions
- Primary accountability for specific functions and results. The list of essential functions is not exhaustive and may be supplemented or changed as necessary.
- Plans, organizes, implements, and evaluates educational content for Zoo programs for audiences of all ages in a variety of on and offsite settings. Examples of programs this position coordinates include: Camps (outlined above), Life Science Career Lab (outlined above), early childhood programs, and/or homeschool programs.
- Updates and evaluates all assigned programs and curricula at the minimum annually (some programs may require more frequent review), creating new programs and education initiatives when appropriate; ensures that Zoo programs and curriculum meet State of New York academic standards and national science benchmarks when applicable and align with the Zoo’s strategic and education plans.
- Assists with establishing a plan designed to effectively increase awareness of offerings and promote program enrollment.
- Assists with the hiring of seasonal or part-time instructors, facilitators, and aids to support each education program.
- Leads and mentors seasonal or part-time instructors, teen and adult volunteers. Plans and facilitates team trainings; assists with the establishment of work schedules and assignments; and participates in the resolution of performance issues as necessary.
- Coordinates all administrative details needed for the implementation of program curriculum including the acquisition of materials used for programs and their respective activities. Prepare program rooms/areas with acquired supplies and materials as needed.
- Assists with preparation of program budgets and will account for all expenditures according to policy standards.
- Assesses the effectiveness of programs through a formal evaluation process.
- With the Education team, oversees the care and maintenance of the Tree House Play Space, interpretive exhibit components, and signage.
- Works with a large diverse collection of education ambassador animals. This includes, but not limited to, handling animals during programs, participates in the training of animals, packing and unpacking animals and supplies, participating in animal welfare assessments, and assisting with husbandry care of education department’s ambassador animal collection as needed.
- Develop, teach, and train seasonal staff, interns, volunteers, and/or public about the animals at the Zoo and in the ambassador collection.
- Informs department director and education manager of any relevant issues pertaining to animals, education programs, and/or any job responsibilities.
- Develop and nurture professional relationships with all Zoo staff. Must be a strong and effective communicator and supportive team player.
- Must deliver exceptional customer service by engaging with guests/ program participants on a regular basis to create a friendly, memorable and positive experience. Ability to respond to common inquiries, requests, or complaints from guests and/or staff in a kind and courteous manner.
- Ability to effectively promote the organization.
- Verbal and written ability to communicate with Zoo staff and the public. Able to interact positively with a variety of individuals from varied socioeconomic backgrounds frequently.
- Interact with courtesy, professionalism, and respect to staff, volunteers, and guests consistent with the organization’s mission and core values.
- Adhere to all Buffalo Zoo policies and procedures.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Position Qualifications
To perform at a proficient level and be fully qualified, the candidate would be expected to have:
Education/Experience:
- This position requires a college degree (i.e. Bachelor’s degree in zoo-related science and/or education and/or Associate’s degree and equivalent experience).
- Minimum 6-months teaching experience preferred and a background in biology, zoology, or life science is desired. Both paid and unpaid experience are considered.
- Curriculum writing, technical and organizational skills are essential.Must have the ability to engage a wide range of audiences.
- Animal handling experience preferred.
Special Skills:
- Well developed writing, organizational and communication skills.
- Grant writing and management experience helpful.
- Ability to supervise in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale is desired.
- Working knowledge of personal computers and software applications preferred.
Other:
- Must support Buffalo Zoo’s Vision, Mission and Core Values.
- Must possess or be able to obtain within 30-days of employment a valid New York State driver’s license and have an average or better driving record based on the evaluation process of our insurance company. Retention of position is contingent upon maintaining required license. Must upgrade to classification appropriate to requirements (non-CDLC or CDL class).
- Successful completion of a post-offer pre-employment general medical screen and drug test.
- Successful completion of a post-offer pre-employment background check.
- Must understand the requirements, essential functions, and duties of the position as per the job description and certify such by signing the job description prior to first day of work.
- Must be able to operate a computer, two-way radio, telephone system, and software on computer, printer, etc. after training.
- Must be willing to comply with department’s Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) policies and procedures.
- Must provide proof of negative TB test at hire (test results within the last 12 months). TB test conducted annually.
- Regular attendance and punctuality are essential functions of the position.
- Must be able and willing to work a flexible schedule including weekdays, weekends, holidays, evenings, Zoo special and private events, and overtime as necessary.
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.
- Employee may be exposed to a variety of weather conditions or temperatures. Work may be required both indoors and outdoors in various weather and temperature conditions, ranging from rain, wind, snow, cool to cold weather, and extreme heat and humidity. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
- Employee is exposed to the environment around animal exhibits and animal holding areas, and will be working around animal excrement, smells, and other debris. The ability to follow animal safety protocols, and treat the animals with care, respect, and dignity is paramount.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, and talk or hear. Use computer hardware and software for periodic periods of time. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
The duties listed above are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
The Buffalo Zoo is an At Will employer and all Buffalo Zoo employees are subject to employment eligibility and background security checks, as well as testing for illegal substance use as allowed by law.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Pay: $19.00 - $21.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
