Description

Department: Learning & Engagement

Supervisor: Youth Engagement Manager

Supervises: None

FLSA Status: Full-time, Regular, Non-Exempt

Starting Pay Rate: $24.12/hour

Application Submission Deadline: 9/8/2023

General Statement:

The Programs Coordinator is an ambassador and educator for the Phoenix Zoo. This position is responsible for efficient and effective logistical operations of various education programs. The Programs Coordinator designs, coordinates, and facilitates learning programs including for youth, adults, off-site audiences and informal audiences at the Zoo. Because of the nature of this position, proof of Covid vaccination is required.

Essential Duties:

1. Provide quality guest service to both internal and external guests by maintaining a WILD (friendly, helpful, positive and professional) working attitude and appearance.
2. Under the direction of the Youth Engagement Manger and other Program Managers, brainstorms, develops new and maintains current high-quality, nature- and inquiry-based experience curriculum for various audiences including youth, adults, off-site audiences and informal audiences at the Zoo.
3. Facilitates programs for audiences early childhood through adult.
4. Coordinates aspects of program development and logistics, including ordering supplies, organizing materials and program paperwork, confirming program setup, and communicating program needs to other departments to ensure programs run smoothly.
5. Identifies volunteer needs for assigned programming and assists with training and coordination of those volunteers.
6. Coordinates scheduling and placement of teen volunteers on weekend days, including pre and post shift meetings and on-site support.
7. Maintains Animal Handling Certification; responsible for knowing and abiding by proper handling, transportation, presentation, and interaction protocols for a diverse collection of animals in preparation for and during programs.
8. In conjunction with the Youth Engagement Manager and appropriate Program Managers, conducts formal evaluations of assigned programming.
9. Communicates programs’ needs to the Youth Engagement Manager.
10. Cross-trains to support various programs and experiences throughout the Zoo Learning and Engagement Department.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job. Management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (e.g. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs, or technological developments.)

Qualifications

1. High school diploma or equivalent required.
2. Bachelor’s degree in science or education preferred
3. Experience working with a range of audience sizes and ages, including early childhood through adult.
4. Knowledge of child development and program-specific academic, benchmarking, and/or best practices standards.
5. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, organization skills, and detail-oriented work style. Able to speak with confidence and enthusiasm to audiences of all ages and to groups of all sizes.
6. Experience in program development/design in a formal or non-formal setting preferred.
7. Ability to handle and work with a variety of animals in a safe manner that abides by established animal protocols required.
8. Experience handling animals, including birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and invertebrates in a professional setting preferred.
9. Bi-lingual English-Spanish preferred.
10. Availability to work a flexible and varied schedule that includes weekdays, weekends, evenings, and holidays. Ability to work in extreme weather conditions.
11. Ability to lift up to 30 pounds; regularly bend, crouch, and kneel; stand and walk for extended periods of time; work in both indoor and outdoor environments.
12. Able to perform in both a team environment as well as in a solitary setting.
13. Possession of valid driver’s license required.
14. Proof of Covid vaccination required.
15. Ability to pass pre-employment background check, drug test, DMV check, clear annual TB test, and obtain a Food Handler’s License within 1 month of hire.