Facility
Utica Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Position Scope: The Education Outreach Specialist is a member of the Utica Zoo’s education team reporting to the Lead Education Specialist. The Education Outreach Specialist is a travelling ambassador for the Utica Zoo who will plan and implement age-appropriate educational programs about the natural world that are delivered to a variety of youth and adult audiences in a setting away from the Zoo (such as schools, libraries, businesses, senior communities/care centers, corporate and special events). The Education Outreach Specialist will facilitate and develop engaging programs that speak to the Utica Zoo’s mission and conservation messaging and impart knowledge in such a way as to inspire continuing environmental stewardship.
This position is Full Time: Hourly, non-exempt, and benefit eligible, and will need to be flexible. Must be willing to work weekends and evenings as needed.
Duties:
Facilitate outreach programs about the natural world using the zoo’s ambassador animal collection and bio-facts. Constantly evaluates audiences and tailors the programs to provide information and entertainment at an appropriate level.
In partnership with the education team, brainstorm and develop new and maintain current high quality nature- and inquiry-based experience curricula for education outreach programs.
Maintain Animal Handling Certification; responsible for knowing and abiding by proper handling, transportation, presentation, and interaction protocols for a diverse collection of animals in preparation for and during programs.
Demonstrate a strong understanding of positive reinforcement training with ambassador animals.
Safely and independently drive long distances within New York to travel to program locations.
Work with the Lead Education Specialist to create an evaluation plan that includes both quantitative and qualitative methods, where appropriate, to measure progress and success against stated goals.
Understand and employ best practices in conservation messaging to connect Zoo audiences to conservation issues, threats, and solutions with the goal of encouraging environmental stewardship.
Other duties as assigned.
The Utica Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Education and Pre-requisites
College degree in Life Sciences, Conservation Ecology, Interpretation or related field
Experience working with a range of audience sizes and ages, including early childhood through adult
Experience developing curriculum
Must be comfortable working in close proximity to wild and domestic animals in a zoo setting as well as handling and training select ambassador animals.
Ability to interact with a variety of constituencies, ages, and learning abilities while maintaining a positive and respectful attitude
Must be familiar with Next Generation Science and other NYS learning standards and have the knowledge and ability to craft programs to meet those standards.
Excellent planning and organizational skills with the ability to balance and prioritize multiple tasks and requests, and meet deadlines in a professional manner.
Must successfully pass a background check and must have a valid, current driver’s license.
Will be required to remain up to date with testing and vaccinations for the safety of the animals, such as yearly TB testing.
Ability to lift 50 lbs. and participate in physical activities required of the position
Compensation and benefits
Compensation:
Starting at $13.50
Benefits:
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Employee discount
Health insurance
Health savings account
Paid time off
Retirement plan
Vision insurance
Application instructions
Please send your resume, cover letter and salary requirements to hr@uticazoo.org, by mail to Utica Zoo, 1 Utica Zoo Way, Utica, NY 13501, fax 315-738-0475 or apply on our website at https://www.uticazoo.org/careers/. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.