Learning Programs Coordinator

General Summary:

An integral member of the Learning & Engagement (“L&E”) team, the Learning Programs Coordinator (“Coordinator”) is responsible for developing, delivering, and evaluating informal outdoor educational programming at the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center (“ALNC”). These programs include on-site school, scout, and family programs; summer and holiday camps; and outreach programs. The Coordinator will also support ALNC staff with daily facility operations including planetarium shows and general guest engagement.

The Coordinator will support the Director of Learning in the scheduling, training, and supervision of Learning Programs Specialists, interns, and volunteers; coordinating and implementing on-site programming, assuring guest and animal safety procedures are followed; setting/cleaning up program spaces and making sure needed supplies are stocked and available; overseeing program booking and delivery; working cooperatively with ALNC staff and Camp & Family Program supervisors to maximize participant experience; and evaluating programs and staff, volunteers, and interns. This position may be required to present live animals during programming (training will be provided) and cover programming after-hours, on weekends, and some holidays.

As a member of the L&E Department this position will participate in and support other educational and volunteer programming, including daytime and after-hours programming at the Zoo and Aquarium & Insectarium, as needed.

To deliver on the Audubon mission, the Learning Programs Coordinator will:

Provide a guest experience of outstanding quality by…

• Ensuring our spaces and supplies are clean, stocked, and organized to be ready for scheduled programs.
• Providing proactive, friendly communication and striving to anticipate participant needs and desires.
• Collaborating with the Director of Learning and other L&E staff to train and evaluate staff, volunteer, and interns to ensure effective program delivery.
• Working cooperatively with ALNC staff to support guest engagement opportunities at the Nature Center.
• Communicating issues or concerns to their supervisor in a timely manner.
• Supporting the development and delivery of programming for non-routine special events.

Educate our diverse audience about the natural world by…

• Actively collaborating with the L&E team to design and implement family programming and curriculum related to our collection and conservation messages.
• Actively seeking up-to-date information on informal education methodologies and trends.

Operate a financially self-sufficient collection of museums and parks by…

• Effectively utilizing resources for strategic and financial efficiency and sustainability.
• Supporting departmental grant funded programming by maintaining careful record keeping, providing clear and timely communications, and effective action planning for grant deliverables.

The above-listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed regularly. They do not exclude other duties as assigned.

To deliver on the Audubon service promise, the Learning Programs Coordinator will:

Welcome

• Make eye contact with every customer encounter, smile at every person, offer friendly phrases and greetings.
• Wear an identification badge.
• Walk individuals to their destination instead of pointing; aid people who look confused.
• Assume ownership of potential safety hazards (wipe-up spills, pick up trash). Always have a camera-ready look.

Share

• Maintain a positive attitude, pleasant tone of voice (remember it is not what you say, but how you say it).
• Coach coworkers on service expectations.
• Utilize the power of teamwork to give excellent service.
• Know when to involve management.

Inspire

• Know the answers to questions or seek out the answers.
• Utilize proper phone etiquette (answer phone within three rings, smile before answering call, ask for permission and wait for response before placing caller on hold).
• Ensure work area is free of food, drink, socialization, and personal business.
• Follow Dress Code Policy on clothing and grooming.
• Keep unpleasant concerns behind closed doors (vent backstage).

Supervision: This position will supervise program participants (ages 4+) and volunteers (ages 14+)

Experience & Skills:

• 1-3 years working in an informal learning environment.
• Demonstrated experience working with or around children is required.

• Demonstrated experience with program and/or curriculum development and evaluation strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience delivering STEM educational content is strongly preferred.
• Ability to effectively communicate with youth and adults from diverse backgrounds is required.
  • Demonstrated experience or ability and willingness to learn to present animals including birds, mammals, and invertebrates is required.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent is required in Environmental Education, Biology, Zoology, Ecology, or a related field, and/or equivalent work experience is required.

Licensure/Certification: Must have a valid, state-issued driver’s license.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to walk/locomote for up to 2/3 of the day on outdoor trails and boardwalks.
• May require moving and/or carrying items weighing up to 30 pounds.
  • Ability to perceive visual, odor, or behavioral changes in animals to determine changes in animals’ stress level or general wellbeing. Must have excellent peripheral vision, depth perception, and quick motor response for animal and audience control during presentations.
  • Must be able to reach above shoulder level, stoop, and squat to retrieve kennels and animals, which also may require stepping on stools.
    • Ability to speak loudly to crowds in various situations, including moderate to loud crowds.
      • Typical ability to collect and analyze numerical and written data and verbal information to reach logical conclusions and ability to determine the time, place and sequence of operations or actions required.
        • Regular talking and the ability to express and exchange ideas by means of language expected.

Environmental/Working Conditions:

• Must be able to work holidays, weekend and after hours a scheduled.
• Will be expected to lead and engage groups of children and adults in various situations.
• Must be able to work under and handle stress in an appropriate manner.
• May be exposed to high, medium, or low noise intensity.
• Constant contact with co-workers required.
• Must be able to work effectively in a moderately noisy office.
• Affinity for animals and nature is required.
• Will work both indoors & outdoors and be exposed to fluctuations in temperatures.
• Will be exposed to extreme heat and outdoor weather conditions.

Other abilities, skills, knowledge:

• Must be goal-oriented and self-motivated.
• Must have willingness and ability to take initiative.
• Must be able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines for a wide range of projects.
• Must be an effective team player.
• Must have excellent communications skills including written, oral, and presentation skills.
• Must have willingness to promote and practice Stand Out Service.
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills with ability to interact with all levels of staff, donors, visitors, and educators