PT Education Program Specialist - Learning

SUMMARY

The Part-Time Education Program Specialist - Learning serves as the administrative lead and event coordinator for Birmingham Zoo’s Learning Team while assisting in the development, facilitation, and evaluation of educational programming for students and families.

Essential Job Functions

• With a team of specialists led by the Manager of Learning, develops, implements, coordinates, and evaluates a wide variety of programming aligned to the Zoos mission, conservation messaging and educational philosophy throughout the year. Programming may include camps, field trips, digital experiences, homeschool, Zoo School, tours, and more with a focus on school-age audiences (kindergarten through college) and educators.
• With a team of specialists, creates and reviews curricula outlined in ROADMAPs and ensures the included assessment plans are age-appropriate and will address the individual needs of participants and stakeholders.
• With a team of specialists, uses a variety of evaluation methods including participant assessments and surveys, to make necessary changes as needed based on that data; maintains internal and external evaluation systems and data; and assists in evaluating guest experiences, interpretive messaging, graphics, etc. as required
• With a team of specialists and managers, coordinates staff, interns and volunteers as assigned to assist with educational programming and guest experiences and works to strengthen evaluation of their work as well as the intern/volunteer program.
• With a team of specialists and managers, completes administrative tasks such as reviewing program registration and demographic data, assisting with grant-reporting, etc. as required.
• Works with full Education department to develop strategic plans for a wide variety of high-quality educational programming, goals/objectives, and measurable assessment plans for programming.
• Maintains a working knowledge of current research, best practice, and philosophy of education and evaluation in both formal and informal setting by participating in workshops, conferences and continuing education classes, as well as reviewing professional journals and web resources
• With a team of specialists and other Zoo staff, may present, publish, and share impact-reports, newsletters, and community memos to promote education and volunteer/intern programs to help recruit teachers, teens/young adults, and funders to be more active in supporting the Zoo or participating in programs
• This position will function as the Education and Volunteer Departments advocate and expert in particular area(s) of focus, which may include evaluation, curricula, and/or operation. This will include coordinating team efforts related to this focus area.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

• Function as the Lead on administrative duties such as answering and delegating emails, phone calls, and other educational program inquires. The role will oversee daily and weekly tasks related to office management such as ordering office supplies, cleaning materials, education program supplies organization, etc..
• Coordinate the Learning Team’s Events such as Teachers Night, STEM Day and College and Career Day. This role will be responsible for evaluation of these programs as well as evolving more opportunities for connections with the Greater Birmingham Area.
• Assist full time Learning team members with coordination and facilitation of Learning Team programs.
  • Develops, implements, coordinate, and evaluates a wide variety of programming aligned to the Zoos mission, conservation messaging and educational philosophy throughout the year. Programming includes camps (summer and school breaks), homeschool, Zoo School, and more with a focus on school-age audiences (kindergarten through college) and educators.
  • Create and review curricula outlined in ROADMAPs and ensures the included assessment plans are age-appropriate and will address the individual needs of participants and stakeholders.
  • Use a variety of evaluation methods including participant assessments and surveys, to make necessary changes as needed based on that data; maintains internal and external evaluation systems and data; and assists in evaluating guest experiences, interpretive messaging, graphics, etc. as required
  • Coordinate staff, interns and volunteers as assigned to assist with educational programming and guest experiences and works to strengthen evaluation of their work as well as the intern/volunteer program.
  • Complete administrative tasks such as reviewing program registration and demographic data, assisting with grant-reporting, etc. as required.
  • Develop strategic plans for a wide variety of high-quality educational programming, goals/objectives, and measurable assessment plans for programming.
  • Maintain a working knowledge of current research, best practice, and philosophy of education and evaluation in both formal and informal setting by participating in workshops, conferences and continuing education classes, as well as reviewing professional journals and web resources
  • Present, publish, and share impact-reports, newsletters, and community memos to promote education and volunteer/intern programs to help recruit teachers, teens/young adults, and funders to be more active in supporting the Zoo or participating in program.
• Work and collaborate with other team members outside Learning team in the development, preparation and implementation of a wide variety of programing and events.
• Actively support a positive guest experience by providing excellent customer service to all guests and program participants, and provides excellent customer service by responding to questions about educational programming, addressing parent/guest concerns, etc.
• Possible training for animal handling.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• No direct reports

SAFETY ANALYSIS

The Education Program Specialist-Learning is impacted by hazardous exposures common to an office environment as well as public safety in an outdoor environment and ride operations. Some of the following exposures will occur daily:

• Hazards associated with train and carousel ride operations
• Hazards associated with maintenance trades
• Hazardous waste management
• The proper use and understanding of cleaning agents
• Thorough understanding of guest safety protocols, particularly with young children.

Specific training and procedures will be provided, designed to maintain safety of people as the highest priority of the zoo followed by the safety of the animal collection.

The use and understanding of a variety of personal safety equipment is mandatory.

All employees of the Zoo are required to be familiar with the Zoos overall safety policies as outlined in the employee handbook as well as being responsible for reporting any injury immediately to the first aid department.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee should expect:

• Use of hands, fingers, tools or controls.
• Frequently required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, bend, crawl, crouch and talk or hear.
• Routinely lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Requires frequent walking for long distances
• Exposure to wet surfaces.
• Frequent exposure to the elements can be expected.

QUALIFICATIONS

The Birmingham Zoo recognizes that skills and knowledge come from both formal and informal experiences including education, paid work, volunteer service, and life experience. Those who meet the majority of the requirements for a position are encouraged to apply.

• Effective organization, oral and written communication, leadership, and collaboration/team skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and or passion for education, biology, zoology or other conservation/ environmental related field.
• Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) and First Aid/CPR or willing to become certified if able.
• Familiarity with or willingness to be trained on Denver Zoos Reaching Our Audience through Developing Mission Aligned Programs (ROADMAP).
• Must be willing to handle ambassador animals including invertebrates and snakes.
• Teaching philosophy aligned with interdisciplinary teaching, outdoor or environmental education, inquiry-based learning, and human development.
• At least two years of experience in an informal/environmental education or interpretive program setting with potential experience in developing, leading, or assessing virtual and/or in-person programs.
• Familiar with computer operating systems such as Microsoft 365 as well as registration and point of sale software.
• Comfortable interacting with various guests and internal staff on their educational related needs via phone, email, and in person.
• Must have a current valid driver’s license with no prior traffic violations within the last five years to operate Zoo vehicles.
• Must be willing to occasionally travel locally.
• Must have current negative TB test and provide documentation or be willing to have TB test.

POSITION TYPE AND HOURS OF WORK

• Part-time, hourly, non-exempt
• Schedule may vary according to season; weekends, occasional evening work and holidays may be required

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Birmingham Zoo is committed to being a place where everyone feels welcome, whether as a guest, team member, or part of our broader community. Our core values— Passion, Excellence, Teamwork, Stewardship, and Inclusion— shape a work environment where respect, collaboration, and learning are valued. We encourage candidates with unique perspectives and experiences to apply.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Birmingham Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. If selected, a background check and drug test will be conducted prior to beginning employment.

Birmingham Zoo Inc. is a not-for-profit entity. The rate of pay for this position is $16.44/hour.