Conservation Engagement Lead

Potter Park Zoo

Conservation Engagement Lead

The Conservation Engagement Lead is responsible for the oversight and coordination of conservation, engagement and learning programs and staff at Potter Park Zoo.

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual with a passion for teaching and engaging children and zoo guests about the importance of conservation of animals and the natural world.

The right candidate must have experience and knowledge of teaching strategies that integrate STEM education with opportunities for program participants to take conservation action. A passion for integrating conservation goals into zoo programming is essential - particularly as it applies to children.

Supervises

* Learning Program Coordinator

* Environmental Educator

* WILD School Lead

* WILD School Coordinator

* Front Desk Staff (as it pertains to education programs)

Essential Job Functions

* Responsible for the maintenance of the Potter Park Zoo conservation action plan and education plan with measurable outcomes for the organization as defined by the accreditation standards of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)

* Leads development, coordination, and implementation of all conservation, engagement and learning programs

* Assigns and supervises duties of all conservation, engagement and learning staff which includes onboarding, training, work assignments, scheduling, and addressing personnel matters pertaining to staff

* Oversees recruitment, selection, training, and scheduling of volunteer educators for all conservation, engagement and learning programs as well as ensuring the education manual for volunteers is current and effective in collaboration with the Learning Programs Coordinator

* Ensure all messaging for the organization's communication including but not limited to programming, volunteer training materials, website, signage, and media are consistent with the conservation action plan

* Coordinate with Environmental Educator on curriculum alignment of education programming

* Coordinate with the Special Events Coordinator on conservation education messaging in all public events

* Organize public educational opportunities including conservation talks and other guest lectures

* Represent the conservation, engagement and learning department in both internal and external meetings

* Collaborate with local, regional, and state organizations to further the conservation education reach of Potter Park Zoo

* Evaluate, measure, monitor, report and document the impact of the zoo's conservation education efforts as guided by both the conservation action plan and the institution's education plan

* Represent the Department of Conservation, Engagement and Learning for AZA inspections and records - submit annual reports and oversee the compiling of materials for accreditation

* Manage and maintain artifact/biofact collection to ensure an appropriate representative collection is in good condition - seek repairs and replacements as needed

* Assist with identification and acquisition of revenue streams to fund the zoo's conservation education efforts including but not limited to grants, sponsor ships and donations

* Responsible for ensuring the Department of Conservation, Engagement and Learning operates within the provided budget

* Act as Camp Director for Zookambi summer camp including upholding the camp's license, updating licensing documentation, hiring seasonal camp staff, training camp staff in accordance to licensing requirements, overseeing the procedures of camp, and communicating with parents

Experience Required

* Three years required (five years preferred) experience working in a school, education department at a zoo or other learning environment.
* Three years required experience supervising and motivating a team as well as providing fiscal oversight to an organization.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills including public presentation experience
* High proficiency in all areas of Microsoft Office including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
* Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently as well as with a team.
* Demonstrate leadership skills and the ability to develop and maintain positive and…