Essential Functions:

• Collaborates with members of the Education Department to develop wildlife and nature training plans for Conservation Interpreters, Educators, and Volunteers.  Ensures employees and volunteers are equipped with relevant, accurate knowledge of all Zoo collections. 
• Provides leadership and coaching in effective interpretation techniques to enhance guests’ experience and provide audience-driven information. 
• Collaborates with the Human Resources department to recruit and hire qualified Conservation Interpretation staff as appropriate for the anticipated volume of Zoo guests.
• Provides direction and ongoing development for Conservation Interpretation staff, completes performance reviews, and oversees all personnel management activities for the department.
• Develops attractive, informative educational messaging components including marketing materials, hands-on interpretive, and exhibit signage/graphics.
• Supports the Chief Conservation Education Officer with budgeting, goal setting, employee/volunteer retention, strategic planning, safety concerns, and collaboration with other Zoo departments.
• Serves as a spokesperson to the community through contributions to select print media and public appearances as appropriate.
• Engages in other duties as assigned to meet the goals and objectives of the Fresno Chaffee Zoo.
• Manages payroll for direct reports and oversees the implementation of wage and hour regulations.
• Manages the schedules for all direct reports and oversees the implementation of appropriate regulations
• Assumes other responsibilities as necessary to assure the achievement of established objectives.

Management Accountabilities:

• Customarily and regularly exercises discretion and independent judgment during the course of the workday. Actively demonstrates leadership through actions, reactions, decisions, and professional demeanor. Practices solution-based problem solving and learns from mistakes. Works with the team to find solutions and asks for help when you need it.
• Reports to meetings/activities fully present, prepared, and punctual. Thoughtfully prioritizes needs in order to be respectful of each other’s time. Respond to emails and other communications in a timely manner. All written communication contains professional and proper language.  Demonstrates follow through and is accountable for the management of the team.
• Willingly engages the team/ Zoo staff and proves to be an inspirational leader.  Actively create connections that encourage open and honest communication with all.
• Remains accessible to the Zoo staff by cell phone.  Uses professional courtesy and only call/texts on a day off in the event of an emergency.
• Provides regular performance feedback to reporting staff.  Completes timely and appropriate written evaluations that highlight strengths and areas for improvement. 

Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Biology or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience and expertise in educational program design and implementation required. Experience in an AZA facility strongly preferred.
• Strong verbal and written English communication skills required.  Bilingual (Spanish or Hmong) communication skills a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite is required.
• Strong planning, analytical, and decision making skills are required, with the ability to work in a dynamic, evolving organization.
• Demonstrates motivational and problem-solving acumen with a high degree of integrity and ethics. 
• Possesses the ability to articulate and inspire support for a vision of the future.

Physical Requirements:

These are physical and mental requirements of the position as it is typically performed.  The inability to meet one or more of these physical or mental requirements will not automatically disqualify a candidate or employee from the position.  Upon request for a reasonable accommodation, the Zoo may be able to adjust or excuse one or more of these requirements, depending on the requirement, the essential functions to which it relates, and the proposed accommodation.

• Close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, viewing a computer terminal, and extensive reading.  Color perception is also required.
• Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication (in person and via telephone), at normal speaking levels with or without correction.
• Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. The employee must convey detailed or important spoken information to others in small and large group settings.
• Hand and finger dexterity sufficient for typing and other administrative tasks.
• The employee is regularly required to lift and/or carry up to 10 pounds, and occasionally up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment:

• This position regularly works with others including Zoo executives and employees, Zoo guests and community members, media, and government officials.
• The position primarily functions indoors, with frequent exposure to outdoor Zoo environments and external events. 
• Occasional local travel and out-of-town travel required.