Zoo School Teacher Assistant [Part-Time]

San Antonio Zoo•San Antonio, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Zoo School Teacher Assistant is primarily responsible for teaching and assisting at the Will Smith Zoo School, a nature-based preschool for children ages 3-5. This role may also facilitate programs with parents and other educational audiences when needed. The position offers an opportunity to collaborate with innovative and diverse people at the San Antonio Zoo, making an impact by implementing a nature-based, developmentally appropriate preschool program, extending curriculum and activities based on student interests, and ensuring compliance with relevant government rules and regulations. The role also involves creating a community that encourages inquiry, wonder, and intentional risk-taking, fostering empathy, curiosity, and confidence in interactions with children, staff, volunteers, and parents, and supporting parent and volunteer involvement. General responsibilities include maintaining cleanliness of public spaces, being knowledgeable about nature and zoo-related topics, monitoring participant safety and well-being, communicating conservation messages, staying updated on zoo animals and plants, attending required training, managing program materials, adhering to zoo policies, and consistently exhibiting an attitude of service and commitment to the zoo's mission.

Requirements

Some college or coursework in education, life sciences, zoology or environmental education
Commitment to the importance of nature play within the field of early childhood education.
Commitment to conservation
Experience working with children ages 3-5
Demonstrate verbal, written and interpersonal skills; ability to be a creative and flexible team member.
Experience and comfort in nature/working outdoors.
Responsible for completing all online training courses by assigned deadlines.
Must be 18 years of age or older with a clean driving record for vehicle operation.
This position requires a valid Class 'C' Texas Driver's License or a valid driver's license from another state with the ability to obtain a Class "C" Texas Driver's License within 45 days of becoming employed.
Successful candidates must complete a pre-employment drug screening, background check, and TB test.
Must be able to work in varying climate and weather conditions (rain, snow, hot, or cold).
Must be available Monday through Friday, with the ability to occasionally work weekends, holidays, and after-hour assignments.

Responsibilities

Implement a nature-based developmentally appropriate preschool program guided by mission, principles, and practices for quality early childhood programs and the San Antonio Zoo
Implement curriculum resources
Set up and maintain classroom space
Ensure smooth transitions from classroom to extended care
Serve as the teacher's assistant for nature-based preschool classrooms
Extend curriculum and activities from the school day that are led by the interest of the students
Assure compliance with all relevant government rules and regulations. Be aware of and responsive to best practice within the early childhood profession
Create an environment that encourages inquiry, wonder, and intentional risk-taking
Interact with children, staff, volunteers, and parents in a way that fosters empathy, curiosity, and confidence
Support parent and volunteer involvement in programs
Remove trash and debris from public spaces, i.e., pick up litter whenever you see it
Be knowledgeable about nature and zoo-related program topics as well as different delivery methods for Early Childhood
Monitor location, safety, and well-being of all participants attending programs.
Effectively communicate age-appropriate conservation messages to participants
Maintain current knowledge and status of the Zoo's plants and animals.
Attend the San Antonio Zoo's orientation, animal handling training, and other continuing education opportunities.
Responsible for program material set-up and clean up (e.g., craft supplies, food items)
Adhere to all policies set forth by the San Antonio Zoo
Enforce all San Antonio Zoo restrictions and limitations.
Be flexible and positive in handling last-minute changes to the program agenda.
Uphold all company policies as outlined in the Standard Operating Procedures, Team Member Handbook, and Code of Business Conduct.
Consistently exhibit an attitude of service inside and outside of the Zoo, showing hospitality to all.
Be fully committed to the mission of San Antonio Zoo to create awareness that inspires action to care for the wild world we steward and animals we protect.
Performs other work-related duties as required and assigned.