Education Specialist (Seasonal)

*This is a seasonal position, lasting until September 2, 2024.

Applications accepted until March 22

Pay Range: $21.80 - $23.69 per hour

Position Summary 

Serves as a first-line instructor delivering interactive, safe, engaging, high-quality public programs for learners of all ages. Helps with the identification of educational conservation content to be covered, the development of interpretive programming, and the assembly of pertinent materials. May guide tours of the institution, perform formal themed chats in conjunction with our animal care team, and facilitate smaller scale informal engagement at individual animal habitats. Will interpret and lead public programs, discussing animal life history, husbandry, and individual background, as well as the environmental issues impacting them. Adapts readily to and guides the flow of relevant conversations that arise with guests. Acts as a technical resource to visitors in wayfinding and providing information. Will uphold the mission and values established by the Conservation Society of California (the "Zoo") and adhere to policies and procedures as set forth by the Zoo and the Senior Manager of On-Grounds Programming. Has a proven ability to teach rigorous conservation education and willingness to obtain training to handle program animals. 

Essential Job Duties

• Prepare and deliver/teach all Learning & Engagement programming in an informative, safe, engaging, and high-quality manner.

• Follow animal protocols and obtain/maintain Animal Handling certifications as needed. 
• Maintain positive attitude and collaborative working relationships with volunteers, co-workers, program participants, and internal and external customers.

• Demonstrate superior customer service with vendors, visitors, students, parents, etc.
• Demonstrate knowledge of, and support the California Conservation Society’s mission, vision, values, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and codes of behavior.

Who You Are

• Some college level coursework in biology, zoology, life and environmental science, and or education preferred
• Background in teaching (formal or informal) and/or experience working with children (camps, tutoring, coaching, etc.)
• Excellent customer service skills and aptitude
• Classroom management skills
• Ability to follow animal protocols and maintain Animal Handling certifications as needed
• Knowledge of animals and current conservation issues
• Friendly, energetic, and open manner
• Excellent oral (including public speaking) and written communication skills
• Ability to handle stressful situations and maintain a sense of perspective and humor
• Ability to problem-solve and show good judgment
• Computer literacy

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualities– May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills and abilities commonly associated with this position. 

• Communication – communicates respectfully and effectively with stakeholders across identities 
• Dependability – demonstrates trustworthiness and reliability, including while working with little or no direct supervision 
• Impact: Inspired to contribute to the success of a project or the organization 
• Time management – strong capabilities with a demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize multiple commitments 
• Inclusive Culture - fosters a culture of mutual respect, transparency, collaboration and belonging which allows all employees to feel appreciated, included, and valued 
• Passion – wholeheartedly believes in, represents, and models Oakland Zoo’s mission and PRIDE values at all times 
• Wildlife Aware - understands mission to support the conservation and welfare of animals at The Zoo, locally and globally. This is demonstrated by a willingness/passion to reflect this mission in all actions and to continue to learn how to take action for wildlife 
• Sustainability – oriented toward the mission and values of Oakland Zoo and able to put those into practice by finding creative and resourceful ways to develop sustainable practices within your role and department 

Who We Are

Oakland Zoo (managed by The Conservation Society of California) is an award-winning facility stretching 100 acres and overlooking the city of Oakland atop the hills of beautiful Knowland Park.  Our mission is to inspire respect for and stewardship of the natural world, while providing a quality visitor experience.  As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Zoo is part of the largest conservation organization in the nation.  Our employees take PRIDE in our values of being Positive, Respectful, Inquisitive, Driven and Effective members of a team who places the care of our animals, stewardship of the natural environment, and the experience of our guests at the forefront of all that we do. 

Oakland Zoo’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access 

We believe that all people should have safe access to the Zoo and culturally relevant and responsive experiences with our staff, programs, and curriculum. Oakland Zoo is also striving to create an equitable and inclusive internal culture where all staff members feel represented and valued for their identities and lived experiences. We examine how power, bias, race, and other aspects of identity impact our organization. We work to build a culture of continuous learning and improvement toward a vision of equity and belonging for all staff. We are looking for team members who can actively join us in this process. We are committed to reflecting the diverse community in which we exist and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ identifying folks, and women to apply.