Curriculum Developer

Join us on our mission to save wildlife and inspire everyone to make conservation a priority in their lives.

The Curriculum Developer will work directly with the Public Programs Manager, Ambassador Animal staff, the Empathy training coordinator. This position will work closely with our Audience Research staff to establish and implement empathy outcomes, as well as facilitate program evaluation. As part of a grant-funded position, the Curriculum Developer will also be responsible for providing reports and narratives on their progress for grant communication purposes. The Curriculum Developer will also be responsible for training staff and volunteers on the new programs, and implementing feedback as needed. The ideal candidate for this position will be outgoing and enjoy engaging with people of all ages, cultures and abilities. The ability to speak a language in addition to English is highly valued.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Research, write, design, develop, and evaluate programs, curriculum and project activities and materials corresponding with designated grant outcomes and guidelines
• Research and apply wildlife empathy building best practices to program and curriculum development and implementation
• Lead collaborative planning and process meetings of cross functional teams. Develop, schedule and lead trainings and practice sessions for staff/volunteers on program outcomes, logistics, scripts, staging or other elements needed for project implementation
• Work with Audience Research to develop program, curriculum and training assessment tools and to collect and analyze assessment data.
• Modify programs and trainings based on assessment findings
• Collect and report statistics. Maintain records, databases and process records. Research and write grant reports, articles, blog posts, publications, and other communications needed to support the project or grant requirements
• Design and work with appropriate staff to develop program props, materials and supplies
• Mentor presenters, volunteers and interns in program and curriculum delivery
• Perform other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

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 develop and train others to present creative, mission-driven programming to a wide variety of audiences and to mentor presenters, interns and volunteers
• Proven ability to develop curriculum that correlates with Next Generation Science Standards where applicable.
• Ability to give, receive and implement feedback in a constructive and positive way
• Ability to work effectively as a team member, and independently with little supervision
• Flexibility in dealing with a variety of learning and program delivery styles and changes in deadlines and operation protocol
• Ability to work a non-standard/flexible schedule, which may include weekends, some evenings and holidays
• Ability to work with staff from different departments and prioritize tasks
• Ability to effectively communicate the outcomes of the supporting grant, and articulate their role within the larger grant scope to stakeholders
• Experience implementing diversity and inclusion strategies in order to develop culturally responsive programming
• Ability to work in a fast-paced work environment and meet a pre-determined grant timeline

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

A minimum of two years combined education and experience in a natural science, environmental education or other informal learning institution involving program and curriculum development with experience presenting thematically-based interpretive programs and/or classes to all audiences; curriculum development; and program implementation/evaluation.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

None 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. Enjoy working with the public including diverse populations and people of all ages.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write curriculum, routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively to a variety of audiences including young children, families, adults and before groups of zoo employees.

MATHEMATICAL ABILITY

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

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.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 35 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds while handling, lifting, and storing program supplies, kits, and bulk food supplies. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. 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 employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl while setting up displays, transporting class props and materials.

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 regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.

APPLICATION DIRECTIONS

Applications are only accepted online through our Jobs page at www.zoo.org; no other forms of application will be accepted. Cover letter and resume are REQUIRED when applying for this position. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications are due prior to 12:00 AM on the posted Close date (i.e. by 11:59 PM the evening before).

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.