The Education and Engagement team at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is seeking an Education Specialist who will play a key role in creating, developing, and delivering educational programs that promote conservation of the environment and an appreciation for wildlife. This dynamic position champions the Zoo’s Day Camp and School Programs while creating a lasting impact on the community.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develops, implements, and delivers educational programming and scripted presentations for diverse audiences, including zoo guests, scheduled groups, camps, workshops, school programming, family programs, guest tours, and trainings.
- Plans, develops, and leads engaging day camp experiences during summer, winter, and spring breaks.
- Designs and delivers standards-based educational programs for school groups visiting the zoo.
- Researches topics to develop themes, logic models, and conservation messaging.
- Designs training processes and progression plans for those facilitating programs and presentations.
- Audits, assesses, and evaluates the impact of programming, making edits or adjustments as necessary.
- Hires, trains, coaches, and supervises assigned staff, ensuring operational requirements are met by assigning tasks, providing tools, and offering feedback.
Other Responsibilities:
- Performs administrative tasks such as managing schedules, budgets, orders, correspondence, meetings, records, reports, evaluations, and paperwork.
- Travels to various locations both on zoo grounds and off-site to coordinate and conduct educational programs, activities, and projects.
- Regular and predictable attendance is expected and required.
- All Cleveland Metro parks employees must be prepared to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and/or holidays as required.
- Continuously updates and enhances knowledge through ongoing education, including attending relevant conferences, seminars, in-service trainings, and certification programs for professional growth.
Requirements:
Education and Experience:
- A bachelor’s degree related to biology, zoology, environmental education, community outreach, social justice, sociology, civic engagement, or a related field, supplemented by experience in a zoo, museum, aquarium, nature center, or an environmental or social justice organization is preferred; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities for the role.
Other Qualifications:
- Familiarity with current AZA requirements and emerging thinking regarding community involvement in program development and inclusion in programming and staffing.
- Experience developing, evaluating, and facilitating programs involving conservation and/or the interdependence of human health, animal wellbeing, and the environment.
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license under the laws of the State of Ohio.
- Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders including contractors and the general public.
- Ability to communicate clearly and persuasively, both in writing and speaking, with correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation, in one-on-one or group settings.
- Management skills and strong business acumen, including problem solving, vision, ability to manage multiple programs and meet deadlines, collaboration, leadership, decision making and ability to analyze diverse facts and develop clear and concise reports and recommendations.
- Proficiency in software programs including all Microsoft Office programs.
- Ability to perform with considerable independence and initiative.
- Salary: $44,476 – $55,595 (Internal equity considerations and the average salary of the peer range will be reviewed/considered before making a final offer)
- Work Days: Regular schedule is Sunday – Thursday; Monday – Friday when camps are in session (Summer, Winter, Spring Breaks)
Salary
- $44,476 – $55,595 (Internal equity considerations and the average salary of the peer range will be r
