Preschool Teacher - Part Time

Position Overview

Join our team of educators in a unique fully outdoor learning environment at the Santa Barbara Zoo. This role promotes the Zoo’s mission through the Early Explorers Preschool program, supervising students and delivering age‑appropriate preschool curriculum.

Position Status: Part‑Time, Regular, Hourly, Non‑Exempt
Schedule: Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 1:30 pm, up to 25 hrs per week
Compensation: $26.20 – $27.30 per hour, DOE

Educational Requirement: 12 college credits in Early Childhood Education (ECE), including Child/Human Growth and Development, Child, Family and Community, and Program/Curriculum courses. Provide unofficial transcripts at application and official transcripts upon hiring.

Minimum Age: 18 years or older
Experience: Working with children, preferred informal education facility experience; special needs experience is a plus.

Please submit a resume and unofficial transcripts. Complete the Zoo’s Official Employment Application on the next page to be considered.

Under the general direction of the Education team, a Preschool Teacher promotes the Zoo and its mission through implementing the Early Explorers Preschool program. This position supervises groups of students while delivering preschool curriculum in an engaging, age‑appropriate manner, ensuring the safety and well‑being of their groups.

• Coordinate with the Early Explorer Director to ensure effective execution of program curriculum for children 3‑5 years old.
• Lead curriculum activities, including hands‑on science, stories, songs, games, zoo tours, and crafts.
• Explain animal and environmental science concepts clearly.
• Improvise pre‑approved activities when necessary to maintain engagement.
• Supervise students and lead activities during extended day care as required.
• Inventory and maintain curriculum equipment and supplies.
• Respond to health, welfare, and safety issues of students.
• Sign students in and out per established Security Procedures and respond to parent inquiries.
• Interact professionally with parents/guardians, zoo visitors, volunteers, and staff.
• Distribute supplies such as name tags and t‑shirts.
• Maintain cleanliness of common spaces.
• Collaborate with the Education team to continually improve the Early Explorer experience.
• Adhere to Zoo policies and the Employee Policy Manual.
• Apply and exemplify sustainable (“green”) practices whenever possible.
• Respond promptly to emergencies and follow protocols, remaining calm to create a controlled environment.

• Other duties as assigned to maintain efficient and quality zoo operations.

• Greet guests warmly and thank them for visiting.
• Ensure display standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met.
• Assist and share information with guests.
• Respond to guest inquiries, complaints, and comments following Zoo procedures.
• Maintain a clean, neat appearance and adhere to the Zoo’s uniform dress code.
• Stay informed about Zoo happenings by reading communications and attending meetings.
• Reflect qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement and Employee Pledge.
• Other duties as required.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and meet the described knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical requirements. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Successful completion of a DOJ background check before training starts.
• First Aid and CPR certification (may be available through the employer).
• Completion of Mandated Reporting for Suspected Child Abuse training (may be available through the employer).
• Preferred experience in an informal education facility.
• Experience with special needs children is a plus.

• Basic knowledge of Early Childhood Education.
• Organize and implement daily activities.
• Lead activities in an age‑appropriate manner.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Relate sensitively to young children and their parents/guardians.
• Interact courteously and…