Bilingual Conservation Learning Specialist - Child & Family Discovery

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance•Denver, CO

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Bilingual Conservation Learning Specialist: Child and Family Discovery serves as a staff member at will of Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA). In that capacity, this position will advance the mission of DZCA through the facilitation and support of programs that build foundational connections to nature for young children and their caregivers, developing interest and affinity for wildlife and the natural world, and strengthening their ability to engage in developmentally appropriate conservation action.

Requirements

Completion or in pursuit of a high school degree or equivalent required, or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
Requires a minimum of 1 year of experience in environmental education in a nonprofit zoo or museum of science institution.
Experience and comfort working with children of various ages and with diverse communities is strongly preferred, or any equivalent combination of experience, lived experience, and/or special skills.
Requires demonstrated knowledge and dynamic skills in program facilitation and informal learning strategies; comfort in nature; experience engaging children in natural spaces preferred.
Requires organizational skills, written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize work and tasks.
Requires adaptability to produce and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, multi-task, and changing environment, and the ability to work as part of a team.
Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to drive outreach vehicles, including vans and a small Class C RV, after provided training.
Ability to pass a background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
Candidates must be at least 21 years of age with a valid driver's license and a clean driving record.

Nice To Haves

Preference is given to candidates who have done so successfully in an informal biological or conservation education setting.
Ability to communicate and facilitate programs in English and Spanish is preferred.
Ability to communicate and facilitate programs in English and Spanish is strongly preferred, with a pay differential for verified fluency.

Responsibilities

Facilitate science and conservation learning through dynamic implementation of pre-written programs, including: Nature play opportunities and programs for young children (ages 2-5) and their families. Learning experiences for K-12 students during school field trips or through community outreach. Day camp programs, including instruction and operational support.
Apply best practices in conservation education facilitation; adapt curricula and program plans to changing circumstances; flex facilitation style to best meet the needs of participants.
Handle live animals and biofacts; use and problem-solve technology, and drive DZCA vehicles (including the RV-based Neighborhood Nature Explorer) in support of programs.
Partner with Program Coordinators to execute program logistics: create, prepare, set up, break down, maintain, inventory, and clean program materials and supplies.
Load and unload materials and supplies for community outreach programs.
As assigned, develop and update programs using the organizational program design process.
Collect, enter, and report program data, including attendance.
Model best practices for staff and volunteers and assist in the development or training of staff and volunteers as assigned.
Provide excellent program communication; communicate in clear language and adjust the use of language to participants’ level of understanding.
Communicate effectively and professionally with all DZCA staff members; proactively communicate with department and program leaders about program needs and concerns; regularly check and communicate about varied and changing schedules.
Demonstrates and advocates for a positive and inclusive team culture.
Actively seek feedback and professional development opportunities to strengthen program facilitation, curriculum development, proactive engagement, developmentally appropriate teaching, empathy-building, and conservation learning practices.
Other assistance, as designated by the Conservation Learning Coordinators or Managers, to support the overall goals of the department and organization.
While this position does not include formal supervisory responsibilities, it plays a key role in modeling best practices and may provide training, mentorship, and support to seasonal and part-time educators, as well as volunteers, in alignment with program goals.
Safeguard against the release of confidential and proprietary information of DZCA.
Interact with staff members across the organization, volunteers, members of external organizations, and the public, and will represent DZCA professionally and positively.