Educator Guide - Part Time Seasonal - San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance•San Diego, CA

1d•$31 - $31•Onsite

About The Position

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and creating a world where all life thrives. Empowering people from around the globe to support our mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships, we support cutting-edge conservation, and bring the stories of our work back to our two world-famous front doors — the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park — giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The deep and extensive knowledge gained from more than a century of experience in wildlife care, health, veterinary services, nutrition and conservation makes us invaluable in the global effort to save species. Our team members play a crucial role in driving our conservation efforts forward and bringing us closer to a world where all life thrives. The Educator Guide supports San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's (SDZWA) mission and vision of saving species worldwide. The Educator Guide leads a variety of programs for diverse audiences, which may include visitors and school groups both on and off Zoo grounds. The Educator Guide adapts presentations using messaging consistent with trends in education and conservation to increase guests' engagement, awareness, and interest in SDZWA wildlife and conservation projects and may be required to operate a vehicle while narrating to guests. This position reports to the department Supervisor. The San Diego Zoo Education & Premium Experiences team seeks diverse, responsible, and outgoing team members for the seasonal Educator Guide - Tours position. This position reports to the Premium Experiences Supervisor and is responsible for engaging Zoo visitors in conservation through fun and informative paid tour experiences. Tours take place in small, open-air vehicles and on foot, both in public areas of the Zoo and in restricted areas in close proximity to wildlife. Available positions will start February-April, extending through August-September. Flexibility to work any day of the week is desirable, and candidates with bilingual proficiency in English/Spanish are encouraged to apply.

Requirements

Two or more years of non-formal education experience working with school-aged kids in a role such as camp counselor, schoolteacher, student mentor, or non-formal educator (e.g., zoo, aquarium, museum, nature center) required.
Must have completed at least two years of college-level courses related to education, biology, zoology.
Must be at least 18 years of age or older.
Working knowledge of principles and practices of biology or zoology, including wildlife behavior.
General knowledge of current teaching methods and practices and learning theory.
Ability to teach and motivate all ages on a variety of themes.
Ability to lead groups of up to 40 people on foot through the facility while teaching.
Ability to monitor animal behavior to ensure wildlife and participants remain safe.
Ability to monitor and maintain program materials and props; communicate supply needs.
Ability to keep records and follow procedures.
Ability to maintain flexibility with scheduling.
Ability to operate motor vehicles (e.g., trucks, vans, and cars) safely.
Ability to operate carts safely while narrating to guests onboard.
Ability to interact tactfully and courteously with the public and staff.
Ability to learn and use a variety of technological devices, software, and applications. (e.g., Dayforce, Galaxy, Google Suites, Bookeo, Box, etc.)
Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and guests (verbal and written).
Ability to communicate science concepts and conservation projects to a variety of audiences.
Ability to follow a schedule and manage time effectively.
Ability to demonstrate good independent judgment and problem-solving skills.

Nice To Haves

Teaching credential preferred.
Flexibility to work any day of the week is desirable, and candidates with bilingual proficiency in English/Spanish are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Conducts various programs for diverse audiences, including park visitors and school/youth groups on and off Zoo/Park grounds, adapting presentations using best practices in education and conservation to meet program objectives and increase guests' motivation to take conservation action. Safe operation of various vehicles while narrating to guests and use of technology, including audio-visual equipment during programs, is required.
Participates in monitoring and evaluation of programs by implementing essential program components and measurement tools, collecting data, and providing feedback for program refinement. Contributes to a culture of feedback by providing and receiving constructive feedback to support performance improvement.
Provides constructive input and support to program developers in creating and refining content.