Education Coordinator - Camp Experiences

Collaborate with a passionate Zoo Crew in San Antonio Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it’s equally important you know that the place you choose to work at, and its leaders, will support and guide you. With a diversity of passionate people and like-minded conservationists, San Antonio Zoo is a place where you can collaborate with others securing a future for wildlife.

The Impact You’ll Make in this Role

• As the Education Coordinator - Camp Experiences, you will develop and deliver fun, engaging and safe conservation-based programming for audiences of all ages, pre-k through adult. Your primary focus will be on child-centric programming such as summer camps and school-break camps, with additional responsibilities for family and adult programs.
• This role involves comprehensive management of program stages from planning through execution and follow-up, ensuring a high-quality experience for all participants.
• You will play a crucial role in various program aspects, such as training peers, communicating with parents, coordinating with other zoo departments, managing registrations and payments, and overseeing daily operations.
• As an Education Coordinator, you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative and diverse people in San Antonio.

Here, you will make an impact by:

• Champion the zoo’s mission by inspiring audiences, staff, and volunteers through the development, coordination, and evaluation of conservation programs tailored to diverse age groups.
• Manage all facets of registration-based programming, including online registrations, payments, guest services, marketing, and budget oversight.
• Design and synchronize schedules for multiple concurrent group programs, ensuring seamless integration across various departments.
• Strategically form program cohorts, considering friend and family preferences, participant demographics, and staff capabilities to optimize the learning experience.
• Cultivate and strengthen relationships with current, past, and prospective participants and their families to enhance community engagement and program loyalty.
• Serve as a mentor and coach, with support from leadership, to uphold and enhance program quality and consistency.
• Address behavioral challenges promptly and compassionately, providing strategies to staff for fostering participant self-regulation.
• Foster collaborative relationships across zoo departments to create impactful and deliberate educational experiences.
• Maintain clear and effective communication with all levels of staff, participants, guardians, and other stakeholders, ensuring information is accurately and timely shared.
• Develop engaging, thematic content that incorporates conservation lessons, activities, and tours, emphasizing high-quality educational delivery.
• Demonstrate exemplary group management and presentation skills, promoting conservation efforts and teamwork, with a strong focus on safety and risk management.
• Actively support, train, mentor, and motivate staff and volunteers to build a knowledgeable and enthusiastic team.
• Work collaboratively within the team and across the zoo to leverage resources effectively in support of conservation education and broader zoo initiatives.
• Keep abreast of the latest trends, standards, and best practices in childcare, camp management, safety, and zoo education at local and national levels.
• Participate in all mandatory San Antonio Zoo meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities.
• Adhere strictly to all zoo policies and enforce operational restrictions and limitations.
• Foster a positive, cooperative work environment, building effective relationships with colleagues.
• Consistently display a proactive guest service attitude, engaging with visitors warmly and assisting them with genuine interest and helpfulness.
• Communicate politely and effectively with the public, providing guidance and assistance as needed to enhance guest experience and safety.
• Maintain the cleanliness and appeal of public areas by actively removing trash and debris.
• Flexibly perform additional duties as required to support the evolving needs of the zoo and its programs.

Other Responsibilities

• Additional duties may be assigned as needed, and you will work collaboratively to provide overflow and backup support.
• Your Skills and Expertise 
• To set you up for success in this role from day one, the San Antonio Zoo recommends the following skills/qualifications:
• Demonstrates a robust personal and professional dedication to conservation efforts.
• Possesses a strong ability to inspire and captivate audiences of all ages with dynamic conservation messages and engaging stories from the zoo.
• Skilled in effectively multitasking routine duties and specific program tasks while providing outstanding service to guests, participants, and staff.
• Proficient in the full spectrum of program development including creating, planning, promoting, implementing, and evaluating, with a focus on age-appropriate content and environmental themes.
• Experienced in safely and effectively presenting a diverse range of Ambassador Animals through conservation storytelling.
• Knowledgeable in educational interpretive techniques and adept at adapting presentation styles to suit various audiences.
• Understands child development stages and capable of providing effective social and emotional support.
• Skilled in group management, able to proactively address and manage participant behavioral challenges.
• Capable of training and motivating a diverse team of staff and volunteers, ensuring they engage participants in fun and educational conservation activities.
• Experienced in coordinating multiple projects simultaneously, exercising sound judgment, and effectively managing stress.
• Committed to excellent internal and external customer service, fostering a positive environment for all zoo visitors.
• Works autonomously and efficiently, collaborates effectively with diverse teams, and demonstrates leadership in all tasks.
• Boasts extensive knowledge in zoology, environmental science, and contemporary educational trends and technologies.
• Completes tasks diligently and manages time effectively to meet deadlines and program goals.
• Exhibits strong communication skills, clearly articulating ideas and instructions, and ensuring understanding across various communication platforms.
• Brings at least two years of experience in educational administration or program management within a similar setting.
• Holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, education, or a related field, with a preference for candidates who have additional relevant qualifications.
• Adaptable to schedule changes and willing to work flexible hours, including weekends, holidays, and occasional overnight assignments.
• Spanish language proficiency is preferred.
• The San Antonio Zoo is an equal opportunity employer. 
• San Antonio Zoo will not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

Perks

• We offer robust benefits including medical, dental, vision and 403B. As well as Zoo memberships and Zoo discounts throughout the park.

Salary

• $41,600 Annual