Location: Wildlife Conservation Society-Central Park Zoo

Reports to: Coordinator of Volunteers
Type: Part-Time
Rate: $20/hour
Duration: 8 months
Start Date: February 2020
End Date: September 2020
Schedule: 3 days/week in February/March, 5 days/week April-September, 7 hrs/day, including both Saturdays and Sundays

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 the same values.

WHO WE ARE
WCS saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature. To achieve this, we harness the power of our Global Conservation Program in nearly 60 nations, in all the world’s oceans, and our five wildlife parks in New York City - Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and New York Aquarium - visited by 4 million people annually. We combine our expertise in the field, zoos, and aquarium to achieve our conservation mission.

YOUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Youth Engagement:
● You will work alongside the Coordinator of Volunteers, Curator of Education, and Manager of Live Interpretation to train youth in volunteer positions.
● You will support the on-site interpretive program logistics through the spring and summer by doing the following:
○ Supporting and/or leading daily morning meetings with staff and volunteers, regular team meetings, and workshops.
○ Creating weekly schedules for volunteers and tracking schedule changes
○ Tracking volunteer requirements such as training status, attendance, and performance
○ Entering, analyzing and preparing program reports
○ Assisting with communication for interpreters (phone calls, emails, mailers, etc.)
○ Maintain organization for all materials
● You will coach youth by doing the following:
○ Modelling best practices by participating alongside them in our on-site interpretive program
○ Supporting and evaluating youth, as well as the programs they provide, on an ongoing basis
○ Participating in a mentor program
○ Maintaining a fun and lively learning and work environment

● You will help to plan fun and team oriented activities for volunteers
● Ability to lift up to 20 lbs and to perform light physical activity outdoors in the sun
● Applicants must be available for full employment period to be considered

Departmental Collaboration:
● Support the Education Department as needed
● Attend regular meetings with the Education Department.
● With the support of our Research and Evaluation team, you will reflect on project evaluation data to inform and make recommendations to leadership on programmatic decisions.

Qualification Requirements

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Education: 

● You should possess a or be in pursuit of a college degree, preferably a Bachelor’s, in a relevant field of study, such as, Education, Youth Development, Animal Science, Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, etc. 

Experience:

● You should have some experience working with, coaching, or mentoring youth, ages 14-22
● You should have some experience conducting public programs, live interpretation and visitor interactions

Knowledge and Skills:

● You are reliable, flexible, and accountable for your actions
● You have good organizational skills, and have a working knowledge of useful office tools such as Excel, Google Docs, etc.
● You are a self-starter, and have a high level of self-motivation, with excellent time management, and documentation skills 
● You enjoy engaging with others, and are able to work as a part of a team, as well as independently
● You are outgoing, and are willing to interpret science concepts in both a classroom setting, as well as with the public at zoo exhibits
● You have great verbal and written communication skills. Bilingual in English and another language including, but not limited to, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Mandarin/Cantonese as well as other languages 

Values:

● You are passionate about working with and making a difference in the lives of young adults.
● You treat colleagues and partners in a welcoming, open manner
● You take ownership of your work; are open about challenges and successes
● Are creative in seeking solutions to the everyday and unusual problems
● You consider different ideas and perspectives in your approach to your work
● You recognize colleagues as resources and work together to achieve results
● You are honest - with yourself, with your colleagues, and in your work

Benefits and Perks:

● We offer the opportunity for professional growth through various internal professional
development and continuing education events
● We prioritize being a fun and collaborative team

Workplace Conditions and 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