Salary : $38,604.80 – $53,560.00 Annually
Location : Idaho Falls, ID
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2023-0725
Department: Parks and Recreation
Division: Parks Zoo
Opening Date: 07/24/2023
Closing Date: Continuous
General Purpose
The Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park is currently looking for a Zoo Education Coordinator. As educator at the Idaho Falls Zoo, this position works 40-hours weekly and develops, maintains, organizes, and coordinates the operations of the year-round EdZOOcation programs. The position will teach education programs, classes/camps, perform all administration duties necessary to ensure the zoo’s educational programming continuously grows and prospers, oversee the zoo’s outreach program, support and develop special events, lead on-grounds programs, work with volunteers, and perform all other duties as assigned.
Supervision Received Works under the direction of the zoo’s Public Engagement Curator
Supervision Exercised Oversees the duties and performance of zoo seasonal education staff and zoo education department interns
Essential Functions
This position develops, instructs, and implements all zoo education programs both virtually and in-person including classes and camps, instructs seasonal staff and interns in the zoo education department, oversees zoo educational outreach program, leads on-grounds educational presentations including keeper talks and behind-the-scenes tours, and supports special events. Oversees administration of all programs and participants as well as managing preparation and maintenance of facilities and development of materials used in educational programming, including zoo graphics. Other duties as assigned.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate a high level of energy, self-motivation, teamwork, a positive attitude, outstanding time management, and will function independently.
Minimum Qualifications
1. Education An Associate’s Degree in a field of biology and/or an educational field (particularly in informal education) is strongly preferred.
AND
Previous public speaking and/or teaching experience to a variety of groups ranging in all sizes and age levels is a plus. Well-developed interpretive skills or a willingness to learn. Experience in an informal education setting is preferred.
OR
An equivalent combination of education and experience.
2. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of developing and leading informal education programs such as those in zoos and nature centers.
Ability to create and present exceptional and dynamic in-person and virtual interpretive programs (formal and informal – featuring live animals).
Knowledge of conservation, natural history, biology or zoology, natural ecosystems, and conservation issues.
Knowledge of principles and understanding of the process of learning and teaching. A love and appreciation for wildlife and the outdoors.
Knowledge of Interpretive Programming and certification in interpretation through the National Association for Interpretation a plus.
Ability to understand and follow routine verbal or written instruction; ability to develop effective working relationships with supervisors, fellow employees, the public and volunteers.
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with a positive attitude to a diverse audience including, but not limited to: fellow employees, visitors and children of various ages.
Ability to interact with zoo guests courteously and offer proper attention at all times in a welcoming manner. Good customer service relation skills are required.
Ability to adapt quickly and be flexible in any scenario, as well as considerable patience. Lead and supervise program participants including groups of children and adults on a daily basis.
Ability to operate a computer and Microsoft Office programs.
Ability to quickly adapt to digital programming registration software and Adobe Creative Suite products a plus.
Experience with virtual teaching, videography, online camp design is a plus.
3. Special Qualifications: Must be able to work weekdays, evenings, weekends, overnight and holidays. Must be flexible with schedule. Must be able to stand for long periods of time and walk long distances; be able to work inside and outdoors in any weather.
Must provide proof of a negative TB test within the last 12 months before start date.
Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
City will provide uniform shirts and nametags. Employee must provide own black uniform pants and/or shorts.
Final candidate will be subject to a background check.
Work Environment
Tasks require a variety of physical activities not generally involving muscular strain. Physical demands may occur in activities related to walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, lifting, etc. Talking, hearing and seeing required in the daily performance of job duties. Occasional exposure to environmental and work hazards resulting from working in a zoo environment. Mental application utilizes memory for details, emotional stability and discriminating thinking and creative problem solving.
The City of Idaho Falls offers a highly competitive benefits package including membership in the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho, vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision and life insurance. For further information regarding City of Idaho Falls benefits, visit the Benefits section of our web page.
Temporary jobs and part-time positions that regularly work less than 20 hours per week typically do not qualify for benefits.