Lead Educator

JOB PURPOSE:  Lead Educators are responsible for development and delivery of education programming at Chehaw, The Flint RiverQuarium, and Thronateeska.  This position is responsible for creating and facilitating positive education interactions in support of each organization’s mission.  While this position works on many different facets of educational programming throughout the year this individual will have a stronger focus on our program development and volunteer coordination/training.   

This is an essential position, and the employee must be available for work 24-hours a day, 365-days a year, in the event of emergencies and natural disasters.  All positions may require employees to work some weekends, holidays, and evenings.

JOB DUTIES:

• Responsible for working with Education Manager and Director to coordinate, develop, and take supervisory role for program development and volunteers.
• Responsible for developing, coordinating, and delivering new or existing education programming that increases educational value and elevates guest experience
  • Volunteers
  • Camps
  • Overnight groups
  • Nature based programs on park grounds
  • Lead on and off grounds programs, some programs utilize ambassador animals
  • Lead nature based programs on and off grounds which includes scouting areas in advance for potential hazards and inspecting equipment; areas such as nature trails, play park, water ways (canoe or kayak trips)
• Program development includes:
  • Creating program content
  • Working across all three facilities and departments to implement programming
  • Track, record, and relay pertinent information
• Lead groups of in day camps ages 4-12
  • Includes daily camp set up, clean up, & record keeping
  • Manage camper’s behavior
  • Maintain clear communication with parents and other education staff about: behavioral or physical issues, dress code, materials to bring to camp
  • Manage youth volunteers helping with camp
  • Act as camp runner
• Take supervisory role when working with Educator II, I, volunteers & interns
  • Train Educators II, I, & volunteers under direction of Education Manager & Director in program delivery, interpretation, animal handling, and camp protocol (after completing training and demonstrating appropriate training skills)
• Plan, develop, and carry out seasonal special events with Education Manager & Director (Halloween, Thanksgiving, etc.)
• May conduct Program Animal husbandry which includes, but is not limited to scheduled disinfections and enclosure maintenance, daily feeding and cleaning, and making health and behavior observations
  • Evaluate Education Animal stress levels, behaviors, and overall wellbeing then relay abnormalities, positive or negative progress to education supervisors and/or animal care staff
  • Conduct regular program animal training for program use; crating, stepping up, and displaying wings, feet, etc for procedures
  • Report and record program and animal information
  • Basic Zims navigation and record keeping
  • Be an exemplary model for safety, proper program and animal care protocol
• Actively attend trainings for staff development and utilize new information to enhance existing programs or create new programs

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license
• Willingness to participate in staff vaccination program to prevent zoonotic disease transfer, scheduled as recommended by CDC; may include tetanus, TB skin test; vaccinations may be provided to successful candidates
• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field, or five years’ experience (paid or volunteer) in related education or science related position, or equivalent combination of school and experience
• Minimum of two seasons leading children for camps or programs (volunteer or paid)
• Proficient in ambassador animal handling, care, and training staff/volunteer
• Basic computer skills

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:  Must be able to lift 25 pounds regularly and 50 pounds occasionally.  Must be able to work outdoors for 90% of the day in all-weather conditions; be able to tolerate strong odors, dust, hay, animal fur, hair, and dander.