Education Program Manager

FRESNOS CHAFFEE ZOO CORPORATION•Fresno, CA

2d•$70,304 - $82,230•Onsite

About The Position

The Education Program Manager cultivates and leads a team of educators delivering excellent experiences for Zoo learners. The role ensures that Fresno Chaffee Zoo Corporation’s education programs are innovative and aligned with industry standards, and plans and coordinates camps, school programs, group tours, and other educational programs in support of the organization’s mission and vision. The manager oversees education staff and daily program operations for pre-K through 12th grade, family, and adult audiences. The position leads the assessment, design, development, delivery, and evaluation of educational programming; supports school partnerships and budgets; and provides strategic leadership for the Education team. It also involves managing staff performance and administrative requirements, maintaining strong customer service, responding to emergencies as an Incident Coordinator, and safely operating a vehicle for business purposes. The position is based at the Zoo facility in Fresno, California. Work is primarily indoors, with frequent exposure to outdoor Zoo environments and events, children and students, Zoo animals, and possible dust or dirt. Local travel and occasional out-of-town travel may be required. Extended hours, evenings, weekdays, weekends, and holidays may be required. The listed annual pay range is $70,304–$82,230, with offers based on the successful candidate’s experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
At least three years of experience in formal classroom teaching, informal education, experiential education, and/or public speaking.
At least two years of experience managing a large team of 50 people.
At least two years of experience with the Microsoft Office suite.
Valid California driver’s license and valid vehicle insurance; enrollment in the California Employer Pull Notice program and successful completion of the FCZ Drivers Training Program required.
Strong verbal and written English communication skills.
Ability to meet the described physical and mental requirements, with reasonable accommodation considered upon request; requirements include visual acuity, oral communication, typing and administrative dexterity, lifting/carrying up to 10 pounds regularly and 25 pounds occasionally, pulling up to 40 pounds, occasional walking of approximately 5–8 miles, and bending, kneeling, and stooping throughout a shift.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in education, Animal Science, or a related field is highly preferred.
At least two years of experience in wildlife and conservation education preferred.
Bilingual Spanish or Hmong communication skills are a plus.

Responsibilities

Manage Education Programs staff and daily operations for programs serving pre-K through 12th grade, family, and adult audiences.
Manage the assessment, design, development, implementation, and evaluation of educational programs using school standards and evidence-based practices, including Next Generation Science Standards, empathy for animals, and social-emotional learning.
Serve as Camp Director as needed.
Manage school partnership program delivery, including budgets and capacity, in collaboration with the Director of Learning.
Ensure budget guidelines are followed and expenditures are approved according to the budget.
Ensure educational program schedules are developed and implemented.
Ensure customer payments for educational programs are accepted and tracked according to accounting procedures.
Ensure employees and volunteers have relevant, accurate knowledge of Zoo collections.
Keep current with best practices in educational programming, management, and conservation science.
Inform the Director of Learning about relevant staff, student, or partner issues.
Serve as a core Education team leader, providing support, strategic thinking, and departmental vision.
Collaborate with the Conservation Interpretation Manager and Volunteer Engagement Manager to provide additional management support to education teams as needed.
Model quality customer service and de-escalation when interacting with the public.
Act as Incident Coordinator during on-ground emergencies.
Safely operate a vehicle for business purposes, including travel to and from FCZC facilities and offsite locations.
Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support team and organizational goals.
Exercise discretion and independent judgment, demonstrate leadership, use solution-based problem solving, and remain accountable for team management.
Attend meetings and activities prepared, punctual, and fully present; communicate professionally and respond to communications in a timely manner.
Manage payroll timekeeping for direct reports and oversee compliance with wage and hour regulations.
Ensure direct reports complete required training, documents, and other deliverables on time.
Engage and inspire the team and Zoo staff, fostering open and honest communication.
Remain accessible to Zoo staff by cell phone and use professional courtesy when contacting staff on days off, except in emergencies.
Provide regular performance feedback and complete timely written evaluations for reporting staff.