The Education Experience Supervisor is responsible for the development, daily supervision, and operations of assigned education programs. This position reports to the Education Experience Manager.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
- In collaboration with the department management, develops performance reviews and individual goals, provides constructive feedback, and supports continued professional growth and development of direct reports; supervises the assigned team's daily operations, including facilities, equipment, resources, and staff.
- Designs and develops original educational programming including curriculum, content, activities, lesson plans and scopes and sequences that align with Next Generation Science Standards or other education frameworks.
- In collaboration with the department management, hires and onboards, Education Program Developers, Walking Tour Guides, Educator Guides, Program Aides, and/or seasonal staff.
- Creates weekly schedules, reviews and authorizes staff timesheets, assignments, and job responsibilities.
- Assists in managing the reservations and ticketing system, and inventory for school and camp booking programs.
- Recommends, develops, and ensures adherence to department policies and procedures, undertaking disciplinary actions as needed.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- As a key leader on the San Diego Zoo Education team, the Education Experience Supervisor oversees both onsite and offsite school and youth conservation education programs by embodying a servant leadership approach, guiding direct and indirect reports while championing the mission of the SDZWA Education Department and the Zoo’s School Program Guiding Principles.
- The Supervisor will cultivate relationships with internal teams and external partners, while also monitoring and evaluating conservation education programs to ensure quality and impact, collaborate with teachers and partners, and manage budgets to maintain financial sustainability.
- In collaboration with the Program Developer and Education Experience Manager, the Supervisor will design culturally relevant, inclusive curriculum that align with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), meeting the varied needs of the San Diego community, while also playing a lead role in with the School in the Park partnership.
- The Supervisor’s responsibilities include hiring, interviewing, training, conducting annual reviews, and coaching the Program Developer and Program Aides, with additional support extended to all team members.
- This position plays a crucial role in ensuring equitable access to programs through grant-funded opportunities by writing funding proposals and reports to serve Title I schools in San Diego County.
- This leadership position requires proactive management, independent judgment, and a blend of creative problem-solving, diplomacy, empathy, and exceptional customer service, while fostering a collaborative environment that enhances both team effectiveness and community impact.
JOB EXPERIENCE
- At least three years of experience in education or operations department in a zoo, museum, theme-park, or other informal learning center And
- At least two years of on the job experience developing educational programming or teaching in an a formal or informal environment
- Animal handling experience preferred
EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
- Coursework in science, education, business administration, or related field.
- Teaching Certification
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
- Knowledge of learning theories and interpretive/teaching techniques.
- Ability to effectively lead a team in a diverse environment.
- Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written).
- Effectively use customer relations skills.
- Ability to monitor and schedule resources.
- Ability to use a variety of computer software programs (ex: Dayforce, Galaxy, Google Suites, Bookeo, etc.)
- Ability to train staff to handle animals and use animal behavior modification.
- Knowledge of reservations and ticketing system (Galaxy preferred).
- Knowledge of analytics.
SOME OF THE PERKS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER
- Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
- Family Passes
- Complimentary Tickets
- Local and In-House Discounts
- Employee Assistance Program
- Wellness Program
