Preschool Teacher

Do you love working with young children and sharing the wonders of nature? The Santa Barbara Zoo is hiring n Preschool Teacher to deliver engaging, age-appropriate lessons as part of the Early Explorers Preschool program. Join us in fostering curiosity and promoting conservation while ensuring the safety and well-being of our youngest learners!

Position Status: Regular, Full-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Compensation: $26.21 - 26.73 per hour *You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*

SUMMARY:Under the general direction of the Preschool Director, a Preschool Teacher promotes the Zoo and its mission through implementing the Early Explorers Preschool program. This position supervises groups of students while delivering preschool curriculum in an engaging, age-appropriate manner, ensuring the safety and well-being of their groups. ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Coordinates with the Early Explorer Director to ensure effective execution of program curriculum in an engaging, age-appropriate manner, working with children within the 3-5 age range
• Leads and assists in delivering age-appropriate, experiential learning and engaging activities for children ages 3-5, including but not limited to:
  • Nature-based science activities
  • Songs, stories, and movement exercises
  • Hands-on crafts and sensory play
  • Kindergarten readiness activities
  • Outdoor exploration, guided walks, and zoo tours
• Accurately explains animal and environmental science concepts in a way that is accessible and engaging for young students
• Improvises pre-approved activities when necessary, to keep students engaged and focused
• Supervises students and leads activities during extended daycare as required
• Inventories and maintains curriculum equipment and supplies
• Responds to health, welfare, and safety issues of students
• Signs students in and out according to established Security Procedures and responds professionally to parent's or guardian's questions at the direction of the Preschool Director
• Interacts professionally with parents/guardians, zoo visitors, volunteers, and other zoo staff
• Maintains cleanliness of common spaces as pertaining to Title 22 regulations
• Works collaboratively with the Education team to continually improve the Early Explorers Preschool experience
• Adheres to the Zoo's policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual
• Adheres to Title 22 laws and regulations in accordance with Preschool Licensing
• Applies and exemplifies "green" (sustainable) practices whenever possible
• Responds to emergencies quickly and follows emergency protocols
• Remains calm and creates an atmosphere of calm and control for those dealing with emergency situations

• Other duties as assigned to maintain efficient and quality zoo operations

• 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 miscellaneous duties as required

• Minimum 18 years of age
• Experience working with children
• 12 ECE units required
  • These classes must be a part of the 12 ECE units:
    • Child/Human Growth and Development
    • Child, Family and Community
    • Program/Curriculum
  • Please include a copy of your unofficial transcripts
  • Requires an official transcript upon hiring

• Successful completion of a Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Branch of Investigation (FBI), and the Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) background check prior to Training start date
• Successful completion of First Aid and CPR certification (may be available through employer)
• Completion of Mandated Reporting for Suspected Child Abuse training (may be available through employer)
• Proof of Measles and Pertussis vaccinations, TB Clearance, and Flu vaccine or declination of Flu vaccine statement
• Experience in informal education, outdoor education, or early childhood environmental education preferred
• Experience with special needs children is a plus

• Basic knowledge of Early Childhood Education principles
• Ability to organize and implement daily activities
• Ability to lead activities in an age-appropriate manner
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to think on one's feet
• Ability to relate sensitively to young children and their parents/guardians
• Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and our guests
• Team-oriented mindset and willingness to collaborate with others
• Ability to exercise safe work habits
• Awareness of, sensitivity to, and empathy with animals

• 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 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

• Personal Computer and software (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Standard office equipment; telephone, copier, printer, facsimile machine, and calculator
• Two-way radio
• Bio Facts and various learning-based materials

• Great team, beautiful grounds, amazing animal collection, sunshine & ocean view almost year-round!
• Free parking, free guest passes, unlimited free tea/coffee every morning, 20% discounts on food services and retail purchases
• Access to the Collabornation learning platform, professional development, and lunch & learn opportunities
• Comprehensive benefits package for FTR staff, voluntary supplemental insurances, zoo membership, paid sick leave, paid vacation time, 403(b) and SEP retirement plans, a paid conservation day, a paid Zoo Day to visit another AZA-accredited institution, paid time off to take your pet to the vet, and much more...