Oregon Zoo ZooTeen Educator

ZooTeen Educator Position

Position Summary:
This position creates and supervises the education portion of a volunteer program for 300 plus high school age students.

Minimum requirements:
High school diploma or GED and one year experience working with the public; or any combination of education and experience, which would provide the candidate with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the job. Science and/or education experience desirable.

Type of Position & Compensation:

Full-time and Part-time Temporary positions available.
Some weekend work is required.
Pay rate is $9/hour.

Required knowledge skills and abilities:

Ability to communicate effectively.
Ability to provide lead direction to youth volunteers.
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with employees, volunteers and the public.
Experience working with animals.

Responsibilities:

Create, implement and supervise a continuing education program for youth involved in the ZooTeen program.
Ensure the safety of all ZooTeens, visitors and animals.
Facilitate the daily operation of the ZooTeen program.
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 ZooTeen a chance to grow as individuals.
Help to further students' science education and career exploration opportunities and provide leadership in an on-going education program for ZooTeens.

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.
Work with other supervisors and Zoo staff to ensure a consistent flow of information concerning all aspects of the program.
Respond to disruptive behaviors in a prompt professional manner.
Work with other ZooTeen staff to maintain accurate records and serve as primary record keeper for continuing education program.
Assist with the evaluation of individual ZooTeens performance 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.
Provide guidance to students as they develop their interpretation skills.
Work to ensure ZooTeens are continually challenged, and encouraged to develop new skills.
Serve as an instructor during ZooTeen training.

Responsible To:
ZooTeen Supervisors are directly supervised by the ZooTeen Coordinator. The coordinator in turn is responsible to 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