Edu-Venturer (Part Time)

Summary:

The Edu-Venturer is responsible for the delivery of instruction, guest engagement, excellent communication, overall experience, safety, and security of program participants in a variety of Education Department programming. Edu-Venturers may deliver programming in seasonal Zoo Camps, school programs, seasonal/event programming, overnight programs, and informal encounters both on Zoo grounds and off. This position works cooperatively with Education Managers, Interpretive Specialists, other Zoo team members, volunteers, and interns throughout the year.

Essential Job Functions:

• Content creation and delivery of Education Department programming such as classes, tours, outreach, safari basecamp birthdays, overnights, scout workshops, seasonal events, seasonal exhibits, evening programs, seasonal camps, and other opportunities throughout the year.
• Provide an entertaining, safe, engaging environment for program participants.
• Organization, general cleanliness and presentation of classroom teaching spaces and materials.
• Guide program participants through themed educational programs in an engaging, educational and entertaining manner.
• Track participant numbers and other impact data, including evaluation of programming.
• Conduct off campus outreach tabling events such as the Shelby County Fun Fest and other community and school events around the City of Memphis throughout the year.
• Work effectively and courteously as part of the Zoo Education Team, with staff, volunteers, and interns.
• Communicate with others immediately when responding to an incident or an emergency.
• Contribute professionally to a collaborative, innovative, and energetic work environment

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Current enrollment or graduation in/from certification or degreed program in Education, Biology, Environmental or Natural Sciences, Theatre, Recreation, or related field.
• 2 years of relevant experience or any equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to do the job.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Previous experience developing environmental education programming and/or working in professional childcare, educational, entertainment or hospitality organization.

Competencies:

• Guest Focus.
• Public Speaking.
• Oral and Written Communication.
• Teamwork Orientation.
• Stress Management/Composure.
• Problem Solving.
• Time Management.
• Interpersonal Skills.
• Attention to Detail.
• Organization and Planning.
• Microsoft Office Suite.

Supervisory Responsibility: None.

Reporting Structure: Reports to the Education Manager.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

Part-time positions are defined as positions scheduled to work approximately up to 30 hours a week. Scheduling is at the discretion of the manager. Most programs take place during weekends, may include instruction of seasonal camp programming, and will often include overnight or evening programs and events. This position is considered nonexempt under the federal and state wage and hour laws. 

Your availability must meet the minimum availability program requirements listed below.

• Twilight Tours
  • Select evenings; 4 hours shift length.
  • Minimum availability: 2 tours per season
• Zoo Snoozes and Scouts
  • Select evenings/overnights/mornings; up to 16.5 hours shift length.
  • Minimum availability: 2 per month.
• Basecamp Birthday
  • Saturdays and Sundays throughout the entire year; 3 hours shift length.
  • Minimum availability: 3 per month.
• Zoo Boo
  • Select evenings in October; 5 hours shift length.
  • Minimum availability: 3 per month.
• Zoo Lights
  • Select evenings in November – January; 5 hours shift length.
  • Minimum availability: 4 per month.

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of the job, the employee will frequently work in alternate settings between indoors (classroom/office environment) and outdoors (Zoo grounds). When outdoors this position is required to work in various weather conditions including rain, humidity, and extreme heat or cold. This position has extensive interaction with large groups of children and adults.

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.

This position requires frequent standing/walking/bending/kneeling/crouching and may occasionally move or lift objects up to 40 pounds. Position also requires ability to navigate/lead walking tours through Zoo grounds, operation of a gas/electric golf cart, and ability to communicate over telephone and radio.

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

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Other Requirements:

• 21 years or older.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Proof of current automobile insurance.
• Clear driving record.
• Clear background check.
• Clear drug screening.

Benefits & Perks

The Memphis Zoo has a comprehensive benefits and employee perks package. Please see our page for details.  

EEOC and Inclusion Statement: 

The Memphis Zoo believes that human diversity is as important as the biodiversity we seek to conserve. World-class zoos are comprised of world-class team members representing a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We value a diverse workplace and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, and veterans to apply. 

The Memphis Zoo is an equal-opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws. If you need to request any accommodations for the interview or hiring process, please let the Human Resources team (HR) know. HR can be contacted at hrteam@memphiszoo.org. 

The Memphis Zoo participates in E-Verify and is an EEO/ADA/Veteran employer.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment screening. Memphis Zoo is a drug-free workplace.