Educator I

Under the direction of the Education Manager, this position will facilitate education programs to promote the Zoo’s mission, goals and objectives; and create a positive learning experience for all ages. This is a permanent, part time position. Employees must be available to work a flexible schedule with an average of 25 hours per week. Evenings, weekends, some holidays and overnights are required.

Essential Functions

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Educator:

• serve as educator for education programming.
• This requires a strong knowledge of program content, the ability to teach varying age levels, and the skill and comfortability to handle various types of animals, including small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. Primary types of programming include day camps, early childhood programs, community outreach, virtual programs, classroom programs and adult programming.

Interpreter:

• serve as public interpreter for interpretive programs including Critter Corner, Australia Outback and Discover Conservation interacting with the public and practicing guest interaction strategies from the Guest Interaction Guide.

Program Evaluation and Resource Development:

• Assist the education team leadership with administering program evaluations, as well as maintaining accurate statistics for all programs. Assist with the design and development of educational resources and activities for the Zoo’s website and program participants.
• Other responsibilities: The Educator I will frequently work with, and oversee volunteers and perform other duties as assigned. Work on weekends, evenings, some holidays and overnights are required.

Competencies

• Resourceful – Understanding of, or has the ability to research all applicable topics as they relate to modern zoological management, operations of an attraction and customer service.
• Flexible – Ability to handle a flexible workload with a variety of assignments while also maintaining composure in an environment that can be stressful.
• Independent – Must be able to operate independently, exercise initiative and demonstrate capacity for detail and follow-up.
• Positive – Must be a positive, effective team member and be able to establish professional working relationships to grow and develop team members. Must know and practice SWEET leadership values.
• Organized – Organizational skills, attention to detail, high level of accuracy
• Clear communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Customer-oriented – Must be able to exercise professional customer service skills at all times, with many different types of people and all situations.

Supervisory/Management Responsibilities

• This position has no supervisory responsibilities but may mentor seasonal staff and volunteers.

Work Environment

• While performing the duties of the job, the incumbent is required to work both indoors and outdoors with exposure to seasonal weather conditions. 
• The incumbent will be required to spend large amounts of time driving alone.
• This position requires frequent work with children and/or animals.
• This individual will be exposed to computer monitors.
• The noise level is moderate.

Requirements
Physical Requirements

• The physical requirements described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to successfully perform the essential functions.
• Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.
• Never       
• Occasionally   
• Constantly   
• Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.
• Never     
• Occasionally 
• Constantly
• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
• Never       
• Occasionally     
• Constantly
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
• Never       
• Occasionally   
• Constantly
• Adjusting or moving objects up to 50 pounds in all directions.
• Never     
• Occasionally     
• Constantly
• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Never   
• Occasionally 
• Constantly
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
• Never   
• Occasionally   
• Constantly
• Operating machinery and/or power tools.
• Never   
• Occasionally 
• Constantly
• Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.
• Never 
• Occasionally 
• Constantly
• Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.
• Never   
• Occasionally     
• Constantly
• Driving.
• Never   
• Occasionally     
• Constantly
• Stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling –
• Never   
• Occasionally 
• Constantly
• Reaching with hands and arms.
• Never     
• Occasionally   
• Constantly
• Tasting or smelling.
• Never     
• Occasionally   
• Constantly
• Vision
• Close vision;
• Distant vision;
• Color vision;
• Peripheral vision;
• Depth perception;
• Ability to adjust focus
• Lifting Requirement.
• > than 50 pounds       
• Up to 50 pounds       
• Up to 40 pounds       
• Up to 25 pounds             
• Up to 10 pounds
• Additional eligibility requirements
• Able to provide proof of negative TB test.
• Must be insurable to drive a zoo vehicle.
• Must be able to maintain work hours that will serve the needs of the Blank Park Zoo.
• Must be able to maintain calm and act professionally in all situations such as emergencies and guest interactions.
• Bilingual or multilingual candidates are preferred.
• Licenses/Certifications
• Valid Iowa motor vehicle license and proof of insurability.

Ability to obtain:

• First Aid/CPR Training
• Universal Precautions
• Mandatory Child Abuse Reporter Training (MCART)
• Medication Administration
• Safe Food Handler
• Other Duties
• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Experience Required

• Minimum requirements:
• Associated Degree with 6 months of experience working or volunteering in a school, an education department at a zoo, museum or informal learning center.
• Preferred candidates have, or are working towards, a bachelor degree in education, environmental interpretation, animal ecology, or related field with a year of experience (paid or unpaid).
• Any equivalent combination in which education and experience are interchangeable at the rate of one year of education for one year of experience is acceptable.

Further Comments

• Blank Park Zoo is an equal opportunity employer and give employment and promotional consideration without regard to race,
• color, sex, religion, age, disability, disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam era, and any other protected class as required by local, state, or federal law.

Perks

• We seek applicants for employment who are dedicated, hardworking and seek fulfilling employment.
• In return Blank Park Zoo offers competitive income, benefits, and an excellent working environment.

Salary

• To Be Determined