Zoo Educator - ZooLittles

Zoo Educator - ZooLittles John Ball Zoo - 3.8 Grand Rapids, MI Job Details Part-time $17.20 - $20.24 an hour 4 hours ago Benefits Paid holidays Disability insurance Health insurance Dental insurance Tuition reimbursement Parental leave Employee assistance program Vision insurance 401(k) matching Life insurance Qualifications Bachelor's degree Full Job Description Zoo Educator - ZooLittles In partnership with the Preschool Specialist, the ZooLittles Educator facilitates the ZooLittles nature play preschool aged program at the Zoo. The ZooLittles Educator will also help facilitate summer camp at the Zoo. The ZooLittles Educator will assist the Preschool Specialist to implement developmentally appropriate curriculum centered around nature play and using up to date early childhood standards. The role includes curriculum development for Zoo camp and assists in managing parent and student communications related to programming. This is a Part Time year round position with a pay range of: $17.20 - $20.24 per hour

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A ZOOLITTLES EDUCATOR AT JBZ

The ZooLittles Educator assists in the creation and implementation of age-appropriate, nature play based curriculum that meets the latest industry standards and assists with the evaluation of program and curricula. They utilize the natural setting of the Zoo and surrounding grounds to create safe, engaging nature experiences for preschool aged participants. The ZooLittles Educator also creates an exciting and welcoming environment during Zoo Camp through an enthusiastic pursuit of accomplishing camp goals and inspiring campers in the natural world. They communicate with students of all age levels, demonstrating good listening skills, friendliness, enthusiasm, patience, and humor; answers student questions with age-appropriate information and encourages ongoing curiosity about animals and conservation.

Who We Are:

At John Ball Zoo, our mission is to inspire our community to be actively engaged in the conservation of wildlife and our natural environment. John Ball Zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1983 which assures excellent animal care and a dedication to conservation. As one of the top attractions in Grand Rapids, we welcome over 700,000 guests each year who are able to experience over 2,000 animals of over 230 species that represent the beautiful wildlife living in our world! We are passionate about our mission focused on education and conservation but know that our 400+ employees guided by our core values accomplish this mission.

Our core values are:

Conservation Education Community Celebrate Compassion

BENEFITS AT JBZ

We offer incredibly competitive benefits. This includes

FREE:

Medical plan option Dental & Vision for employees & family Short-term disability Long-term disability Life Insurance Employee Assistance Program 12 Full weeks of parental leave

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

We offer 9 days of personal time, generous vacation time and 11 paid Holidays each year. We offer a 4% match and 3% employer contribution to your 401k, zoo discounts, employee-only zoo experiences, tuition reimbursement, additional medical benefits to meet your and your family's needs, and a FREE Premium Zoo membership for you and your family.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE ZOO EDUCATOR - ZOOLITTLES AT JBZ

Bachelor's degree in Zoology, Biology, Botany, Ecology, Environmental Science, Science Education or closely related field At least one year of experience in interpretations, classroom teaching, educational outreach experience, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience Teaching certification preferred Affinity for the mission and values of John Ball Zoo Ability to interact positively and objectively with co-workers, education program participants, volunteers, and members of the general public from a wide range of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds and with widely divergent levels of educational attainment and social skills. Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed per the operating calendar and program schedules John Ball Zoo is a drug-free workplace under federal regulations. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.