Public Programs Manager - Education Department
Working with youth and their families at the zoo is a dream job come true! Whether it is our 14-year-long, whole child development approach employed in Zoo Troop, our camps offered in every season, or the Living Classroom Education Access Fund that provides our programming to those in need at no cost, one can't help but feel you are a positive force in this world. There is nothing more satisfying than working with families, wildlife and our community in our public programs and starting them on their path to becoming conservationists.
If you want to be a part of a department that starts youth and their parents on the path to being people that live their conservation values, then we would love to meet you!
Position Summary: The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden's Education Department is seeking a creative and enthusiastic individual who has a passion for connecting children and families with nature and wildlife! Reporting to the Senior Manager of Public Programs, this position focuses on education program logistical preparations, staff hiring, training, scheduling and evaluation of public programs and other events. Incumbent supervises part-time instructors, AmeriCorps Members, volunteers and interns.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Recruiting, training, inspiring, supervising, scheduling, and evaluating part-time employees, instructors, volunteers and interns involved in Public Programs.
- Coordinating, organizing, and evaluating Public Programs including evening and weekend efforts.
- Leading by example and enabling every member of the team to act.
- Staying current and informed in trends and best practices in informal learning (Environmental Education, Natural History Interpretation, Participatory Education - specifically Inquiry Based Learning, etc.)
- Implement strategies designed to accomplish yearly budgetary and strategic goals for Public Programs.
- Working directly with children and families attending Public Programs providing inclusive program opportunities for children with varying developmental disabilities.
- Working regularly with the animal collection to maintain the highest level of proficiency, maintains their status as an animal handling trainer, to offer high quality, innovative and fun programming that considers the needs of our guests, animal ambassadors, and takes full advantage of our animal resources.
- Staying in tune with participant, employee, and intern needs and is prepared to review and update curriculum for various Public Programs accordingly.
- Other related duties as assigned to ensure the overall wellbeing of the Education Department and its programs and advance the mission of the Zoo.
Qualifications & Desired Skills: An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job will be considered.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's Degree in Education or one of the Biological Sciences.
- Experience working in environmental education or interpretive programs designed particularly for children and families.
- Aptitude for using operant conditioning methods when working with program animals.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities
- Have a demonstrated affinity for the Mission of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
- A positive attitude is a must! (not to be confused with being an extrovert!)
- Demonstrate an understanding and acceptance of the Core Values and Behaviors of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Lives these on a day-today basis, "Modeling the Way" for others
- Strong knowledge of animal and plant natural history and an even stronger desire to convey knowledge to others.
- A strong conservation ethic and enthusiasm for wildlife.
- Command of Windows-based software and applications is required.
- Excellent attention to detail, project management and interpersonal & organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlines and shift priorities in a rapidly changing environment
- Requires an individual who is highly professional, motivated, proactive, and helpful, who is able to gain cooperation through expertise, credibility, and building positive working relationships
- Possess excellent ability to develop and sustain effective working relationships within an organization; superior interpersonal skills; ability to work with diverse personalities; tactful; mature; flexible.
- Ability to work well with staff, volunteers, Zoo donors and prospects, as well as the general public.
Working Conditions/Other Requirements:
- Employment is contingent upon passing a drug screen and satisfactory background investigation.
- Must be able to work a schedule that may include evenings, weekends and holidays.
- While performing the duties of the job, the incumbent is regularly required to stand, walk, and have the manual dexterity to use computer mouse and keyboard.
- Ability to lift and carry 25lbs and spend time outdoors on varied terrain, in all weather conditions.
- Must possess a valid driver's license and be insurable to drive a Zoo vehicle.
Position Details: This position is full-time, overtime-exempt, and is eligible for the Zoo's benefit programs for non-union employees. We offer a comprehensive benefits package in support of our employees' Total Well-Being including affordable medical, dental & vision coverage; free mental health counseling and coaching, 401(k) plan with company match; flexible spending accounts; generous paid time off banks; company-paid disability & life insurance; park discounts and free passes.
To apply for this position: Cover letter and resume should be attached to your online application.
We strive to be an organization that is diverse and reflects the fullness of society. With a strongly held value for an organizational culture characterized by inclusion and belonging, we are committed to equity in all we do. We are especially interested in candidates who can contribute to our organization's diversity and who want to walk alongside us in our commitment to inclusion and equity. We are a Queen City Certified/Ellequate Leader in Workplace Equity. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
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Cincinnati Zoo
life insurance, paid time off, 401(k)
April 09, 2024