The Chattanooga Zoo is looking for an exceptional Education Coordinator with skills related to working with a variety of age groups in both informal and classroom learning settings. The Education Coordinator ensures the development and delivery of assigned education programs and activities. This position also assists in the development of new programs. This position will provide unique, interactive and educational experiences for program participants and Zoo guests.Zoo Team Duties
- Establish and maintain positive, cooperative, and effective working relations with fellow employees.
- Constantly exhibit a guest centered attitude and an obvious interest in guest comfort and service.
- Communicate with the public in a courteous and tactful manner. Assist guests with questions and directions to various areas of the Zoo. Address the guest - do not wait to be asked.
- Remove trash and debris from public areas (i.e. pick up litter whenever you see it).
Essential Responsibilities
- Act as lead educator to present educational programs including onsite interpretation, animal ambassador programs, encounter programs and classroom instruction to audiences of all ages.
- Manage registration and communications for assigned programs which includes building and maintaining registration systems and company calendar
- Develop, execute, and present assigned programs around state and national education standards.
- Identify areas of development and assist in program improvement.
- Complete animal handling training and maintain handling methods for animal ambassador use.
- Train other staff with ambassador animal training.
- Administer program evaluations and assist in recording and interpreting the data.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Specialized Functions for Camp
- Collaborate with the education manager to recruit and hire camp staff, ensuring the selection of highly qualified and motivated individuals.
- With the Education Manager and other department staff, support leading established training processes for camp staff, covering camp policies, emergency procedures, child protection, and classroom management in a camp setting.
- Coach a team of counselors, CIT volunteers, and PEDZ participants by monitoring performance, providing regular feedback, and managing schedules to ensure adequate coverage.
- Lead weekly staff meetings to maintain high performance standards and boost morale to increase staff engagement, productivity, and satisfaction.
- With guidance from the Education Manager, leverage partnerships with local organizations to enhance the variety and quality of camp offerings.
- Work with the Education Manager to report on and request supplies per the education budget for camp, maintaining records and staying within budget while identifying cost-saving and sustainability opportunities.
- Create camp curriculum that adheres to the Zoo's mission, philosophy, goals and objectives for summer camp and break camps.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree with course work emphasis in Education or a related field.
- Two years of experience in the field is preferred.
- A combination of education and equivalent experience.
- Comfortable working with and around animals.
- Flexibility with the work schedule and the ability to work nights/weekends as necessary.
- Ability to speak in public and interact well with diverse groups of both children and adults.
- Knowledge or experience with The Chattanooga Zoo or other animal or outdoor facility is preferred.
This is a full-time, non-exempt position.Physical RequirementsMedium: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently. This position requires standing, walking, climbing, bending, stooping and lifting a majority of the time.Physical Environment: This position requires constant movement across zoo grounds for the majority of the workday and is routinely exposed to external elements which include heat/cold, wet/humid & dry/arid weather conditions.The Friends of the Zoo, Inc (Chattanooga Zoo) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Zoo will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.We are committed to an inclusive environment and value the diverse qualities, perspectives, and experience of all individuals.The Chattanooga Zoo has adopted a smoke-free campus to serve as a leader in promoting a healthy workplace and environment. The Chattanooga Zoo is a member of the Tennessee Drug-Free Workplace program. This position requires pre-employment screenings which will include: a drug screen, tuberculin skin test & background check.