Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, award-winning Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle is famed for pioneering naturalistic exhibits and setting a standard for zoos all over the world. The zoo is helping to save endangered species in Washington State and around the world. By inspiring visitors and others to learn, care and act, Woodland Park Zoo is making a difference in our planet’s future.

This is your opportunity to join a dynamic Education team at Woodland Park Zoo. Applications are now being accepted for Science Education Outreach Coordinator in the Science & Conservation Education department. There is one full-time, regular, benefited position to be filled at this time.

The Science Education Outreach Coordinator is responsible for developing and overseeing the implementation of out-of-school-time science outreach programs for school-aged audiences in order to foster interest in science, build science literacy, and engage school-aged audiences with Woodland Park Zoo in conservation stewardship. The successful candidate will have a combination of experience and/or academic background in informal/out-of-school time science education, formal science education for K-12 audiences, outdoor/environmental education, education with diverse audiences and project coordination.

The person in this position coordinates overall out-of-school time, science outreach program functions and logistic activities. The coordinator serves as a lead in program curriculum development, ensuring that programs are accessible and culturally relevant for diverse audiences, and provides training and mentorship for program specialists and presenters. Job responsibilities include maintaining internal and external partnerships as needed for program development and implementation. Responsibilities of this position include promotion and recruitment communications and activities to ensure that program opportunities reach a broad, diverse audience of potential participants.

SUMMARY

Responsible for the overall coordination of functions, staffing, logistics and activities of education programs and projects.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate the development and implementation of education programs, projects and protocols

• Serve as lead staff for specialists, instructors/presenters, volunteers and interns

• Schedule programs, staff, volunteers and resources

• Lead program and project development teams

• Coordinate, develop and facilitate trainings for staff, volunteers and program participants

• Coordinate research, development, revision and dissemination of program/project supporting materials and interpretive elements
• Support supervisory team in maintenance of internal and external partnerships
• Present engaging programs, experiences and activities to audiences of all ages on and off zoo grounds.
• Evaluate programs and interpretive elements
• Collect and report statistics and prepare reports
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to lead and be a positive role model and mentor for staff and volunteers
• Possess strong organizational skills, be able to meet deadlines and suggest and deal with changes in operation protocol
• Must be able to work independently and manage projects with minimal supervision
• Must be able to create and lead processes related to collaborative program development and coordination of team members
• Ability to develop and present creative, mission-driven programming
• Possess general knowledge of zoology, ecology and conservation
• Ability to work a non-standard/flexible schedule, which may include weekends and evenings
• Commitment to the mission of the zoo and the institutions’ Core Values

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree required in natural science, environmental education, or related field from an accredited four-year college or university; or four to five years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Valid Washington State Driver License may be required.

COMPUTER SKILLS

Proficient and experienced with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Must be able to work with customized databases and technology, and conduct internet research.

CUSTOMER SERVICE SKILLS

Must be enthusiastic and customer service oriented and deal with clients in a courteous and professional manner. Must enjoy working with the public including diverse populations and people of all ages.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The position requires an ability to walk or transit across the 92-acre institution in variable weather conditions, enter non-public areas and occasionally climb stairs or ladders in behind-the-scenes staff areas. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, while lifting equipment or setting up podium area. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The vision requirements are based on the required ability to identify animals or places for media, and having to be aware of location in relation to animals as well as media.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is frequently moderate to loud.

Woodland Park Zoo is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, or gender identity/expression.