Zoo Education Coordinator

STARTING PAY

$14.41 per hour

SUMMARY

Under the direct supervision of the Visitor Services Coordinator, this position plans, develops, conducts, and evaluates all aspects of the Zoo's educational services, including school programs, teacher workshops, scout programs, special events, family programs, overnights, exhibit tours and keeper chats; handles education animals including a variety of reptiles, amphibians, birds and small mammals; and plans, develops, supervises and evaluates the Zoo's adult and junior volunteer program.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plans, schedules and conducts on and off-site education programs.
• Develops, supervises, schedules, and trains volunteers and coordinates volunteer program.
• Writes and evaluates school program curricula.
• Designs, develops, and utilizes on site educational graphics and displays.
• Conducts program activities including classroom visits, Zoo tours, and teacher workshops.
• Assists with planning and coordinating special events.
• Develops and conducts full and half day seasonal camps. Oversees seasonal camp staff
• Maintains Zoo's social media accounts. Writes and prepares monthly constant contact Z-mail newsletter, daily/weekly Facebook posts, responds to comments on Trip Advisor.
• Updates Zoo website.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Requires a Bachelor's degree in education, biology or a related field and two years of experience in teaching/coordinating youth programs/services or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in a zoological setting desirable. Valid Texas Driver's License required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work in a fast paced environment.
• Experience delivering developmentally appropriate, engaging presentations to a variety of audiences
• Work or volunteer experience working with children preferred.
• Knowledge of animal biology and behavior, natural history topics and conservation issues.
• Experiences working directly with animals preferred (reptiles, amphibians, birds invertebrates, small mammals.
• Should be proficient with Microsoft Office and Outlook. Previous experience in developing newsletters, brochures, pamphlets, website and social media desirable.
• Must be flexible, self-motivated, a team player and able to work with volunteers.
• Availability to work weekdays, weekends, overnights, and other irregular hours to support programmatic needs.
• Ability to drive gators, golf carts, pick-up trucks and vans.
• Ability to operate a variety of equipment including a two-way radio, computer, telephone, and the like.
• Ability to read and write.

The City of Amarillo is an Equal Opportunity employer and encourages applications from eligible and qualified persons regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability, genetic information or protected veteran status, in compliance with applicable federal, state and local law.

The City of Amarillo provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on a case by case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact the Human Resources Office at 806-378-4294.