The Teen Programs Coordinator works collaboratively across the Learning Department, specifically the Child, Teen, and Family Engagement team, to coordinate and facilitate research-based education programming in alignment with the zoo’s strategic plan and learning framework. Program formats may vary depending on the audience and message, and could include workshops, action days, virtual programs, field trips (at the zoo or offsite), pop-up activations, internship development, and overall teen programming. Teen programs focus on developing awareness of zoo & conservation careers while also supporting social-emotional growth and 21st century skills. Coordinators support program development by anticipating program logistics, crafting lesson plans with thoughtful outcomes, establishing schedules for program implementation, training seasonal facilitators to lead programs, and tracking innovative approaches to conservation education.
- This coordinator is one of several Learning liaisons to the Conservation & Science department, finding innovative ways to translate zoo conservation projects to audiences of all ages.
- This position requires frequent collaborative problem-solving, thorough planning, outside the box thinking, and an adaptable teaching style for multiple different types of teen audiences.
- This position has some flexibility to work from home (currently up to 2 days per week if programs are not scheduled).
- When field trips or internships are running, working hours will be performed on-site at the zoo or offsite at school/community locations as needed.
You might be a great fit if…
- You prioritize student growth, safety, and individualized program experiences
- You are skilled in creating engaging and innovative experiences that motivate learners of all ages to take action on behalf of environmental issues
- You excel at communication and collaborating on meeting programmatic outcomes
- You have a high level of fluency in scientific research and have prior experience conducting research projects in some capacity
- You are comfortable with adjusting the role you serve on a project as needed depending on direction of programming.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Program Development, Coordination, & Facilitation: (Peak Responsibility Time: year-round)
- Create program plans aligned with the Learning Framework and strategic plan, as needs arise.
- Future program directions could include teen-facilitated nature play experiences, experiences designed to promote behavior change, and advocacy related to Take Action With Us messages.
- Use technology thoughtfully to convene various types of communities for conservation action or education.
- Plan for safe & engaging fieldwork experiences, including local field trips to green spaces around the city and extended trips to connect with research partners in nearby cities
- Demonstrate cultural humility in program development, choosing resources that represent diverse perspectives on science and conservation
- Show openness to different approaches, including adapting lessons on the fly when participants are disengaged with program material
- Participate in extensive brainstorming sessions, using a “yes-and” approach and humbly advancing or abandoning ideas as needed.
- Incorporate the zoo’s mission, values, and Learning Framework into lesson plans
- Under the guidance of the Teen Programs Manager, support positive relationships with zoo staff, other cultural and community institutions, and conservation/wildlife agencies.
- Track program attendance and assist the Child, Teen, and Family Engagement team in generating reports or summaries on team activities.
- Support Teen Programs Manager in ensuring that programs stay within allocated budget, including showing fiscal responsibility when ordering program supplies.
- Integrate feedback from audiences to guide program development through both evaluation and informal conversations.
- As coordinator for the Malott Family Research Apprenticeship Program (Peak Responsibility Time: weekdays, June-August):
- Refine existing resources for this program, focusing on: meeting the high demand for this program by designing new placements, working in collaboration with conservation & science staff to translate their work into high-school level projects
- Supervise 4-6 teen program participants and seasonal staff throughout a seven-week paid summer internship focused on field research, data analysis, and science communication
- Lead program development process to ensure lessons are cohesive, aligned with Learning Framework and zoo research projects
- Attend monthly meetings with Conservation & Science staff to stay abreast of recent developments in research/publications that could be incorporated into Learning programs
- Prepare students for success in shadowing science professionals, including training on workplace etiquette, introductions to the scientific method, and scientific dissemination
- Make connections & requests to other zoo departments for guest speakers to promote broader awareness of zoo careers
- Conduct interviews, lead participant selection, and establish training procedures with the support of the Teen Programs team
- Integrate evaluation tools (such as surveys, mindmaps, and collecting program artifacts) into program materials as established by the evaluation plan
- Address challenges in a timely and solution-oriented manner, including constructive conversations with youth and communication with parents/caregivers as needed
- As coordinator for the Conservation Ambassadors Board (Peak Responsibility Time: select Saturdays throughout the school year)
- Refine existing resources for this program, focusing on: integrating principles of conservation psychology into the program, considering barriers and drivers to taking conservation action and how teens are uniquely placed to influence social norms around taking action.
- Mentor 16-18 teen program participants in a “youth council” style environment, guiding them to plan an event or project focused around Lincoln Park Zoo’s conservation initiatives
- Respect, elevate, and incorporate youths’ voices during decision making process
- Create professional development and team-building activities for participants
- Act as the liaison between the teen participants and zoo departments, communicating questions and decisions to relevant stakeholders to support teen planning
As supervisor for seasonal program facilitators:
- Train facilitators on lesson plans and program procedures
- Conduct weekly check-in meetings to discuss schedules, logistics, and action items related to program delivery
- Serve as a collaborator and joint problem-solver when challenges arise with program participants or activities
- Conduct routine facilitator observations to give timely feedback on facilitation techniques
- Seek out professional growth opportunities to share with staff, including attending local networking meetings and relevant webinars
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Ability to successfully manage and supervise teen interns and/or entry level professionals
- Ability to facilitate content and participant communication in English and Spanish preferred
- Familiarity with statistical research software and GPS mapping software preferred
- Ability to work with groups of up to 40 participants in a variety of settings, including zoo grounds, outdoors, and in a classroom environment
- Commitment to creating a learning environment that is accessible and inclusive to all, including understanding the process of differentiating instruction to meet student needs
- Ability to work in a team and problem solve to ensure timely completion of all projects
- Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, zoo visitors and general public
- Familiarity with data analysis and ecological field research methods
- Interest in wildlife conservation and education
EXPERIENCE AND/OR EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
- Cumulative 3 years working in educational or environmental programming.
- Curriculum or program development experience.
- Experience working with and supervising teens.
- Experience working with culturally, linguistically, and developmentally diverse learners required.
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, environmental sciences, secondary education or similar field preferred.*
Note:
- A comparable combination of education, experience or training that would provide the level of knowledge, skills and ability required may qualify an individual.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Must be able to stand for long periods of time and work outside in a variety of weather conditions.
- Must be able to perform physical tasks associated with gardening (kneeling, digging, lifting, etc.)
- Must be able to move equipment on a rolling cart up to 50 pounds.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Assist with other Learning programs during times of high staffing need.
- Deliver zoo programs at annual events like Spooky Zoo, ZooLights, Spring Eggstravaganza, etc. Staffing will be based upon availability.
- Work holidays, weekends and/or evenings as needed to deliver programming
- Proof of COVID-19 vaccine
- Valid Illinois driver’s license by start date
HIRING TIMELINE
- This position will remain open for applications until August 21.
- Applicants will be notified of any next steps by August 30.
- The anticipated start date is September 30.
- Salary: $50,000 annually
- Lincoln Park Zoo is committed to an environment that is inclusive and welcoming.
- We celebrate the diverse qualities, perspectives, values and experiences of all people.
- Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and others who identify as nonwhite, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and those with lived experience with racism and/or misogynoir are encouraged to apply
- For Wildlife.
- For All.
Further Comments
- $50,000/annually