Professional Development Coordinator

Dedicated to its founding mission in 1936 as an education institution, the Staten Island Zoological Society remains at the forefront of weaving effective education programs into its cultural role as a place of adventure, discovery, and fun for all age groups.  The Education Department develops high-quality educational programs based on current curricula and standards, including the Next Generation Science Standards, New York State Science Learning Standards, and the Common Core Standards, serving youth ages Pre-K through adult.  As New York’s “Biggest Little Zoo”, the Staten Island Zoo showcased more than 1,200 animals nestled in a beautiful 8-acre park, reflecting more than 350 species of animals.  An AZA accredited institution since 1988, the Zoo remains a leader in wildlife conservation, maintaining more than 70 endangered or threatened species and participating in the SPP and education to highlight the plight of vanishing wildlife throughout the world.  Staten Island Zoo is an AZA-accredited facility with a unique collection of 1500 specimens, including approximately 60 education animals. 

The Professional Development Coordinator designs and implements professional development sessions for New York City teachers, and acts as the Staten Island Zoo partner in the Urban Advantage middle school science initiative.  An ideal candidate should have experience in informal or formal education and be able to adapt to different teaching environments.  The PD Coordinator must be an organized individual with excellent communication and time management skills.  The Professional Development coordinator reports to the Director of Education.

Full time, 35 hour a week position, Tuesday – Saturday.

Description of Duties:

• Along with the additional Urban Advantage Coordinator at the Staten Island Zoo, coordinate the development and execution of all aspects of the Urban Advantage Program.
• Schedule, develop, prepare materials for, and deliver multi-day professional development courses for New York City science teachers, administrators, and parent coordinators both in person and virtually.
• Attend professional development sessions and meetings at other institutions throughout New York City and via virtual meetings.
• Oversee, collaborate, and allocate duties to Lead Teachers in the Urban Advantage program.
• Schedule and conduct school visits both inside and outside of school hours, including family science events and individual teacher support. This includes some evening and weekend activities.
• Design, purchase materials for, and oversee the annual UA Family Science Day event.
• Maintain communication with program participants and institutional partners.
• Track usage of Urban Advantage vouchers at the Staten Island Zoo.
• Maintain a budget and expense sheet for all materials purchased for the Urban Advantage program.
• Build and maintain relationships with community partners to share resources and support course curriculum goals.
• Deliver education department programs to school groups and general public.
• Additional tasks as needed in support of the Education Department.

Education and Experience:

• Possess a BA or BS. Additional graduate work in the field of education or biology a plus.
• Teaching experience (formal or informal), particularly with adult learners.
• Knowledge and practice with the NGSS and NYS science standards
• Job-related experience such as working in a nonprofit organization, zoo, aquarium, or other education facility.
• Knowledge and experience with animal husbandry and handling, particularly tractable program animals preferred but will train.

Skills:

• Organization and planning skills.
• Ability to multi-task and juggle multiple projects; time management skills and flexibility.
• Proficient in basic computer applications, word processing, excel, and internet research.
• Ability to disseminate information to large and small groups through public speaking skills.
• Able to adapt to new situations/experiences.

Other functions and responsibilities:

• Ability to work well with a diverse group of staff and volunteers.
• Willingness to occasionally adjust hours based on the needs of the education department.
• Ability to work productively in a semi-structured environment with frequent interruptions.

Additional Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a background check.
• Ability to work outdoors under various weather conditions.
• Valid state driver’s license.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 30 pounds.
• Covid-19 Vaccination.

Annual salary:  $45,000 – $55,000 commensurate with experience.  Position includes benefits, 401K, paid vacation and sick time.

Please submit a resume and cover letter to:

Jessica Hartmann

Director of Education, Staten Island Zoo

[email protected]

Fax:  718-442-8492

ONLY QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONTACTED

THE STATEN ISLAND ZOO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER