Job Description
Job Description
Position/Title: Educator I
Department: Education
Supervisor: Family Programs Manager
Nashville Zoo Mission:
Nashville Zoo is dedicated to inspiring a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation, and leadership. With a diverse collection of animals and a commitment to wildlife preservation, we provide engaging experiences for visitors of all ages.
Why Work with Us:
At the Nashville Zoo, we believe in taking care of our team just as well as we care for our animals. Full-time employees enjoy a robust benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and future:
Position Description:
The Educator I is part of a dedicated team who are committed to integrating education into the guest experience and recognize the significance of education in fostering community support for the Zoo. The Educator I is experienced in non-formal education with demonstrated ability to adapt programming to a variety of audiences and program settings.
Duties and Responsibilities:
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- Serves as educator for a wide variety of programming, such early childhood programs, scout workshops, education zoo-wide events. This position also assists with planning a large camp programs for grades kindergarten through 12th grade and Night Owl overnight experiences.
- Has a strong knowledge of all program content.
- Design and facilitate age-appropriate curricula for a wide variety of programming.
- Assists in the development of new programming and curriculum.
- Works with a variety of animals during programming, including small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.
- Assists with administering program evaluations, as well as maintaining accurate statistics for all programming.
- Engages with guests and program participants on a regular basis, providing excellent service to ensure a positive guest experience.
- Builds positive relationships within the Education Team and with other Zoo Departments.
- Supports all Zoo education programs as needed.
- Participates in workshops, conferences and continuing education classes.
- Assists with internal and external online registration systems.
- Participates in Nashville Zoo teams and projects.
- Effectively handles customer service concerns.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Required Skills:
The successful candidate must have:
- Comfort working with ambassador animals
- Desire to work with and speak to the general public
- Demonstrated excellent interpersonal communication skills and be able to collaborate effectively with other zoo departments
- Excellent written and oral communication skills to represent the zoo
- Ability to work well independently without direct supervision
- Excellent multitasking and time management ability
- Ability to respond to emergency situations calmly and follow protocols
Desired Skills:
The following skills and experience are desired and are considered a plus:
- Bachelor's degree, or working towards, in Biology, Zoology, Environmental Education/Interpretation, Education, or related field
- Familiarity with technology relevant to use in a zoo education setting
- Knowledge and experience with live animal education programming
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to move items up to 25 pounds
- Ability to work outdoors in temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit
- Ability to move around zoo grounds for extended periods of time
Pre-employment requirements:
Nashville Zoo is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and maintains a drug-free work environment. All employment is at-will.
- All candidates are required to successfully complete a criminal background check and drug screening prior to hire.
- Pre-employment and annual tuberculosis (TB) screenings are a condition of continued employment.
Pay Range$16.10—$18 USD