Zoo Educator

Zoo Educator

Seasonal Position: Mid-February 2024 thru mid-November 2024 (40 hrs./week)

Objective:

Zoo Educators work to design and deliver high-quality educational programming throughout theConservation Campus. Candidates develop interpretive programming for all ages through our public programs and events and help deliver well- established programs such as our Keeper Talks and Animal Encounters. They will teach animal-based environmental education programs for schools and other groups. Zoo Educators will assist in providing care and upkeep for American Black Bears, Cougars, North American River Otters, Elk, Bald Eagles and a variety of educational animals. An ideal candidate will possess good public speaking and customer service skills, be self-motivated, and have an appreciation and respect for animals. They must assist in regular upkeep of all buildings, holding areas and animal habitats, be physically capable of performing a variety of habitat maintenance, willing to follow policies and procedures closely, and able to work independently and as part of a team. The candidate must be able to work weekends and holidays, during emergencies, work closely with other employees, volunteers, and general public and work a flexible schedule.

Major Duties:

• Deliver highly engaging and empowering interpretive programs involving the animals several times per day

• Implement environmental education programs for school and private groups

• Assist in the coordination of the department’s special events such as Animal Birthday Party

• Handle and display educational animals to the public for onsite programs

• Constantly exhibit a guest service attitude, a smile, and an obvious interest in guest comfort

and service

• Assist guests with questions and directions to various areas of the Conservation Campus.

• Observe, evaluate and report animal behavior and condition of animals to a supervisor on a daily basis

• Animal care including cleaning of holding areas and habitat maintenance such as pond cleaning

• Establish and maintain positive, cooperative, and effective working relations with fellow

employees

Qualifications:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

• Possessing or working towards a degree in Biology or related field

• Experience in interpretation, environmental education, and/or public speaking.

• Strong organizational skills, ability to multi-task, adapt to change, and to prioritize effectively.

• Domestic and/or exotic animal experience

• Capable of strictly following policies and procedures and of learning species and resident

animal information

• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

• Understanding of natural science themes, conservation education, and animal behavior.

• Physically capable of doing habitat maintenance and able to lift 50 pounds

Responsibilities:

41% - Zoo Education Program Facilitation including delivering Keeper Talk programs and interactingwith guests.

35% - Facilitation of environmental education programs and conservation themed interpretive programming

20% - Animal care and maintenance including cleaning of holding areas, preparing enrichments, hauling debris, raking leaves, pond cleaning, and general housekeeping

4% - Program Planning and Preparation, event planning, meetings, trainings

*Interviews for these positions are typically conducted in January. Please send your cover letter and resume with your completed application. Applications will be reviewed until positions are filled, but incomplete applications will not be considered. If you have any questions please contact Christie Tipton (Animal Habitats Curator) at 828-733-8715 or via e-mail at christie@grandfather.com.

More info at www.grandfather.com/jobs.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $13.00 - $15.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Referral program

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Weekends as needed

Work setting:

• In-person

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Linville, NC 28646: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Application Question(s):

• Do you possess or are you working towards a degree in Biology or related field?
• Do you have experience working with animals (domestic or wildlife?)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $13 - $15