Blank Park Zoo
The Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, Iowa is a non-profit organization and home to more than 2,800 animals representing nearly 240 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish, and is fully accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The mission of the Blank Park Zoo is to inspire an appreciation of the natural world through conservation, education, research and recreation.
Position Purpose
Under the direction of the Education Manager, this position will facilitate education programs to promote the Zoo’s mission, goals and objectives; and create a positive learning experience for all ages. This is a permanent, full-time position. Employees must be available to work a flexible schedule that includes regular weekends and evenings. Some holidays (including Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day) and overnights are also required.
Essential Functions
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
- Educator: serve as primary facilitator for education programming. This requires a strong knowledge of program content, the ability to teach to varying age levels, and the skill and comfortability to handle various types of animals, including small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. Primary types of programming include day camps, early childhood programs, community outreach, virtual programs, classroom programs and adult programming.
- Interpreter: when not facilitating programs, serve as public interpreter for interpretive programs including Critter Corner, Australia Outback and Discover Conservation interacting with the public and practicing guest interaction strategies from the Guest Interaction Guide.
- Program Evaluation and Resource Development: Assist the education team leadership with administering program evaluations, as well as maintaining accurate statistics for all programs. Assist with the design and development of educational resources and activities for the Zoo’s website and program participants.
- Other responsibilities: The Educator I will frequently work with, and supervise volunteers and perform other duties as assigned. Work on weekends, evenings, some holidays and overnights is required.
Competencies
- Resourceful – Must have understanding of, or has the ability to research all applicable topics as they relate to modern conservation education principles and best practices
- Flexible – Must have the ability to handle a flexible workload with a variety of assignments while also maintaining composure in an environment that can be stressful
- Independent – Must be able to operate independently, exercise initiative and demonstrate capacity for detail and follow-up
- Positive – Must be a positive, effective team member and be able to establish professional working relationships to grow and develop team members
- Organized – Must have strong organizational skills, attention to detail and high level of accuracy
- Clear communication skills, both verbal and written
- Customer-oriented – Must be able to exercise professional customer service skills at all times, with many different types of people and all situations
Supervisory/Management Responsibilities
This position has no supervisory responsibilities but may mentor seasonal staff and volunteers.
Work Environment
While performing the duties of the job, the incumbent is required to work both indoors and outdoors with exposure to seasonal weather conditions. The incumbent will be required to spend large amounts of time driving alone. This position requires frequent work with children and/or animals. This individual will be exposed to computer monitors. The noise level is moderate.
Required education and experience
Minimum requirements: A bachelor degree in education, conservation, zoology or related field. Experience working or volunteering in a school, education department at a zoo, museum or informal learning center is a plus. Any equivalent combination in which education and experience are interchangeable at the rate of one year of education for one year of experience is acceptable.
Additional eligibility requirements
- Must be insurable to drive a zoo vehicle.
- Must be able to maintain work hours that will serve the needs of the Blank Park Zoo
- Must be able to maintain calm and act professionally in all situations such as emergencies and guest interactions.
- Bilingual or multi-lingual candidates are preferred.
Licenses/Certifications
- Valid Iowa motor vehicle license and proof of insurability
- Ability to obtain:
o Rabies vaccination
o Proof of negative TB test
o First Aid/CPR Training
o Universal Precautions
o Mandatory Child Abuse Reporter Training (MCART)
o Safe Food Handler
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Affirmative Action/EEO statement
Blank Park Zoo is an equal opportunity employer and give employment and promotional consideration without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam era, and any other protected class as required by local, state, or federal law. We seek applicants for employment who are dedicated, hardworking and seek fulfilling employment. In return Blank Park Zoo offers competitive income, benefits, and an excellent working environment.
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