Henson Robinson Zoo Learning Facilitator

This position is under the supervision of the Zoo’s Director. This position directly programs and leads all ‘on-site’ and ‘off-site’ education programs. This position is responsible for the creation and implementation of the Zoo’s education programs, development of the Zoo’s informational graphics and informal education stations around the zoo and provides support for private rentals, birthday parties, special events and other functions. All job functions should incorporate the vision of the education department’s broad conservation goals and integrate conservation education strategies. Strong candidates will enjoy and value working with people of all ages, cultures and abilities.

 

This position works a minimum of 40 hours per week. The hours would include non-standard work with weekdays and weekends during normal business hours and could include additional evening work and holidays as the facility needs. Schedules could fluctuate based on facility, operational and District needs. Please see a full list of specific duties below.

 

 

On-site Formal Classes and Camps

• Under the direction of the Zoo Curator of Animals and Education, plan, organize, schedule, coordinate, market and implement youth-oriented education programs and camps
• Create engaging, fun, and educational curricula
• Assist with development of program budgets
• Create and distribute promotional fliers, social media posts or other marketing strategies
• Assist in organizing, data entry and carrying out registration using RecTrac
• Serve as lead instructor or supervise intern instructors
• Recruit and train education interns
• Perform formative assessments and summative evaluation of classes and camps

• Perform logistical support duties to include booking and organizing rooms and resources, registering participants, processing payments, scheduling activities, maintaining statistics, records and databases
• Identify and recommend policy and process improvements to leads/supervisors/managers
• Transport program participants, materials and resources
• Mentor volunteers and interns
• Research content and write articles, blog posts, fliers, publications, communications/interpretive

materials and other promotional and support materials

• Facilitate meetings, including developing agendas, facilitating inclusive participation, building

consensus, resolving conflicts and capturing notes.

• Prepare Seasonal Park District brochure information pertaining to Zoo Programs and Camps
• Assist with large special events

• Perform other duties as assigned

 

On-site Formal Animal Programs

• Design program themes and content
• Perform programs on zoo grounds including the amphitheater

 

On-site Informal Interpretive Education

• Create methods and means of interpreting the zoo’s exhibits, biological artifacts, and program animals in order to enact changes in our visitors’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors and to enrich their visit to the zoo.
• Assist with customer service goals through work in visitor services including handling money, answering phones and other duties as necessary.
• Prepare other staff and volunteers to utilize those means and methods for interpretation

 

On-site Informational Graphics

• Assist in developing signs and graphics for the Zoo’s animals and conservation areas.

 

Off-Site Animal Programs

• Create a repertoire of programs designed to target specific ages and abilities
• Assist in scheduling and registration on RecTrac
• Carry out programs

 

• Bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology, education or a related field.
• Experience developing curriculum; and implementing and evaluating programs. Experience with a zoo, aquarium, museum, early childhood center, park or other informal education organization preferred.
• Strong computer background and proficiency required experienced with Microsoft Office applications; particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook Google and Social Media platforms. Must be able to work with customized databases and technology and conduct Internet research.
• Ability to write curriculum, routine reports, and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively to a variety of audiences including young children, families, adults and before groups of zoo employees.
• Capable of leading and teaching classes of students from ages 2 through adult.
• Capable of handling a variety of animals.

• Highly professional public presence; Must be enthusiastic and customer service oriented and deal with guests in a courteous and professional manner. Enjoy working with the public including diverse populations and people of all ages and abilities.

• Experienced with public speaking and keeping audiences engaged.
• Maintain and promote a positive professional image within the community and overall field of Zoos and Aquariums.
• Attend conferences, workshops, meetings, and trade shows to keep abreast of marketing, business trends and professional development in AZA, ZAA development and/or parks & recreation.
• Good knowledge of pertinent safety precautions.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certificate (infant, child and adult), and Standard First Aid Certificate.

 

• Must be able to read and write and have good command of the English language.
• Physical capabilities – lifts 50 pounds, squat, bend and move as necessary for the job.
• Must be able to perform basic mathematics.
• Must have basic proficiency of Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Must possess valid Illinois Driver’s License.
• Must possess professional phone skills and work well with the public.
• Must present a neat and professional appearance.
• Responsible to follow policies and procedures outlined in Springfield Park District employee manual.
• Must live within a 50-mile radius from Bunn Administration building 2500 S 11th Springfield IL 62703 in the State of Illinois or must be willing to move to such a compliant location within the first 6 months of acceptance of a position with the Springfield Park District.

Benefits:

• Paid individual Health Insurance with BCBS. We offer both HMO and PPO plans.
• Complete vision, dental, and life insurance package.
• Paid time off includes 14.5 holidays, between 10 and 25 vacation days based on years in position, 12 sick days, and 4 personal days per year.
• Paid Employee Assistance Plan.
• IMRF pension plan and 457B.
• Free/Discounted Park District Programs

• To be considered for this position, apply online through our Job Opportunity and Tracking Portal. No paper applications or resumes will be accepted. Go to www.springfieldparks.org and click on Join Our Team to see a full list of job opportunities.

 

The Springfield Park District is committed to the provisions of Equal Employment Opportunities and Affirmative Action to its applicants regardless of race, color, religion, ancestry, age sex, marital or veterans’ status, national origin, disability or any other legally protected status.