Zoo Educator

The Zoo Educator delivers and supports a wide range of educational programs, including outreach visits, on-site animal encounters, tours, camps, special events, etc., offered by Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens' Education Department. This role provides engaging, mission-driven learning experiences for diverse audiences through on-site and off-site programming. The Zoo Educator works collaboratively as part of the education team. The Zoo Educator will teach curriculum-based programs for elementary and middle school students, including homeschool, STEM, and specialty programs. The Zoo Educator will facilitate school break camps, summer camps, workshops, and special event programming. This position 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 Zoo Educator must be able to perform all the essential 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. Teach various programs, including outreaches, animal encounter presentations, preschool programs, camps, homeschool programs, workshops, scout programs, curriculum-based programs, virtual programs, tours, and special event programs. Train to teach specific Education programs. Prepare program areas, supplies, and materials, and clean all program areas after use. Prepare for and clean after all program areas used. Assist with other programs in the education department and zoo events as needed. Develop and nurture professional relationships with all Zoo staff. 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. Must be able to work independently and as part of a team in a dynamic, fast-paced, energetic environment. Must be able to give, receive, and understand verbal and written directions and instructions. Must be able to 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 have excellent organization, communication, and teamwork skills. 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 (or degree seeking). A minimum of one (1) year experience in a teaching environment with children.

LANGUAGE ABILITY

Must be able to communicate with guests and staff clearly and effectively. 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 40 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 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:

$15.00 per hour

Work Location:

In person