Educator (School Programs) – (Part-time w/medical benefits, year-round)

Saint Louis Zoo • Saint Louis, MO

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Educators develop, lead, and evaluate high quality and differentiated educational programs in a variety of ways, including: in-person programs on Zoo grounds, in person outreach programs at offsite locations in the St. Louis community, and virtual programs via Zoom.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in education/biology or related field.
• A valid driver’s license required (if Missouri is the issuing state, must be willing to obtain a Class E driver’s license).
• Successful candidates will have excellent time management, organizational, communication, and planning skills.
• Must be able to work independently, as well as delegate duties, if needed.
• Strong attention to detail will be useful.
• Excellent customer service skills are needed.
• Need to be familiar and comfortable with Microsoft Office Suite.
• If hired, the candidate must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds, on flat ground and up or down stairs, potentially several times a day.
• Must be comfortable walking across Zoo grounds, potentially several times a day, in various weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

• Experience teaching informal science-education is desired.
• Experience with STEM, inquiry-based learning, and/or differentiated environmental education is a plus.
• Ability to speak other languages a plus.

Responsibilities

• During the academic year (September through May), this position primarily teaches school audiences via 45-minute-long programs (several booked back-to-back), while in the summer season (June to August) this position will lead week-long zoo camps, which serve campers 2 nd -9 th grades.
• Virtual programs take place year-round, serving primarily elementary audiences on a global level.
• When needed, this position assists with outreach programs, which travel to and serve a variety of audiences including daycares, schools, afterschool programs, and assisted living facilities in and around St Louis area, year-round.
• While having primary responsibilities of on grounds school programs, camps and virtual programs, this person will be joining a team that works together and fills in for all program coverage as needed; as such educators must be comfortable with children as young as two years of age through adults 80+ years (potentially with Alzheimer's/memory challenges).
• Educators must have comfort with and the ability to differentiate curriculum and teach to a variety of ages, group sizes, and types of audience, backgrounds, and abilities. Classroom/group management, both in person and virtually, is essential.
• Effective communication and understanding via spoken and written English required. Comfort teaching in a virtual environment is vital. Comfortable driving a Zoo vehicle in and around St Louis is needed.
• The ability to be flexible in scheduling and to mentally pivot is integral to success in this position. Excellent time management and forward-thinking & planning are essential to success. Open to feedback from program participants, team members, and supervisor is key. Building community and having rapport with teachers, students, and individuals necessary. With virtual audiences, awareness of and honoring differing cultures required. Ability to speak other languages a plus.
• Educators will model the Conservation Education Department’s mission, values, and philosophy, as well as adhere to the Zoo’s overall mission and values. Educators will work in partnership with others in the department and/or Zoo community as needed to design, implement, and evaluate new educational programs that convey developmentally appropriate Zoo and conservation messages, and train other staff on any new programs created.
• Successful candidates will thrive in fast-paced, dynamic, team-oriented atmosphere with an open-cubicle environment, when working at the Zoo. However, the candidate must have the willingness and capabilities to also work from home during scheduled work hours, if needed. This position will be based primarily at the Forest Park Zoo campus, but will also be expected to lead programs and/or work at/near the new WildCare Park campus occasionally throughout the year.
• Educators will be trained to exhibit responsible and appropriate biofact (skulls, pelts, skins, etc.) management and handling. Educators will be also be trained on the Conservation Education Department’s program development process and expectations. Attendance is required at all Zoo trainings, as well as select other professional development opportunities.
• Educator is responsible for Zoo asset management including but not limited to: respectful use of shared digital resources (e.g. - iPhones, Bluetooth headsets, laptops, video cameras, etc.), maintaining the cleanliness and functionality of the Zoo’s distance learning studio, maintaining the cleanliness of Education vehicles, maintaining and organizing program supplies, and assisting with other Education projects as assigned.

Benefits

• Position includes accrued PTO time and optional medical insurance, but no additional paid benefits.
• There are Zoo employee benefits including free parking, attraction tickets, and discounts at the Zoo.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level