Educator and Herpetoculture Associate

Position Overview:

The E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center is seeking a reliable and organized Educator and Herpetoculture Associate to provide educational programming and create opportunities for the public to learn more about the Center and its herpetology collection. This role requires someone with a broad skill set in education, public speaking, animal knowledge, and animal handling. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter who's well organized, proactive, detail-oriented, and wants to share their passion for the natural world. The E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center is a nonprofit dedicated to public education focused on the importance of biodiversity, sustainability, and ecosystem conservation, preservation, and restoration. The E. O. Wilson Biophilia Center, located in Freeport, Florida, provides free environmental education to 4th and 7th grade students in Walton, Okaloosa, Bay, Holmes, and Washington counties. Each school year, over 6,000 students visit the Biophilia Center, averaging more than 110 students each school day. At the Biophilia Center, students learn experientially about the natural environment through curriculum aligned courses, interpretive exhibits, captive native species and ambassador animals, and an extensive trail system on the edge of the 57,000-acre Nokuse Land Conservancy. Curiosity, exploration, and inquiry of the natural world are encouraged. The Biophilia Center is open to the public on a limited basis throughout the year.

Key Responsibilities:

• Education (approximately 50%) o Conducts all education programs and guest interactions in accordance with organizational standards, regulations, safety, policy, and procedure.

o Teach and facilitate all education programs, including but not limited to; school programs, public programs, outreach programs, camps, and tours. o Assist in the creation, development, and revision of age-appropriate programs aligning with FL school standards. o Assist in the creation and development of engaging activities for events and help lead guests/students through these activities. o Prepare program materials, breakdown materials, clean-up, and put materials away upon conclusion of the program. o Utilize, care for, and manage all program equipment appropriately. o Maintain active animal handler status with the education program animal collection. o Collaborate with teachers and chaperones to ensure a safe learning environment. o Perform other duties as assigned.

• Herp Handling (approximately 50%) o Lead the care and husbandry of the herpetology collection in accordance with policies and procedures.

o Daily cleaning and maintenance of housing. o Daily diet preparation and feeding as well ensuring food is stocked and ordered. o Perform capture, restraint, shifting, and handling techniques. o Daily observation and record taking of behavior and healthcare. o Assisting with veterinary/medical procedures and crating. o Writing stories/articles for Adopt An Animal, newsletter, etc o Ensure volunteers assisting with herp care are properly trained in safety and care. o Update SOPs and care as needed. o Assist with permit submissions.

Requirements:

• Possess a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn.
• Bring strong organizational, communication, and public speaking skills.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to complete daily tasks in a timely fashion with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Basic computer literacy (for record-keeping and communication).
• Have a valid driver's license, dependable transportation, and reliable attendance.
• Commit to flexible scheduling, including weekdays, weekends, and some holidays.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1-3 years of education or outreach experience
• 1+ years of experience handling or working in environments with live animals.

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation and benefit package (health insurance reimbursement, simple IRA, paid time off, career development, and more).

How to

Apply:

Please submit a cover letter and resume to information@eowilsoncenter.org .

Pay:

From $40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Paid time off

Work Location:

In person