SUMMARY:
Under the general direction of the Education Manager, the Education Coordinator – Products and Program Support promotes the Zoo and its mission through planning, developing, coordinating, and evaluating the Zoo’s Educational Products and providing critical support to deliver high-quality, meaningful Education programming.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Education Product Coordination:
- Creates, tracks, responds to, and evaluates all aspects of Education products, curriculum sales and subscriptions
- Maintains consistent posting on TPT
- Stays current on Educational Product trends within AZA and Cultural Institutions locally and nationally
- Maintains required records and reports such as product sales records and customer
demographics - Maintains and submits monthly and annual budget records for assigned programs to the Education
Manager
Special Event & Parents' Night Out Coordination
- Creates and prepares Education activities associated with special Zoo Events and Awareness Days as
assigned. - Maintains required records and reports such as program attendance records and participant
demographics. - Collaborates with Events team regularly to evaluate and grow Education participation and impact for
all private and special events. - Coordinates and all aspects of Parents Night Out;
- Registration and guest communication
- Develops, audits and evaluates program activities, curriculum, and operational
protocols and standards - Trains, schedules, and evaluates program staff
General Education Coordination
- Collaborates with Education team in Operational Plan development for Education Programs
- Provides critical coordination and leadership to Educators and Educational programming during
program operations outside of regular Supervisor schedules - Occasional coverage of Educational program facilitation
- Maintains inventory of "all-program" supplies for efficient purchasing across all Education programs
- Maintains and submits monthly and annual budget records for assigned programs to the Education
Manager - Operates and utilizes various types of equipment and machinery in the performance of duties such as
projectors, monitors, two-way radios, computer, printer, video cameras, and telephone, as well as
animal crates as needed - May participate in engagements with the community as assigned
- Schedules, develops, and leads/coordinates special program requests as required
- Responds to emergencies quickly and follows emergency protocols
- Remains calm and creates an atmosphere of calm and control for those dealing with the emergency
situation - Attends monthly all-employee meetings
SECONDARY DUTIES:
Other duties as assigned to maintain safe, efficient, and quality Zoo operations
Guest Relations:
- Greets every guest with a smile
- Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo
- Answers phone calls, voice mails, and e-mails promptly
- Ensures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work
areas clean, picking up trash, reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions - Associates with guests to assist and share information
- Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures
- Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo’s uniform dress code
- Takes responsibility for staying informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee
communications and attending meetings - Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement, the Zoo’s Core Values, and the
Employee Pledge - Applies and exemplifies “green” (sustainable) practices whenever possible
Other duties as required
POSITION CRITERIA:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge,
skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position. Reasonable accommodations may
be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Education & Experience:
- Minimum 18 years of age
- Some experience working with children
- B.S. or B.A. preferably in liberal arts, an education emphasis, conservation, biology, other life
- sciences, or equivalent experience
License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications:
- Successful completion of a Department of Justice background check prior to start date
- Successful completion of First Aid and CPR certification required complete by end of 90 day
- introductory program (may be available through employer)
- Completion of Mandated Reporting for Suspected Child Abuse training (may be available through
- employer)
- Yearly TB Test clearance
- Experience in an informal education facility preferred
- Experience with special needs children is a plus
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
- Basic knowledge of Elementary Education and Biology/Zoology
- Ability to organize and implement daily Camp activities
- Ability to lead activities in an age-appropriate manner
- Excellent coordination skills
- Effective verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to relate sensitively to young children and their parents/guardians
- Ability to adapt quickly, be flexible in any scenario, and demonstrate considerable patience while
leading and supervising program participants - Ability to meet deadlines and operate under time pressure, with various interruptions
- Ability to work in a busy office environment, with a positive outlook
- Ability to handle large, multifaceted events/programs with composure
- Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and
our guests - Ability to work and collaborate in a team atmosphere
- Ability to handle and interpret live Education animals, following ACH protocols
- Ability to exercise safe work habits
- Awareness of, sensitivity to, and empathy with animals
Physical Demands & Work Environment:
- Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including telephones, printers, two-way radios, and copiers
- Ability to run, kneel, sit on the ground/floor, squat, and stand for long periods of time
- Ability to handle live animals safely
- Ability to negotiate the Zoo work environment including behind-the-scenes, lawns, gravel, hilltop,
attic storage, and high storage shelves - Must be able to lift 50 pounds occasionally, and 10-20 or fewer pounds frequently
- Ability to exert a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly push, pull, or otherwise move
objects - Involves working out-of-doors in all weather conditions
- Supportive and open employment culture
Tools Used:
- Personal Computer and software (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Standard office equipment; telephone, copier, printer, facsimile machine, and calculator
- Two-way radio
- Dry-erase board
- Bio Facts and various learning-based materials
- Educational animals
- Sanitation tools, products, and PPE as needed
This job description is representative of the expectations for the position described. Additional duties,
reporting relationships, and/or position criteria may be assigned as deemed necessary by the Chief
Executive Officer/President, or authorized representative. No changes to this job description shall be made
without written permission by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative.
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 of time. The job
description does not in any way alter the at-will employment relationship.
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.