Oregon Zoo ZooTeen Coordinator

ZooTeen Coordinator Position

Position Summary:
This position coordinates all aspects of the ZooTeen program, a 300 plus education based volunteer program for high school age students. Supervises a staff of temporary full and part-time employees.

Minimum requirements:
High school diploma or GED and three years of work experience including experience with teenagers; or any combination of education and experience which would provide the candidate with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the job. Post secondary education in biology, zoology, ecology, psychology, education and/or management is desired.

Type of Position & Compensation:

Full-time Temporary positions.
Some weekend work is required.
Pay rate is $12/hour.

Required knowledge skills and abilities:

Knowledge of biology, zoology and ecology.
Skill in teaching children of various ages.
Ability to coordinate the activities of a large seasonal program.
Ability to organize complicated schedules and prioritize needs.
Able to communicate effectively (orally and written).
Ability to provide lead direction to volunteers and seasonal staff.
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with employees, volunteers and the public.
Experience working with animals.

Responsibilities:

Ensure the safety of all ZooTeens, visitors and animals.
Work as part of the ZooTeen management team to supervise all ZooTeen Supervisors and interns.
Coordinate all aspects of the daily operation of the ZooTeen program including program organization, record keeping, report writing and program assessment.
Work cooperatively with all Zoo staff to ensure the success of the ZooTeen program.
Support all ZooTeen, Zoo and Metro policies.
Work to promote the Zoo as an educational environment for teenagers.
Help to create valued and meaningful roles for ZooTeens
Create a supportive atmosphere that provides ZooTeens a chance to grow as individuals.
Help to further students' science education and career exploration opportunities.

Specific Duties:

Promote a positive attitude toward the Zoo and its programs.
Work with Animal Management Staff to ensure all ZooTeen learn the proper care and handling of animals including record keeping and behind the scenes tours.
Work with other supervisors and Zoo staff to ensure a consistent flow of information concerning all aspects of the program.
Work with Education Program Coordinator and other staff to develop and deliver ZooTeen training.
Assist in the recruitment and screening of potential ZooTeen staff and potential participants.
Schedule and supervise ZooTeen supervisors
Respond to disruptive behaviors in a prompt professional manner.
Facilitate open communication with ZooTeen parents
Work with other ZooTeen staff to maintain accurate records.
Assist with the evaluation of individual ZooTeens and the program as a whole.
Consistently project a positive, supportive attitude to all ZooTeens and staff.
Cooperate with Zoo staff to recognize ZooTeens contributions and individual accomplishments.
Provide individuals with instruction on skills necessary to make them effective educational interpreters.
Work with other ZooTeen staff to provide on-going zoo based instruction to students and ensure they are continually challenged, and encouraged to develop new skills
Mentor students as they develop their interpretation skills.

Responsible To:
The ZooTeen Coordinator is directly supervised by the Assistant Volunteer Coordinator.

Send Resume and Cover Letter to:
Education Division
Oregon Zoo
4001 SW Canyon Road
Portland OR 97221
Or fax to: 503-220-5712