Job Description

Join Our Team at the Santa Barbara Zoo

Are you looking for a fun job? Join our team of educators in this unique outdoor learning environment!

Note: This position is fully outdoors and requires extensive walking through Zoo grounds (hills and inclines) in all weather conditions.

Position Status: Part-Time, Seasonal, Hourly, Non-Exempt

Requirements: Applicant must be minimum 18 years of age. At this time, the Zoo does not sponsor employment or internship visas. Compensation: $18.00/hour

Schedule: Seasonal position, Up to 16-40 hours/work week during school breaks, vary during school year. Spring Camp: March 24 - March 28

Summer Camp: June 16 August 15 (Must commit to min 6 of the 9 weeks of Summer Camp) Fall Camp: Nov 24-26 & 28

Job Description

Summary:

Under general direction of the Education Manager and Education Team, Zoo Camp Educator promotes the Zoo and its mission through implementing tour Zoo Camps.

Essential Duties Include The Following:

Zoo Camp:

• Supervises groups of up to 15 children while delivering camp curriculum in an engaging, age-appropriate manner, working with a particular age group within the 3-13 age range.
• Leads environmental and animal science activities, such as hands-on learning activities, games, crafts, stories, and songs.
• Supervises and ensures the safety and well-being of assigned group.

Secondary Duties:

• Other duties as assigned to maintain efficient and quality zoo operations.
• Greets every guest with a smile.
• Thanks guests for supporting and visiting the Zoo.
• Answers phone calls, voice mails, and e-mails promptly.
• Ensure the Zoo's presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash, and reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions.
• Associates with guests to assist and share information.
• Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo's uniform dress code.
• Takes responsibility to stay informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending meetings.
• Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement and the Employee Pledge.

Position Criteria:

• Minimum 2 years of college coursework in life sciences, zoology, education or environmental sciences or equivalent experience preferred.
• Minimum of 6 months experience in informal presentations.

License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications:

• Prefer experience in an environmental education setting
• Successful completion of a Department of Justice background check.
• First Aid and CPR certification required
• TB tests and Tetanus vaccinations as necessary
• Authorized to work in the United States At this time, the Zoo does not sponsor employment or internship visas.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Basic knowledge of biology and zoology preferred.
• Ability to organize, plan, collaborate and implement educational presentations.
• Skilled in improvisation.
• Energetic and engaging personality.
• Ability to present educational programs to diverse audiences and large groups of people.
• Ability to envision and implement innovative solutions and ideas.
• Ability to contribute to the creative process.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of computer software including word processing and database programs.
• Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and our guests.
• Ability to exercise safe work habits.
• Awareness of, sensitivity to, and empathy with animals.

Physical Demands; Work Environment:

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds occasionally and 10 or fewer pounds frequently.
• Ability to exert a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
• Ability to run, kneel, sit on the ground/floor, squat, and stand for long periods.
• Ability to negotiate the zoo work environment including behind-the-scenes, lawns, gravel, hilltop, and attic storage.
• Involves walking out-of-doors in all weather conditions.
• Supportive and open employment culture.
• Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including, electric carts, telephones, printers, two-way radios, projectors, and copiers.
• Ability to work outdoors most of the day.

Tools Used:

• Two-way radios
• Electric cart
• Personal computer and software (Word, Excel, and Outlook)
• Printer
• Telephone system
• Bio Facts and various learning-based materials
• Wagons

*You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page to be considered for the position*

The Zoo reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description does not constitute an employment contract and does not guarantee employment for any specified period. The job description does not in any way alter the at-will employment relationship. At this time, the Zoo does not sponsor employment or internship visas.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Do you love animals and working with people? Join the fun, caring, friendly, and energetic team at the Santa Barbara Zoo in our mission of preservation, conservation, and enhancement of the natural world and its living treasures through education, research, and recreation. Once you apply, please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.

The Santa Barbara Zoo is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and is a fully accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Known as one of the world's most beautiful zoos, it is located on 30 acres of lush botanic gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is home to more than 146 animal species living in open, naturalistic habitats. Our wonderful collaborative team includes up to 220 employees and 50 volunteers.

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