Educator (Part-Time)

Naples Zoo Inc•Naples, FL

5h•Onsite

About The Position

Educators are responsible for developing and teaching engaging and accurate informal education programs both on the zoo’s grounds and at off-site locations. The Educator will lead groups of all ages through effective interpretation, interactive activities, and lessons that teach about conservation, the Zoo, animals, plants and the natural world. Educators are part-time and scheduled on an as-needed basis, and the number of hours depends on the number of programs booked.

Requirements

Willingness to support organization’s Vision, Mission and Values while working with individuals in our programs.
Must obtain a TB test, pass a background check, and pass a drug screen upon hire.
Must have a valid driver’s license, and must be willing to safely drive the outreach vehicles.
Must be present and able to attend all required training.
Must be proficient with computers and working in Microsoft Office products. Proficiency with Canva and other software programs is a plus.
Must have experience creating and delivering curricula in formal/informal settings.
Ability to speak comfortably and confidently in front of various audiences.
Willingness to work with and around animals, including reptiles, mammals, birds, amphibians, and invertebrates. Experience working with/handling animals is a plus.
Experience working in/with recreation programs, schools, zoos, aquariums, environmental education centers, and/or combination thereof.
Must be flexible, fun, creative, responsible, dependable, adaptable, and have an enthusiasm for children, education, and wildlife.
Excellent organizational skills, ability to multitask, and ability to remain flexible in order to maintain excellent guest service.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, and the ability to practice open communication with supervisors and coworkers.
Ability to physically and mentally remain calm and maintain control during emergencies that may arise.
Ability to work as a member of a team and/or independently as needed.
Multi-lingual a plus.
A minimum of two years of college coursework with a major in biology, zoology, environmental studies, education, psychology, or other related field.
Experience working with elementary aged children in formal/informal settings is required.
Experience handling or working in environments with live animals is preferred.
Must possess a valid driver’s license, and must be age 21 to drive personal or zoo owned motor vehicle for zoo business.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency with Canva and other software programs is a plus.
Experience working with/handling animals is a plus.
Multi-lingual a plus.
Experience handling or working in environments with live animals is preferred.
National Association for Interpretation Certified Interpretive Guide is a plus.

Responsibilities

Conducts all education programs and guest interactions in accordance with AZA and organizational standards, regulations, safety, policy, and procedure.
Teach and facilitate all education programs, including but not limited to; guided tours, school programs, toddler programs, outreach programs and camps (fall, winter, & spring), and tours.
Support the creation and development of age appropriate programs for all participants in the Zoo’s education programs.
Support the creation and development of engaging activities for events (on-grounds and off-site), and help lead guests through these activities.
Prepare program materials, breakdown materials, clean-up, and put materials away upon the conclusion of programs.
Utilize, care for, and manage all program equipment (laptops, projectors, microscopes, cameras, biofacts, etc.) appropriately.
Maintain active animal handler status with the education program animal collection in accordance with education program animal guidelines, policies, and procedures.
Communicate appropriately and provide excellent guest service to all children, caregivers, guests, teams, and co-workers to ensure positive interactions, experiences, and successful programming.
Work with a team to create, build, and maintain a good working rapport ensuring a safe and fun experience for all.
Attend and complete all required training; policies, procedures, online learning, educator training, animal handling, and education programs.
Assist in maintaining clean and tidy education areas; the education classroom, storage locations, and office spaces.
Attend and participate in education staff meetings, and participate in professional development as appropriate.
Represent Naples Zoo and the Education Department in a positive, professional, and appropriate manner.
Commit to flexible scheduling, including weekdays, weekends, and some holidays.
Perform other duties as assigned.