Community Collaboration Specialist

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington is hiring for a new position in the Community Collaboration team! We are looking for someone who enjoys working with local committees specifically historically oppressed communities. This person would be facilitating Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium’s award-winning Wildlife Champions program, Explore the Shore Beach Walk, and the planning and facilitation of new Community Collaboration initiatives.

This job is a part-time (35 hrs/wk), benefitted position in our Conservation Community Collaboration Department with a end date of December 31st, 2026. 

POSITION INFORMATION 

Under the direction of the Community Engagement Coordinator of ZEED (Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium/Northwest Trek Wildlife Park), the Community Collaboration Specialist will provide assistance in facilitating and delivering engaging classroom and field-based programs for the community. Including the hands-on empathy science-based program, Wildlife Champions, Explore the Shore, and community focused events and programming, new and current. Primary work site will be at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, in Tacoma; at times work site be at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, in Eatonville. 

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to:

• Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
• Interact professionally with other employees, customers and suppliers.
• Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
• Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
• Observe applicable safety requirements, use safety equipment provided, implement appropriate safety practices at all times and report immediately any unsafe working conditions or hazards.

Essential Duties

Work with Community Collaboration Team to:

• Strengthen relationships with diverse communities by growing partnerships, fostering meaningful connections, and addressing barriers.
• Develop strategies that improve diversity, equity, access to promote inclusion, especially in historically oppressed communities.
• Collaboratively foster relationships with local historically oppressed communities by listening, learning and working together to further awaken the care and protection of Wild Life.
• Expand and deepened partnerships with (in community gathering points in the community.  (e.g; schools, libraries, community centers)
• Build empathy and action for Wild Life both internally (ZEED) and externally in the community.
• Engage in storytelling highlighting the positive impact of community engagement efforts and the importance of conservation.
• Build and enhance pathways for local communities to explore careers in conservation, wildlife care, and zoo operations. Specifically at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park.
• Partner and collaborate with educational institutions to create opportunities for hands-on learning, internships, and career development in the field of wildlife and environmental science.
• Perform additional duties as needed to further the mission of Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park and the success of community outreach initiatives.
• Recruit and train volunteers (youth & adult) to support community programs and initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications

• At least two years of experience in natural sciences, education, or related field, may include college coursework, volunteering, or work experience.
• Passion to engage communities in science and nature experiences that are exciting, rewarding and impactful.
• Experience working with diverse populations in nature settings or conservation organizations, specifically historically oppressed communities
• Experience with delivery of community programming to individuals, families and groups from a variety of ages, abilities and backgrounds.
• Experience with environmental education program development and delivery in formal or informal settings.
• Experience working with community partners to achieve shared goals.
• Must exhibit consistent characteristics such as a positive attitude, ability to show initiative, emotional maturity, self-responsibility, and ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to work outdoors, in a variety of weather conditions and frequently stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends.
• First Aid and CPR certification required, training available upon hire.
• Must present a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record upon offer of position.
• Ability to operate a 10-passenger vehicle after training with both adult and youth.
• Reliable Transportation to both facilities, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma & Northwest Trek Wildlife Park in Eatonville.

Desired Qualifications: 

• Knowledge of current conservation issues relevant to local wildlife as well as species represented at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.
• Bilingual or use of a language other than English (such as Spanish, ASL, Russian, Korean)
• Experience in applying JEDI (justice, equity, diversity and inclusion) principles to your work.

Additional Information

This is a limited term, part-time benefitted position that will end 12.31.2026 – Based on our internal equity review process, the anticipated starting wage for this position is $23.28 hourly.