Schedule: Wednesday to Sunday, 35 hours per week
Through June 30, 2019 with the possibility of extending into September 2019
Pay Rate: $18 – $20 per hour commensurate with experience
Who We Are
The WCS Education Department works across our five wildlife parks: Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and New York Aquarium. Our mission is to inspire a diverse and inclusive movement of conservation advocates by sparking connection with animals and nature, enhancing scientific literacy through hands-on investigation, and engaging constituents in stewardship and action to conserve wildlife and wild places.
WCS is proud to be an equal opportunity employment workplace dedicated to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work and learning environment and look for future team members who share that same value.
Job Overview
The Adjunct Conservation Educator’s primary focus will be providing instruction for our contracted CASA (Cultural After School Adventures) programs. In addition, the adjunct instructor will assist with general audience programs and school programs as needed. The adjunct educator will assist full-time staff in instruction, oversight of programs, re-working activities to fit unique learning styles of students, and helping to maintain a lively learning environment throughout the year. The adjunct conservation educator will work with a wide variety of audiences including pre-K and elementary students, teens, and families. Schedule is flexible with a significant amount of work in the afternoons and occasional weekends required.
Responsibilities
As an Adjunct Conservation Educator you will…
● Teach off-site at local schools though our CASA (Cultural After-school Adventures) funded programs.
● Develop curriculum for CASA programs, as well as other programs as needed.
● Assist Full-Time staff with a primary focus on PreK-12 grade audiences, including, but not limited to: Family Programs, and School Break Camps.
● Supervise and interact with children ranging in age from 2-17 years old
● Maintain a fun and lively learning environment
● Prepare and organize materials for programs
● Train in the proper handling and presentation protocols of the Queens Zoo’s tractable animal collection under the supervision of the Curator of Education
● Attend regular staff meetings and participate in staff development
● Perform all related tasks and duties, as assigned
● Comply with all policies and procedures as presented by WCS and the WCS Education Department
Qualification Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
● High School diploma or GED
● One year prior teaching experience in an education field
● Ability to work within a highly team oriented environment
● Excellent verbal communication skills to help interpret science concepts in both a classroom setting and at zoo exhibits
● Reliable, flexible and accountable
● Weekend availability is required
● Must possess a valid driver’s license
Preferred Qualifications
● Recent college graduate or graduate student
● One year teaching experience at an informal science institution
● Experience and knowledge of writing curriculum and an understanding of best practices for informal science education, with an understanding of inquiry, nature play, and audience-centered facilitation techniques.
● Educational background in ecology, environmental science or education preferred
● Bilingual/Spanish speaker is a plus
Workplace Environment
● We value team members and community partners from all backgrounds and cultures with different skills, abilities, and perspectives
● We ensure that everyone has an opportunity to fully contribute to our mission.
Benefits and Perks
● We value creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and building a culture where everyone is welcomed and can flourish.
● As PT staff, you will receive access to Bronx Zoo and other WCS park