Education Specialist, Empathy Programs

The Zoological Society of Milwaukee (the Society) is seeking an Empathy Programs Education Specialist to join a fun and talented team of professionals in supporting one of the most cherished community assets – the Milwaukee County Zoo. This position serves as the primary educator and resource for conservation action focused programs that currently use empathy for wildlife as a foundation during the school year and in the summer. This role works closely with the Manager of Innovation and Community Engagement in support of the Zoological Society of Milwaukee’s (ZSM) mission to educate people about the importance of wildlife and animals and support the Milwaukee County Zoo, and the Conservation Education department’s vision to inspire and empower all members of our community to take conservation action.

This is a full-time position eligible for a competitive benefits package, including health insurance, complimentary dental, vision, life, STD and LTD coverage, 401k with up to a 5% match, PTO, paid holidays, and a complimentary zoo pass, up to the family level.

Anticipated start date: August 5

RESPONSIBILITIES

Educator:

• Serve as educator for conservation-action oriented programs and write new and/or improve existing curricula, plan and set-up classroom spaces, implement programming and engage with members of the public.
  • Work with partner organizations and West Allis-West Milwaukee and Waukesha School District to schedule programs and solicit feedback to enhance programs.
  • Teach programs serving school partners such as Milwaukee Public Schools and for grant-funded initiatives throughout the Milwaukee Area.
  • Work with evaluator to assist in evaluation of programs, data-based changes, and support grant reporting as required.
  • Oversee the ordering, distribution, and upkeep of program supplies/materials and track materials and expenses as required. This includes ordering transportation and managing registrations for field trips.
• Help with and write additional programs, processes, and teaching opportunities in order to support the education department and staff such as summer camps.
• Participate in training, including animal handling training, to ensure a safe and engaging Zoo education experience for participants.

Empathy for Wildlife Resource:

• Assist with empathy for wildlife related training and resource development for the Zoological Society of Milwaukee.
• Communicate with and provide training for teams working on empathy initiatives across the Zoo.
• Revise developmentally and culturally appropriate curricula with the whole child in mind—incorporating different strategies and skill sets, such as Social-Emotional Learning, Science Technology Engineering Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) skills, Conservation Education, and/or project-based learning.

Community Engagement:

• Assist with community events and represent the Society and the Education Department on and off Zoo grounds and in community events.
• Employ strong customer service and interpersonal skills to connect to and relate with a variety of participants, family members, and volunteers, ranging in age and diversity.
• Attend staff department meetings and contribute ideas for improvements, changes and new program ideas in relation to the Conservation Education Department and the Zoological Society’s mission.
• Facilitate and support positive internal communications and organizational culture.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in education (formal, informal, environmental, etc.) or related field (e.g., conservation, wildlife biology, zoology, etc.).
• One year of experience teaching youth in an informal or formal education setting required.
• Experience with socio-emotional learning standards and concepts a plus.
• Proven experience writing environmental and/or STEAM curriculum.
• Proven ability to work independently and in teams.
• Demonstration of excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills; Spanish or second language fluency beneficial.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; proficiency in additional collaboration platforms, CRMs (experience with Tessitura a plus), and resource scheduling tools preferred.
• Ability to become CPR/1st Aid certified within 6 months of employment; biannual recertification required.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including 2-3 weekend days or evenings per month.
• Ability to travel to program sites, work, meetings and professional development opportunities. Possession of a valid driver’s license and adequate car insurance, with the ability to frequently travel to program sites. Must have reliable transportation to the Milwaukee County Zoo and program sites.

The Zoological Society of Milwaukee believes diversity, equity, access, and inclusion (DEAI) are the hallmarks of a robust, vibrant community and have adopted DEAI as foundational to our organizations’ priorities and values. A successful candidate will embrace these values and incorporate a similar commitment within their scope of work to foster an inclusive culture that celebrates diversity, which is demonstrated through actions and words.

The Society provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

The Zoological Society of Milwaukee is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in all its services. If you need accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact our Human Resources department at hr@zoosociety.org.