Wildlife Illustrator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

General Function

Under the direction of the Director of Education, the Education Coordinator develops, coordinates, and delivers educational programs and interpretive materials that advance the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center's mission. This role supervises education staff and volunteers while balancing program development, daily operations, and front-line educational experiences.

To apply please submit a resume, cover letter and contact information for 3 professional references. Candidates selected for an interview will be asked to provide samples from past programs. The Starting pay range for this position is $25-$27 hourly.

Major Activities (Typical Duties/Responsibilities).

Interpretation and education

• Foster connections with wildlife and the natural world around us while highlighting the mission of AWCC
• Oversee booking and scheduling of field trip and outreach programming, meeting unique needs of schools, teachers, and students.
• Assist with staff scheduling to meet programming needs
• Track and report on programming and participation numbers
• Develop interpretive media using adobe illustrator
• Proof read and review interpretive materials and educational programming
• Coordinate and supervise education programs
• Education program development and facilitation
• Coordinate educational events for public
• Serve as a frontline interpreter and educator

Volunteers

• Recruit and supervise AWCC volunteers
• Track and report volunteer contribution data

Animal Care

• Feed, water, clean, and train for animals used in educational programs as needed
• Assist with animal care feedings and cleans as needed or requested

Research

• Assist with the Alaska Beluga Monitoring Partnership as a lead observer, ensuring minimum volunteer monitoring contributions are met.

Other Duties and Tasks

• Schedule will vary based on programming needs and season to include weekends, holidays, early morning, evenings, and over nights. Regular schedule will include weekends.
• Regular schedule will not exceed 40 hours per week. Exceptions exceeding 40 hours per week are subject to overtime.
• This position will serve as a backup Manager on Duty
• Willingness to support other departments as necessary
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Skills/Abilities

• Ability to conceptualize, organize, motivate, and lead others to reach a shared vision and programming goals.

• Proficient with use of adobe illustrator for development interpretive and educational materials
• Educated and confident public speaking skills

• Work proactively on all duties assigned to meet deadlines and build program resources in a timely manner
• Ensures and helps to create a productive, fun, and positive work environment.
• Sustain a strong commitment to teamwork and communication at AWCC.
• Comfortable connecting with diverse learners
• Comfort and ability interpreting wildlife, geography, culture, and history of Alaska and Portage Valley
• Comfortable working around animals in human care.
• Ability to work outdoors in extreme wind, temperatures, rain, and winter conditions.

• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks such as cleaning and moving up to 40 pounds

• Exemplify a professional, positive, and respectful attitude and strong work ethic.
• Open to participating in and leading fun, sometimes silly group and team building activities
• Excellent customer services skills
• Competence using Microsoft suite
• Must have valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record
• Must be able to pass background check
• Must have received or be willing to receive tetanus and rabies vaccinations by date of hire to be considered. Proof of vaccinations required.

Preferred Qualifications (education, experience, skills)

• A BA or BS degree in related field, or equivalent work experience
• A minimum of 2 years of related experience.
• Second Language
• Dena'ina language familiarity
• National Association of Interpretation, Certificate of Interpretive Guiding

Benefits

• 12 paid holidays including the employee's birthday (New Year's, Easter, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Indigenous People's Day, Thanksgiving, Day-After Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas).
• Medical, dental and vision insurance, AWCC covers 100% of premium
• Sick leave, up to 56 hours per year.
• PTO accumulation package.
• Option to enroll in 403-b retirement, matching 5% from the company after 1 yr of service
• Housing available, bunkhouse style. Limited capacity. Security deposit and monthly rent are associated. Continuing education opportunities.