Edu-Venturer; Part Time

Summary

The Edu-Venturer is responsible for the delivery of instruction, guest engagement, excellent communication, overall experience, safety, and security of program participants in a variety of Education Department programming. Edu-Venturers may deliver programming in seasonal Zoo Camps, school programs, seasonal/event programming, overnight programs, and informal encounters both on Zoo grounds and off. This position works cooperatively with Education Managers, Interpretive Specialists, other Zoo team members, volunteers, and interns throughout the year.

• Content creation and delivery of Education Department programming such as classes, tours, outreach, safari basecamp birthdays, overnights, scout workshops, seasonal events, seasonal exhibits, evening programs, seasonal camps, and other opportunities throughout the year.
• Provide an entertaining, safe, engaging environment for program participants.
• Organization, general cleanliness and presentation of classroom teaching spaces and materials.
• Guide program participants through themed educational programs in an engaging, educational and entertaining manner.
• Track participant numbers and other impact data, including evaluation of programming.
• Conduct off campus outreach tabling events such as the Shelby County Fun Fest and other community and school events around the City of Memphis throughout the year.
• Work effectively and courteously as part of the Zoo Education Team, with staff, volunteers, and interns.
• Communicate with others immediately when responding to an incident or an emergency.
• Contribute professionally to a collaborative, innovative, and energetic work environment.

• Current enrollment or graduation in/from certification or degreed program in Education, Biology, Environmental or Natural Sciences, Theatre, Recreation, or related field.
• 2 years of relevant experience or any equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to do the job.

• Previous experience developing environmental education programming and/or working in professional childcare, educational, entertainment or hospitality organization.

• Guest Focus.
• Public Speaking.
• Oral and Written Communication.
• Teamwork Orientation.
• Stress Management/Composure.
• Problem Solving.
• Time Management.
• Interpersonal Skills.
• Attention to Detail.
• Organization and Planning.
• Microsoft Office Suite.

• Twilight Tours
  • Select evenings; 4 hours shift length.
  • Minimum availability: 2 tours per season
• Zoo Snoozes and Scouts
  • Select evenings/overnights/mornings; up to 16.5 hours shift length.
  • Minimum availability: 2 per month.
• Basecamp Birthday
  • Saturdays and Sundays throughout the entire year; 3 hours shift length.
  • Minimum availability: 3 per month.
• Zoo Boo
  • Select evenings in October; 5 hours shift length.
  • Minimum availability: 3 per month.
• Zoo Lights
  • Select evenings in November – January; 5 hours shift length.
  • Minimum availability: 4 per month.

Part‑time positions are defined as positions scheduled to work approximately up to 30 hours a week. Scheduling is at the discretion of the manager. Most programs take place during weekends, may include instruction of seasonal camp programming, and will often include overnight or evening programs and events. This position is considered nonexempt under the federal and state wage and hour laws.

Reports to the Education Manager.

While performing the duties of the job, the employee will frequently work in alternate settings between indoors (classroom/office environment) and outdoors (Zoo grounds). When outdoors this position is required to work in various weather conditions including rain, humidity, and extreme heat or cold. This position has extensive interaction with large groups of children and adults.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This position requires frequent standing/walking/bending/kneeling/crouching and may occasionally move or lift objects up to 40…