Zoo Educator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under the direct supervision of the Manager - Zoo Education and Animal Care Programs and in collaboration with the Zoo Educators, the Zoo Educator II - TE position is responsible for the preparation and execution of weekly educations programs at the Abilene Zoo. This position is seasonal, running from mid Aug to Dec, with progressive responsibilities and qualifications for Zoo Educator I - TE and Zoo Educator II - TE.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
This position does not exercise supervisory responsibilities, but provides daily oversight and guidance to summer camp participants.
IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Zoo Educator I/II - TE
Plan and execute educational activities, crafts, games, and animal encounters for weekly summer camp sessions tailored to specific age groups.
Ensure the safety, accountability, and well-being of all campers during camp hours, including arrival, departure, and transitions.
Foster a positive and engaging learning environment that encourages curiosity and enthusiasm for wildlife and conservation.
Prepare and maintain materials, supplies, and spaces required for camp activities.
Collaborate with Zoo Educators and other Zoo Educator I/II - TE staff to ensure smooth daily operations and adherence to camp schedules.
Communicate effectively with parents/guardians regarding camper needs, behavior, and participation.
Follow and enforce all Abilene Zoo policies, safety guidelines, and emergency procedures.
Support zoo-wide events and activities as required during the summer camp season.
Operate City vehicles, Zoo rides, attractions, and other motorized equipment.
Zoo Educator I - TE
Focus on leading individual activities and supporting the overall camp structure.
Gain familiarity with lesson plans and camp objectives while developing classroom management skills.
Zoo Educator II - TE
Take primary responsibility for managing a specific age group, ensuring safety and engagement.
Develop and implement creative and age-appropriate lesson plans with minimal oversight.
Demonstrate strong classroom management and leadership skills to create a cohesive and fun learning environment.
Serve as a resource for Zoo Educator I - TE staff, providing guidance and support when needed.
OTHER JOB-RELATED DUTIES
Assist with general program evaluation and provide feedback for future improvements.
Perform other job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
Principles of child development and age-appropriate teaching techniques.
Basic animal behavior and safety protocols.
Hands-on educational activities and interactive teaching methods.
Skill to:
Plan and execute engaging lessons and activities for diverse age groups.
Communicate effectively with children, parents, and colleagues.
Manage group dynamics and ensure the safety and well-being of participants.
Ability to:
Operate computers and use MS-Office programs including Word and Excel.
Multi-task, perform and complete duties in a timely, organized, and prioritized manner.
Exhibit enthusiasm, creativity, and patience in an educational setting.
Adapt to changing schedules, priorities, and participant needs.
Work collaboratively with the Zoo's Education team to provide exceptional programming.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.
Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values - Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
Perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division's mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.
Zoo Educator II - TE
Demonstrate leadership and effective classroom management.
Experience and Training Guidelines:
For positions with more than one level, all listed requirements at the lower levels are required at the higher levels. Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying. Knowledge, skills, and abilities may be obtained through:
Zoo Educator I - TE
Experience:
Prior experience working with children in an educational or camp setting is preferred.
Education/Training:
A high school diploma or GED is required.
Current enrollment in or completion of a degree program in education, biology, zoology, or a related field is preferred.
License or Certificate:
A valid Texas driver's license, the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required.
CPR and First Aid certification is preferred.
Zoo Educator II - TE
Experience:
One (1) year of experience in teaching, environmental education, or leading group activities is preferred.
Classroom management experience or equivalent is preferred.
Education/Training:
A high school diploma or GED is required.
Current enrollment in or completion of a degree program in education, biology, zoology, or a related field is preferred.
License or Certificate:
A valid Texas driver's license, the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required.
CPR and First Aid certification is preferred.
Special Requirements:
Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:
Bloodborne Pathogens training, HazCom training, and HIPAA Compliance training are required within sixty (60) days of employment.
Ability to work outdoors in varied weather conditions.
Availability for weekdays, weekends, and occasional evenings during the summer camp season.
With or without accommodation, the "X" indicates the overall strength demand of the position during a typical workday:
___ Sedentary - lifting of no more than 10 pounds
___ Light - lifting no more than 20 pounds; carrying up to 10 pounds
_X_ Medium - lifting no more than 50 pounds; carrying up to 25 pounds
_ _ Heavy - lifting no more than 100 pounds; carrying up to 50 pounds
___ Very Heavy - team lifting over 100 pounds; carrying more than 50 pounds
Physical Demand Codes: The following describes whether or not the position is expected to exert the physical demands listed during a typical workday as well as the overall frequency of the task:
Codes for how often:
N = No
E = Extensive (100 - 70% of the time)
M = Moderate (60 - 30% of the time)
I = Infrequent (20 - 10% of the time)
A = Almost Never (<10% of the time)
Code / Task
_M_ Standing
_I__ Sitting
_M_ Walking
_M_ Lifting
_M_ Carrying
_M_ Pushing/Pulling
_I_ Overhead Work
_M_ Fine Dexterity
_M_ Kneeling
_M_ Crouching
_M_ Crawling
_M_ Bending
_M_ Twisting
_M_ Climbing
_E_ Balancing
_E_ Vision
_E_ Hearing
_E_ Talking
_M__ Other: _Play related physical activities (i.e. Jumping and skipping) _