SUMMARY:
Under the general direction of the Education Manager, the Education Supervisor – Premium Experiences
promotes the Zoo and its mission through planning, developing, coordinating, training, and evaluating
the Zoo’s Premium Experiences programs and educational and engagement opportunities.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Wildlife Experiences:
- Collaborates with the Education team to design, develop, revise, coordinate, implement, and evaluate Education programs – especially as it relates to wildlife experiences –for guests of all ages in accordance with the Education Department Plan
- Oversees Wildlife Experiences and Education Program Animal Encounters:
- Works with interdepartmental teams to drive education-based animal experiences as it fits
our institutional culture, community’s felt need, and revenue opportunities - Works with the Education team to develop meaningful programs that are standards-grounded
and experiential
- Works with the Animal Care and Health (ACH) team to establish/maintain protocols (including
handling, animal training, and staff training). Assist the animal care team as needed - Books/coordinates (and implements as necessary) BTS and Wildlife Experiences, virtual
encounters, and virtual field trips, and field trip Education add-ons. - Serves as the Lead Animal Handler for all Education programming
- Conducts ongoing evaluation in terms of guest engagement, learning outcomes, and staff delivery
success when appropriate - Supports off-site education programming through training for animal handling and facilitating
animal experiences as assigned - Collaborates with Education Leadership and Marketing Departments to meet budget and attendance goals, grow program annually.
Team Building Program:
- Designs, trains, tracks, implements and evaluates Team Building Program.
- Collaborates with Events Department, Food & Beverage Department and more to coordinate Team
Building Events - Maintains required records and reports such as program attendance records and participant
demographics - Collaborates with Education Leadership and Marketing Departments to meet attendance goals and
grow program annually.
Bio-Fact Library Program:
- Maintains inventory, organization, and storage of Zoo's bio-facts library
- Trains Zoo staff and maintains protocols for bio-fact use for enriching core programming, Zoo
events, and outreach on-site and off-site - Maintains required records and reports such as program use records, staff training records
and participant demographics. - Works and collaborates with Zoo's Registrar to maintain accurate bio-fact records, abiding by Zoo's
bio-facts acquisition policy.
Education Supervisor Duties:
- Collaborates with Education team in Operational Plan development for 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
- Maintains thorough understanding and implementation of Premium Experience best practices
within the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) - Audits program prices and expenses annually and as needed to maintain alliance locally and within
AZA
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 within 90 days of start date (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. Additional duties, reporting relationships, and/or position criteria may be assigned as deemed necessary by the Chief Executive Officer 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 a contract for employment, 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.