Under the leadership of the Director of Conservation Education, the Animal Ambassador Lead Educator is
responsible for the development and facilitation of learning experiences for the Johnny Morris Foundation which
includes Wonders of Wildlife and others conservation attraction properties. Responsible for training education staff and
teen volunteers on ambassador animals in partnership with Life Sciences. The lead educator will also manage the docent
program with the assistance of the Assistant Manager of Education.
Essential Functions
- Supervise, schedule, and manage animal training for educational volunteers, TNT volunteers, WOLF students, and education staff, ensuring alignment with programming and shows.
- Design, coordinate, and lead immersive educational programs and experiences for the Johnny Morris Foundation conservation attraction properties.
- Organize, execute, and present various shows, presentations, and encounters with our animal ambassadors to enrich the guest's experience during facility tours.
- This may include leading and developing educational programs for summer camps, overnights, birthday parties, outreach, classroom, outdoor skills, guest engagement, and community programs.
- Develop and conduct a range of educational programs and workshops tailored for school groups, WOLF School, home school, scout groups, and other civic and community organizations.
- Handle and showcase a variety of small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects within educational programs.
- Exhibit exemplary leadership that aligns with the mission and values of Wonders of Wildlife.
- Embrace flexibility and adaptability in all aspects of work.
- Showcase adaptability and willingness to collaborate across various programmatic suites, including team projects, program development, teaching, etc.
- Support resource maintenance, materials management, and programming spaces, including the procurement of supplies, equipment, and other necessary materials.
- Implement year-round educational programs both onsite and offsite in collaboration with Educator II and entry level educators.
- Coordinate and deliver age-appropriate interpretive presentations in both onsite and offsite settings.
- Must acquire a Class E Missouri driver’s license prior to beginning employment.
- Fulfill other duties as required.
MINIMUM Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Bachelor’s degree in education, conservation, or biological science (or equivalent work experience).
- Minimum of 3 years experience in handling and presenting with live animals and training staff on proper handling techniques.
- Excellent public speaking & written communication skills.
- Must be able to lead classroom programs including crafts; transport and display live species.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs and other office equipment.
- Needs a high degree of concentration and attention to detail. Ability to focus on multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Requires walking/standing approximately 60% of time; sitting approximately 20% of time; lifting up to 40 lbs. approximately 10% of time; stooping, forward bending and crouching approximately 10% of time.
- Capability of performing essential job functions in an aquarium museum environment with climate control and good lighting. Also requires some work outside in various environmental conditions.
- Ability to operate telephones, computers, and other general office equipment, to record written information and maintain files.
- Able to communicate verbally with employees, volunteers, guests, and technical professionals in person and via telephone.
- Can operate office equipment including computers and read written instructions and other documentation.
Perks
- Full Time employees receive Store/Attraction employee discounts, Medical, Vision, Dental, LTD, 401(k), Company Paid Life Insurance and STD, and Paid Time Off.
Salary
- $17.00
