Team Lead Zoo Educator

The Team Lead Zoo Educator position is responsible for coordinating, preparing, and teaching specific programs offered by the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Garden's Education Department. Program responsibilities include, but are not limited to, outreach programs, animal encounter presentations, tours, and preschool programs. It also includes elementary and middle school curriculum-based programs, school break camps, summer camps, homeschool programs, scout programs, event programs, workshops, virtual programs, and Create Your Own ZOOventure programs. This is a role model position that requires punctuality, leadership, and strong organizational abilities. This person must have good teaching and training skills and help to create a positive work environment. The Team Lead reports directly to the Education Manager. Additional guidance is received through established policies and procedures, plus verbal and written communications.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Team Lead Zoo Educator must be able to perform all the essential job duties listed below; however, this list is not intended to be all inclusive of the specific tasks that an employee in this position may be expected to perform. Be an ambassador for the Zoo at all times. Work as a member of a large, diverse team, developing and nurturing professional relationships with all Zoo staff. Assist with scheduling Zoo Teacher staff to ensure all programs, events, and assignments are covered and completed in a timely manner. Assist the Education Manager and Education Specialist with program development, technical equipment use, animal handling, and training of new Education staff. Maintain inventory and ordering requests for classroom and office supplies. Ensure all program materials are organized and in good condition, and any worn or broken items are replaced. This includes program bins, biofacts, posters, assorted materials, and supplies. Assist with program evaluations to ensure specific requirements, standards, and professionalism are maintained. Assist the Education Manager and Education Specialist with curriculum training for new Education staff. This includes refresher training as assigned. Create and teach various programs, including, but not limited to, camps, homeschool programs, workshops, scout programs, curriculum-based programs, virtual programs, outreaches, animal encounters, tours, and special event programs. Develop, teach, and train the students and/or public about animals in the department's collection. Prepare program areas, supplies, and materials, and clean all program areas after use. In collaboration with the Education Specialist and/or Education Manager, make supplies and materials lists needed to effectively teach programs. Assist with other department programs as needed. Work with a large diverse collection of education program animals. This includes, but is not limited to, handling animals during programs, packing and unpacking of program animals and supplies. Train to teach all Education programs. Develop and nurture professional relationships with all Zoo staff. Participate in Zoo promotional opportunities and events that inspire, entertain, educate, and encourage Zoo visits and visitors. Adhere to all Central Florida Zoo policies and procedures. Perform other duties as assigned. The duties listed above are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

QUALIFICATIONS

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must be a minimum of 18 years old. Must provide a negative pre-employment drug test result. Must successfully pass a background check. Must be able to traverse Zoo grounds on foot. Must be able to work independently and as part of a team in a dynamic, fast-paced, energetic environment. Must be able to teach and lead all Education programs. Must be able to give, receive, and understand verbal and written directions and instructions. Must have excellent organization, communication, and teamwork skills. Must have strong attention to detail and the ability to complete tasks promptly and accurately. Must be able to engage and interact with a wide age range and variety of people. Must be able to learn, retain and teach many animal facts in an effective manner. Must be able to work with wide range of animals, including invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and small mammals. Must have the ability to work flexible hours, including weekdays, weekends, holidays, evenings, and Zoo special events.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

This position requires a college degree with a strong background in biology, zoology, or life science. A minimum of one (1) year in an informal teaching environment with children; zoo, museum, nature center, parks departments, etc., is required. Supervisory experience and experience utilizing animals in program settings is preferred.

LANGUAGE ABILITY

Must be able to give, receive, and understand verbal and written instructions and directions. Must be able to communicate and respond clearly and effectively to common inquiries, requests, or complaints from guests and/or staff in a kind, courteous, and professional manner.

REASONING ABILITY

Must be able to think strategically and execute plans. Must be able to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Must have the ability to think logically and solve problems with little or no guidance.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Must possess a valid Florida State Driver's License with an acceptable motor vehicle record to maintain Zoo standards of insurability.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following have been identified as physical requirements of the job: The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. The employee may be required to drive Zoo vehicles. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands and fingers to handle, reach, feel, and manipulate objects or controls. The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk distances, climb, balance, stoop, bend, kneel and crouch. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Job duties are performed both indoors in a classroom environment, and outdoors in various weather conditions, ranging from rain, wind, cool to cold weather, and extreme heat and humidity. It is possible the employee will be exposed to dust, allergens, and harsh chemicals that if not handled properly may present a health hazard. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Pay:

$16.00 - $17.00 per hour

Benefits:

Dental insurance Employee assistance program Employee discount Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Parental leave Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person