Facility
Chehaw Park & Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Start Date: August 11, 2021
This is a 40 hr/week, 6 month position working with a team of professional educators between our three sister organizations: Chehaw Park & Zoo, Flint RiverQuarium, and Thronateeska (science museum). Seasonal educators will be able to observe, create, and eventually deliver many different types of informal education programs centered around animals, science, and nature. This position is designed to provide on the job experience for entry level informal educators.
Time Commitment: 40 hours per week, ANY DAY Mon- Sun. Must be able to work weekends and holidays. This position will continue for no more than 6 months or 1500 hours in one calendar year.
Job Duties:
• Deliver and assist with education presentations to the public including both on and off grounds
o Lead weekend public programming: exhibit interpretation, public animal feedings (alligators, aviary, petting zoo), and handling ambassador animals
o Lead targeted school programs utilizing state standards of excellence including animal presentations and outdoor activities (nature hikes, canoe trips, and water sampling)
o Develop short virtual synchronous and asynchronous presentations
o Assist Educators II & III with off grounds presentations and youth overnights (sometimes utilizing education animals)
• Lead on grounds Birthday Parties as the host which includes:
o Set up & clean for party
o Delivering 30-minute animal presentation
o Interact positively with party guests to guide the party through activities (animal program, cake, presents, and self-guided tour)
• Assist with camps and lead two sessions (based on season)
o Lead campers through facilities, crafts, games, and activities under supervision of Educator II & III
• Work with Ambassador Animals
o Handle for on and off grounds presentations
o Provide occasional care for Ambassador Animals including small mammals, reptiles, small raptors, amphibians, and invertebrates
• Record and relay information such as program attendees, animals’ usage, and animal behavior to appropriate authority or location (husbandry staff, supervisory education staff, and/or logged on computer)
• Work with youth and adult volunteers
Education and Pre-requisites
• One year of post-secondary education in a related field, three seasons, or two years of experience
• Experience with aquatic/marine conservation education or field research is preferred
• Must be comfortable with public speaking
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation to/from work
• Proof of tetanus vaccination within 10 years prior to hire or willingness to be vaccinated upon hire
• Fully Vaccinated for COVID 19 is recommended but not required
PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT: Must be able to lift 25 pounds regularly and 50 pounds occasionally. Must be able to work outdoors for 90% of the day in all-weather conditions; be able to tolerate strong odors, dust, hay, animal fur, hair, and dander.
Compensation and benefits
Pay: $7.50 per hour
Optional housing and utilities: $50.00 per week deducted from pay; on a “first-come, first-served” basis, Chehaw offers private rooms for rent for temporary employees whose primary residence creates a commute of over 2 hours. These rooms share common indoor living areas with other temporary staff. The availability of housing is not guaranteed.
Application instructions
Send resume and cover letter to the Director of Education, JEntz@chehaw.org, on or before the listed closing date July 16, 2021.
Email subject line should include: August Seasonal Educator