Preschool Teacher

Do you love working with young children and sharing the wonders of nature? The Santa Barbara Zoo is hiring n Preschool Teacher to deliver engaging, age-appropriate lessons as part of the Early Explorers Preschool program. Join us in fostering curiosity and promoting conservation while ensuring the safety and well-being of our youngest learners!

Regular, Full-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt

Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

$26.20 - $27.30 per hour

Under the general direction of the Preschool Director, 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.

• Coordinates with the Early Explorer Director to ensure effective execution of program curriculum in an engaging, age-appropriate manner, working with children within the 3-5 age range
• Leads and assists in delivering age-appropriate, experiential learning and engaging activities for children ages 3-5, including but not limited to:
  • Nature-based science activities
  • Songs, stories, and movement exercises
  • Hands-on crafts and sensory play
  • Kindergarten readiness activities
  • Outdoor exploration, guided walks, and zoo tours
• Accurately explains animal and environmental science concepts in a way that is accessible and engaging for young students
• Improvises pre-approved activities when necessary, to keep students engaged and focused
• Supervises students and leads activities during extended daycare as required
• Inventories and maintains curriculum equipment and supplies
• Responds to health, welfare, and safety issues of students
• Signs students in and out according to established Security Procedures and responds professionally to parent’s or guardian’s questions at the direction of the Preschool Director
• Interacts professionally with parents/guardians, zoo visitors, volunteers, and other zoo staff
• Maintains cleanliness of common spaces as pertaining to Title 22 regulations
• Works collaboratively with the Education team to continually improve the Early Explorers Preschool experience
• Adheres to the Zoo’s policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual
• Adheres to Title 22 laws and regulations in accordance with Preschool Licensing
• Applies and exemplifies “green” (sustainable) practices whenever possible
• Responds to emergencies quickly and follows emergency protocols
• Remains calm and creates an atmosphere of calm and control for those dealing with emergency situations

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

• Greets every guest with a smile
• Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo
• Answers phone calls, voice mails, and e-mails promptly
• Ensures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash, reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions
• Associates with guests to assist and share information
• Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures
• Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo’s uniform dress code
• Takes responsibility for staying informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending meetings
• Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement, the Zoo’s Core Values, and the Employee Pledge
• Applies and exemplifies “green” (sustainable) practices whenever possible
• Other miscellaneous duties as required

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and…