VolunTEEN Program; Unpaid

Position: VolunTEEN Program (Unpaid)

Join to apply for the Volun

TEEN Program (Unpaid) role at Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium

5 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Volun

TEEN Program DEPARTMENT

Conservation & Education

LOCATION

Zoo-Wide

REPORTS TO

Conservation & Education Volunteer Contact

PURPOSE

The purpose of the Volun

TEEN program is to connect students with their community in a meaningful way through gaining experience with animals and nature. This year-long program is designed to be engaging and educational, while empowering students to be impactful in their communities. Students are encouraged to reapply each year they are eligible. Returning Volun

TEENs have the opportunity to expand their duties and responsibilities.

The Volun

TEEN program is categorized into two introductory groups:
Trailblazers and Digi Teens.

Trailblazers

Spend most of their time outdoors and on Zoo grounds. They have close contact with the public under the direction of staff and docents, engage and educate guests about animals and conservation. Presentation of biofacts and other educational materials will be required as well.

Digi Teens

Spend most of their time completing virtual assignments off Zoo grounds. They develop skills applicable to their interests in the realm of data analysis, graphic design, and content creation. Their work provides fellow Volun

TEENs with resources and abilities to further connect with the community.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Trailblazer

• Promote the Zoo’s mission, events, and programs to connect all audiences to each other, the natural world, and conservation.
• Showcase ability to work autonomously as an effective team member and reach out to leadership when needing assistance.
• Maintain a general understanding of the animal collection, conservation projects and sustainability initiatives to effectively communicate appropriate conservation messaging to audiences.
• Maintain a positive disposition and practice active listening during interactions.

Interpretation

• Deliver engaging animal interpretation throughout the Zoo to tell the stories of our animals and actions guests can take to help them.
• Enhance the guest experience by initiating conversations, answering questions, and educating about the animals.
• Embrace a variety of teaching and learning styles as appropriate for each engagement.
• Work to consistently improve knowledge of animal welfare, interpretation techniques, and science education techniques.
• Support organization, upkeep, and maintenance of educational materials.

Other Duties

• This position may at times be requested to perform other duties or special projects as assigned, which are in the best interest of the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium.
• All volunteers must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily and, upon request, reasonable accommodations will be evaluated to enable volunteers with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their position, absent undue hardship.

LENGTH OF APPOINTMENT

This position is based on completion of hours attained over a period of one year. After one year, the position may be reappointed for another year at the discretion of the supervisor.

TIME COMMITMENT

This position must complete a varied minimum number of hours per season. Hours will be completed on and off Zoo grounds, as well as in the local community. Shifts and schedules vary and are flexible.

Trailblazer Seasonal Requirements

Summer (May – August): 60 Hours (15 Hours per month)

Fall (September – December): 18 Hours

Spring (January – April): 18 Hours

Digi Teen Seasonal Requirements

Summer (May – August): 30 Hours (10 Hours per month) – 5 Community Service Hours

Fall (September – December): 7 Hours – 3 Community Service Hours

Spring (January – April): 7 Hours – 3 Community Service Hours

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be in 8th - 12th grade at time of application.
• Positive, guest-centered attitude and dependable.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Must pass a background screening.
• Trailblazer – Willing to be in all weather extremes.
• Digi Teen – Access and ability to work on a computer with internet access.
• Digi Teen – Experience with a variety of computer software is preferred.

SUPPORT

Training for this position will be provided. In addition, the Volunteer Contact, as well as the employees of the Conservation & Education Department, will be available for questions and assistance.

DRESS CODE

Neutral colored pants or shorts, provided shirt, comfortable closed toed shoes, and weather appropriate outerwear.

ELIGIBILITY

Individuals currently employed at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium are not eligible to participate in the Zoo's volunteer program.

#J-18808-Ljbffr