Summer Camp Educator Guide - Part Time Seasonal - San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance•San Diego, CA

21d•Onsite

About The Position

The Educator Guide supports San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's (SDZWA) mission and vision of saving species worldwide. The Educator Guide leads a variety of programs for diverse audiences, which may include visitors and school groups both on and off Zoo/Park grounds. The Educator Guide adapts presentations using messaging consistent with trends in education and conservation to increase guests' engagement, awareness, and interest in SDZWA wildlife and conservation projects and may be required to operate a vehicle while narrating to guests. This position reports to the department Supervisor. The San Diego Zoo is seeking enthusiastic team members who will co-lead a camp group to create a fun, welcoming and safe environment for all. You will collaborate with your camp team to provide engaging, hands-on experiences for campers entering grades K-9th, spending a majority of the camp day outdoors. You will facilitate camp activities, art projects, games and explorations inspired by wildlife and wild places, in and around the Zoo. You will create a continuous feedback loop for improvement alongside your camp team, mentor Program Aides, as well as communicate effectively with the Camp Leadership Team and caregivers, ensuring a high quality for the team, campers and their families. This position requires participation in one training session in early-May and availability to work the full length of team training and camp from June 1 – August 10, Monday through Friday.

Requirements

Two or more years of non-formal education experience working with school-aged kids in a role such as camp counselor, schoolteacher, student mentor, or non-formal educator (e.g., zoo, aquarium, museum, nature center) required.
Must have completed at least two years of college-level courses related to education, biology, zoology.
Must be at least 18 years of age or older.
Working knowledge of principles and practices of biology or zoology, including wildlife behavior.
General knowledge of current teaching methods and practices and learning theory.
Ability to teach and motivate all ages on a variety of themes.
Ability to lead groups of up to 40 people on foot through the facility while teaching.
Ability to monitor animal behavior to ensure wildlife and participants remain safe.
Ability to monitor and maintain program materials and props; communicate supply needs.
Ability to keep records and follow procedures.
Ability to maintain flexibility with scheduling.
Ability to operate motor vehicles (e.g., trucks, vans, and cars) safely.
Ability to operate carts safely while narrating to guests onboard.
Ability to interact tactfully and courteously with the public and staff.
Ability to learn and use a variety of technological devices, software, and applications. (e.g., Dayforce, Galaxy, Google Suites, Bookeo, Box, etc.)
Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and guests (verbal and written).
Ability to communicate science concepts and conservation projects to a variety of audiences.
Ability to follow a schedule and manage time effectively.
Ability to demonstrate good independent judgment and problem-solving skills.

Nice To Haves

Teaching credential preferred.

Responsibilities

Conducts various programs for diverse audiences, including park visitors and school/youth groups on and off Zoo/Park grounds, adapting presentations using best practices in education and conservation to meet program objectives and increase guests' motivation to take conservation action. Safe operation of various vehicles while narrating to guests and use of technology, including audio-visual equipment during programs, is required.
Participates in monitoring and evaluation of programs by implementing essential program components and measurement tools, collecting data, and providing feedback for program refinement. Contributes to a culture of feedback by providing and receiving constructive feedback to support performance improvement.
Provides constructive input and support to program developers in creating and refining content.