Education Instructor - Camp Lead

Tulsa Zoo Management•Tulsa, OK

13d

About The Position

You will act as the lead instructor for seasonal camps at Tulsa Zoo, responsible for groups of children with ages ranging from pre-k through high school. All camps feature age-appropriate programs, STEM and STEAM activities, tours, games, experiments, creative projects, up-close animal encounters, and more. When necessary, you may also assist in handling a selection of the department’s education ambassador animals. This is a seasonal position.

Requirements

Must be 18 years or older, possess a valid driver’s license, and be insurable on TZMI’s insurance carrier
Have or are working towards a bachelor’s degree in education, biology, zoology, environmental science, or a related field from college or university
One to three years experience working as a classroom teacher, an interpretive educator, or in an early childhood education setting
Familiarity with a variety of teaching methods and knowledge of age-appropriate cognitive and physical abilities required
Equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable
Must be able to work in an active setting and complete assignments that require teamwork, research, and self-starting; capable of self-motivating and working without direct supervision
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals; write routine reports and correspondence; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing before groups of customers, employees of TZMI, and the general public; proficient in public speaking and creative thinking
Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals
Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays

Nice To Haves

Experience working with small invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals preferred
Working knowledge of the natural world preferred

Responsibilities

Implement assigned, pre-written, interpretive educational programming for various age groups at Tulsa Zoo camps.
Ensure the safety of all guests and program participants.
Provide unique, interactive, and interpretive educational experiences for Tulsa Zoo camp participants.
Use Social-emotional Learning (SEL) strategies to foster a fun and collaborative atmosphere for campers.
Under the direction of permanent Education staff, handle and provide care to the department’s education ambassador animals in both public and non-public situations.
Setup and tear down classrooms for optimal camp experiences.
Within assigned age group, participate in all activities and monitor camper participation and enjoyment while managing camper behavior.
Manage craft/activity/experiment supplies for each camp.
Oversee assigned Camp Assistant and Zoo Teen volunteers assisting with camps, including giving clear direction and managing expectations while maintaining a fun environment.
Effectively communicate and demonstrate interpersonal skills with all levels of employees in a clear and professional manner.
Demonstrate and adhere to TZMI’s workplace values.
Know and follow zoo policies and procedures, including emergency protocols.
Attend and participate in staff meetings and assigned training sessions.
Maintain facilities to ensure animal, staff, and visitor safety, and in good appearance for public viewing at all times.
Identify and communicate situations for repair and maintenance.
Recognize signs of pest infestation in animal areas and combat pests/nuisance wildlife as directed.
Maintain necessary certifications as required (SCUBA, AZA Elephant Management, Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO) etc.).
Maintain area compliance with all local, state, federal, and international regulations and standards are met (USDA, AZA, etc).
Participate in visitor education programs, formal and informal animal presentations and outreach programs, scheduled keeper talks, and provide accurate information to the public.
Maintain necessary testing/vaccinations as required (TB, rabies, etc.).
Observe animal collection daily for injury, illness, aggression, stress, breeding activity, diet intake, and fecal consistency.
Monitor equipment such as freezers, life support systems including but not limited to water filtration, ozone generators, HVAC, and backup generators as needed.
Other duties as assigned.