Seasonal Educator - Winter Season

The Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, Iowa is a non‑profit organization and home to more than 2,800 animals representing nearly 240 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish, and is fully accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The mission of the Blank Park Zoo is to inspire an appreciation of the natural world through conservation, education, research and recreation.

The primary responsibility of a Seasonal Educator is to provide world‑class education programs and interpretation to audiences of all ages and sizes both at the Zoo and across the state of Iowa. Seasonal Educators will promote the Zoo’s mission, goals and objectives; create a positive learning experience for people of all ages. This is a 6‑month seasonal position from March‑August or September‑February.

Employees must be available to work a flexible schedule between 20–40 hours per week (depending on season) including early mornings, late evenings and weekends.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Lead education programming for groups and guests at the Zoo
• Independently travel statewide conducting education programs – this includes public speaking to large and small groups, handling a variety of small animals and driving long distances
• Conduct weekly routine maintenance of Zoo vehicles
• Conduct daily/weekly sanitation protocols for programming materials
• Complete program data entry & monthly IT training
• Utilize developmentally appropriate practices that inspire conservation action
• Gain in‑depth knowledge of materials available for programming including, but not limited to:
  Ambassador Animals, animal artifacts, zoo exhibits, staff and other zoo resources
• Learn animal handling and training procedures
• Work with and supervise volunteers
• Resourceful – Understanding of or can research all applicable topics as they relate to conservation education
• Flexible – Ability to handle a flexible workload with a variety of assignments while also maintaining composure in an environment that can be stressful
• Independent – Must be able to operate independently, exercise initiative and demonstrate capacity for detail and follow‑up
• Positive – Must be a positive, effective team member and be able to establish professional working relationships
• Communicator – Communicates clearly, both verbal and written. Effective listening skills
• Critical Thinker – Ability to make decisions while under pressure or solve complex problems that arise daily
• Innovative – Ability to propose solutions to areas of concern
• Efficient – Ability to complete tasks in a thorough but quick manner
• Customer‑oriented – Always exercises professional customer service skills. Interacts with many different types of people and situations
• Team Player – Collaborates with supervisors and team to achieve common goals

• Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like
• Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces
• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another
• Adjusting or moving objects up to 25 pounds in all directions
• Communicating with others to exchange information
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers
• Operating machinery and/or power tools
• Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment
• Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned
• Driving
• Stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling
• Reaching with hands and arms
• Tasting or smelling
• Vision

• High school diploma or GED. Preferred candidates will be working towards a degree in education, environmental interpretation, animal ecology, theatre, or a related field
• Experience in informal education settings is preferred
• Willingness to learn new information. Knowledge of the principles of zoology is a plus

• Must be 19 years or older
• Must be able to pass a background check
• Proof of negative TB test
• Ability to work…