The North Carolina Zoo is seeking to add an enthusiastic Guest Engagement Educator. This position’s professional work involves the research, design, development, coordination, and evaluation of new guest engagement experiences and equipment (e.g., the new Asia Tracking Experience), onsite free and paid educational programs for individual guests and community groups, and works with other education team members to develop, review, implement, coordinate and evaluate programs based on current program content and needs. Program messages focus on conservation, animal welfare, and wildlife science programs at the North Carolina Zoo. Employee trains, handles, and presents a variety of animals (invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals) for programs as part of classroom and zoo-based programs for teachers and students.
Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Preparing and giving public, programs using live animals.
- Designing, coordinating and evaluating programs;
- Facilitating public talks using biofacts and live animals. Proficient in public speaking and excellent oral and written communication is required.
- Serving as a resource for staff, educators, community members.
- Evaluating and analyzing education programs and content for effectiveness.
- Training, supervising, coaching, and evaluating interns, volunteers, and seasonal education staff.
Position Requirements:
- Required to obtain National Association of Interpreters in Education (NAI) Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) training within one year of the hire date.
- Required to work rotating weekend, evening, and holiday work.
- Employee considered "Essential Staff" and are required to make good faith effort to get to work on adverse weather days and during zoo emergencies.
- Must meet DNCR Fleet Safety Guidelines and have ability to obtain and maintain a valid North Carolina driver’s license to drive a state vehicle.
- Must be able to safely handle and present live animals during programs and become proficient in the Zoo’s Animal Handling Training Program for animals such as small mammals, raptors, snakes, turtles, amphibians, invertebrates (including tarantulas) and others while interacting with and responding to questions from the audience.
- Must have the agility and physical ability to: regularly and safely lift up to 25 pounds occasionally with or without reasonable accommodation. Negotiate uneven outdoor terrain on foot.
- Required to participate in the Zoo's occupational health program due to exposure within animal containment areas.
- This person must be proficient in public speaking. Excellent oral and written communication is required.
- Learn about the NC ZOO: https://www.nczoo.org
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies:
- Demonstrated experience in the coordination and presentation of engaging public programs as well as the development and evaluation of effective educational programs.
- Proven knowledge of natural history, environmental and/or conservation education.
- Demonstrated experience in public speaking, including but not limited to dealing effectively with large numbers of people of all ages.
- Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, Publisher, and Power Point.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in a natural science program from an appropriately accredited institution
- AND two years of experience in the development and presentation of natural science interpretive and educational programs; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Perks
- https://oshr.nc.gov/state-employee-resources/benefits
