To allow for growth and salary progression the full hourly range is $35.97- $49.24. Employees will have the opportunity to move through the posted range based on annual performance reviews and merit increases.
- Under the direction of the Community Collaboration Manager of ZEED (Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park) this position will develop, coordinate and implement the facilitation of engaging school programming (current and new).
- This includes evolving the hands-on empathy science-based program, Wildlife Champions into a sustainable and scalable program.
Through the Empathy Educators:
- Nurturing Wildlife Advocates grant provided by Advancing Conservation through empathy for Wildlife Network, this position will facilitate fostering a culture of conservation and empathetic behaviors.
- Starting with Tacoma Public School elementary schools and planning for engagements with Eatonville School District.
- Building and enhancing pathways for local communities to explore careers in conservation, wildlife care, and zoo operations, specifically at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park.
- Partnering and collaborating with educational institutions to create opportunities for hands-on learning, internships, and career development in the field of wildlife and environmental science.
- Working collaboratively with the community programs coordinator on areas of program overlap and support Explore the Shore programming as needed
- This position will also be responsible for supporting community-focused events and programming led by Community Collaboration.
- Primary office location will be at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Tacoma WA and secondary location will be Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Eatonville, WA.
Work where you play!
- Join our team at Parks Tacoma to put your skills to use serving your community and making Tacoma a vibrant, healthy, and welcoming place to live.
Who We Are
- Parks Tacoma is a CAPRA-accredited and AZA-accredited, independent park district that leads efforts to build a healthy, sustainable community. Located in Tacoma, Washington, Tacoma Parks’ mission is to create healthy opportunities to play, learn, and grow.
- The independent park district spans the city providing a wide range of life-enriching destinations and services, including 70+ parks, 80+ miles of trails, 1,000+ acres of urban forest, 66 playgrounds, four community centers, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Point Defiance Park, and much more.
- Our work is guided by eight core values that are the foundation of our actions and goals: innovation, excellence, equity, inclusiveness, sustainability, accountability, safety, and fun.
Why You’ll Love it Here
- Come work where you play! You will contribute to the overall vitality and well-being of your community when you work for Parks Tacoma, and you’ll do so as part of a supportive team of committed, passionate, and mission-driven professionals.
- The people of Parks Tacoma are the key to its success, and you just might be the next great addition to our team.
- You’ll receive a competitive wage, along with an attractive benefits package, including medical, dental, retirement, vacation, holidays, and much more.
- On top of that, you’ll wake each day knowing that you’re helping make Tacoma a great place to call home.
Position Information
- Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, develop, coordinate and implement public educational programs; the volunteer/docent programs and related activities.
- Interview, hire, train, provide work direction, and evaluate assigned personnel and volunteers.
In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to:
- Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
- Interact professionally with other employees, customers and suppliers.
- Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
- Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
- Observe applicable safety requirements, use safety equipment provided, implement appropriate safety practices at all times and report immediately any unsafe working conditions or hazards.
Essential Duties
- Develop, coordinate, schedule and implement educational programs with a nature or science focus, which promote the use of Park District facilities and resources and provide educational opportunities for the public.
- Screen, interview, hire, provide work direction and guidance for assigned personnel, including volunteers and interns; schedule, assign and review work.
- Develop, prepare and administer educational, scientific, historical and related literature concerning the activities of a public education function related to environmental, zoological, or cultural programs; develop education and related materials, graphics, websites and tools for publication and departmental use.
- Develop and coordinate training programs for docents, volunteers, area teachers and instructors to promote the use of Park District facilities as an educational resource.
- Coordinate communication and activities with other Park District departments and personnel, instructors, teachers and local schools to implement, facilitate and promote educational programs.
- Plan and participate in a variety of special programs and projects to promote educational awareness and understanding to the public.
- Maintain various records and files related to educational programs and to volunteer programs, including records of budget information and program reservations; gather and provide information for budget preparation.
- Participate in long-range planning and policy development to facilitate and improve educational programs and operations.
- Operate a motorized vehicle to travel to multiple locations to carry out essential duties. Adhere to all driving laws and safety rules.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
Experience Required
- Bachelor’s degree in education, history, natural sciences, environmental studies, communications, museum studies or related field and two years of increasingly responsible experience involving educational program development or interpretive programming in zoological, aquarium, museum or informal learning setting.
- Four years of increasingly responsible related experience may substitute for the degree.
DESIRED EXPERIENCE:
- Experience working with diverse populations in nature settings or conservation organizations, specifically historically oppressed communities.
- Experience with lesson development and delivery of educational programming to individuals, families and groups from a variety of ages, abilities and backgrounds.
- Experience with environmental education program development and delivery in formal or informal settings.
- Experience working with community partners to achieve shared goals.
LICENSE & OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
- Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
- Ability to obtain valid first aid and CPR certification within probationary period.
- Ability to work flexible schedule, including weekends, evenings and holidays as required
Salary
- $35.97 - $49.24 Hourly
