Sr. Education Specialist-Grants & Community Outreach

This position creates, coordinates, and implements conservation education programs and community outreach projects for grant funded initiatives, including onsite and outreach programs.

Essential Job Functions:

• Work closely with schools to identify, design and implement programs to engage families, students, and members of the public in conservation education, action, and advocacy.
• Work collaboratively with other Education Department colleagues to develop and implement education programs including Learning Adventure, Zoomobile outreach, virtual offerings, scout programs, and family programs.
• Implement and maintain awareness of relevant state standards and regulations and ensure compliance within grant funded programs.
• Teach education programs including Learning Adventures, Zoomobile outreach programs, weekend programs, camps, and community outreach programs.
• Facilitate the presentation of Animal Ambassadors of diverse taxa following specified animal handling and training protocols.
• Attend conferences, webinars, and additional professional development to learn, disseminate, and implement evidence-based best practices in education, science literacy, informal program development and evaluation, classroom management, student development, conservation behavior change, and more.
• Work cross-departmentally (e.g., Marketing, Creative, Visitor Services) to advertise grant-funded programs and recruit partners.
• Seek out and represent the Zoo at various community events, festivals, career fairs, and other community-facing opportunities.
• Work collaboratively with members of the Education team and Development department to identify grant opportunities and support grant applications.
• Report monthly and quarterly on grant program deliverables and implementation metric. 
• Work effectively as part of the education team with staff, volunteers, and interns in all departments.
• Model thoughtful, ethical, empathetic leadership in all internal and external collaborations and engagement.
• Contribute professionally to a collaborative, innovative, and energetic work environment.

Other Functions:

• Participates in various Zoo committees as assigned;
• Performs other related duties as required.

Performance Factors:

Attendance and Dependability:

• The employee can be depended on to report to work at the scheduled time, including Saturdays, and is seldom absent from work.  Employee can be depended upon to complete work in a timely, accurate and thorough manner and is conscientious about assignments.

Communication and Contact: 

• The employee communicates effectively both verbally and in writing with superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside the Zoological Society.

Relationships with Others: 

• The employee works effectively and relates well with others including superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside the Zoological Society. 
• Exhibits a professional manner in dealing with others, and works to maintain constructive working relationships.
• Provides excellent customer service in the areas of guest relations and park beautification:
• Answers visitor inquiries or finds someone who can;
• Is knowledgeable of location of exhibits, restrooms, concessions, rentals, etc.
• Disposes of litter and waste throughout the park and zoo facilities.

Education/Experience/Knowledge/Skills:

• B.S. or B.A. degree in Education, Zoology, Biology, or a related field with a minimum of two years teaching in a zoological park or other informal or formal education setting.
• Strong knowledge of curriculum development, pedagogical theory and practice, Pre-K-12 educational standards, field conservation, ecology, and zoology are required.
• Strong organizational, time management, and classroom management skills are required, along with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency with computer software programs, presentation skills and attention to detail are required.
• Must have the proven ability to work independently and with a remote and in person team members to create and deliver programming while fostering a positive and collaborative team environment.
• Experience working with Ambassadors Animal and in environmental education preferred. Department of Human Services Child Abuse History Clearance, Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Records Check, and Federal Criminal History Record Information are required, along with a valid PA driver’s license and safe driving record.

Physical Requirements:

• Manual dexterity to operate office machinery such as personal computer, telephone, facsimile machine, copier, calculator, etc.
• Position is primarily indoors, but also works outdoors and is exposed to all weather conditions.
• Position may be physically demanding, and requires the ability to walk on paved and off-road paths and trails, travel in and operate vehicles, and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to work evenings, weekends and holiday as needed.
• Driving and travel off Zoo grounds is required.

Salary

• 19.23 - 20.19