Job Description:

Job Title: School and Family Evening/Weekend Lead Educator                      

Department:  Education                                                       

Job Status: Part-time                          

Primary Reporting to:  Manager of School and Family Programs

Secondary Reporting to: School and Family Programs Supervisors

FLSA Status:  Non-exempt    

Job Purpose: An Evening/Weekend Lead Educator advances the mission of Zoo Atlanta by creating experiences that engage, educate and energize program participants to action. As a Lead Educator, this position assists in facilitating and overseeing daily program logistics, ensuring that Educators are prepared to successfully and safely lead groups. In addition, this position teaches evening, overnight and weekend daytime programs both at the Zoo and in the community. Specifically, as an Educator, they facilitate learning for groups of all ages using interactive, STEM-based curriculum that showcases Zoo Atlanta’s work to conserve wildlife and wild places; how to protect our environment; and how every person can make a difference in these areas. Educator Leads are trained animal handlers and facilitate Program Animal Ambassador experiences as part of educational programming.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Lead Specific:

• Assume management of program, when program supervisors are not present.  This includes ensuring a high quality, safe, engaging experience for Zoo program participants as well as acting as a support and resource for other program staff.
• Assist in leading Educator orientations, trainings, and mentorship.
• Assist in the development of curriculum.
• Assist supervisors in managing day-to-day operations of programs, including but not limited to program rules and expectations.
• Collaborate with supervisors and other zoo team members to ensure all guest or staff issues/incidents are documented and addressed in a timely and professional manner.
• Model appropriate behavior and professionalism and be a resource to Educators and guests
• Prepared to act as a back-up Educator as necessary.
• Report program needs to supervisor as necessary.

Educator/Zoo Team Specific:

• Deliver high quality programming as part of all Zoo Atlanta’s weekend, evening, and overnight educational experiences.  Programming includes but is not limited to: Night Crawlers, Twilight Trek, Scout Programs, Adventure Cubs, Special Events, and Tours.
• Commitment to learn and master all content and skills needed to provide quality programming to Zoo program participants and guests. 
• Be able to provide excellent customer service to all zoo guests, including parents, teachers, chaperones, students, etc.
• Preparation and breakdown of program materials.
• Provide animal ambassador experiences, when appropriate, as part of programming. This includes ensuring the safety of all guests and animals during experiences.
• Must complete and maintain animal ambassador handling status, per Zoo Atlanta animal ambassador handling policies.
• Know and follow all emergency procedures and protocols.
• Maintain a positive and encouraging attitude to co-workers and guests.
• Assist with and/or lead on-grounds programming and projects as needed.
• Must attend all Zoo Atlanta mandatory training (i.e. customer service training)
• Must attend all mandatory Lead and Team meetings and workshops.
• Completion of various additional duties as assigned.

Experience and Skills:

Qualifications :

• Minimum of 2 years of experience with interpretation, formal or informal education in a zoological, museum, camp, school, non-profit or related setting.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience working around animals.
• Experience coordinating programs preferred.
• Experience working with children and families.
• Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Excellent oral communication skills required .
• Must have an appreciation for environmental education and a commitment to conservation and animal welfare.
• Professional dress, appearance, and conduct.
• Must be comfortable handling and working with animals, including snakes and other reptiles, mammals, amphibians, and invertebrates.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Internet browsers.
• Ability to drive Zoo Atlanta outreach van.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license.
• Must pass background and TB check.

EDUCATION:

• Education level required for position: Bachelor’s degree majoring in Education, Communication, Interpretation, Biology, Zoology, Environmental Education, or related field.

Schedule/Availability Requirements: 

• Must have the capability to work Thursday-Sunday evenings and overnights as well as weekend days 9am-2pm, with the potential to be available for early morning and late afternoon programs.
• Must give at least 2 days availability per pay period (pay period is 2 weeks long), will be scheduled for at least 1 shift based on program availability.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Willingness to work outside in inclement weather.

MISC:

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive.  Therefore, the employee may be required to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor or other management. The company reserves the right to revise or change job duties as business requirements dictate. It is mutually agreed that this job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Zoo Atlanta is an EOE and provides a Smoke-free and Drug-free Work Environment