Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

-Researches, designs, develops, coordinates, implements, and evaluates all visitor education programs at the Tulsa Zoo.

-Manages visitor programs including the Nature Exchange, Nature Experience (Nature Play Area), animal chats, zoo staff and docent/ visitor programming, etc. from inception through completion.

-Develops high-quality programs that further the zoo’s mission and vision to be the leading wildlife education resource in Oklahoma.

-Manages all aspects of the Tulsa Zoo Nature Exchange and Nature Experience programs including budgeting, program development, facility management, and staff supervision.

-Manages all aspects of the Zoo Teen program, including the structure, recruitment, supervision, and training.

-Recommends changes or upgrades to Visitor Education programs, materials, operations and facility design to maximize educational utilization.

-Supervises all aspects of the Education Department’s ambassador animal collection, including the day-to-day care, animal handling protocols, tractability training, and supervision of the staff and volunteers involved in animal care.

-Handles animals in the education ambassador animal collection in both public and non-public situations.

-Provides day-to-day supervision of docents and training for docents as needed.

-Manages all aspects of the Education Department’s non-living resources, including budgeting, collection planning and care, and staff supervision.

-Provides excellent customer service to program participants and zoo guests.

-Hires, trains and supervises all full-time, part-time, and seasonal staff assigned to the Interpretive Programs Division. 

-Works closely with the Marketing and Community Relations Department to develop promotional strategies and collateral materials for programs.

-Works with other TZMI departments on their staff’s interpretive education programming including planning, training, and evaluating.

-Collaborates with other TZMI departments to create educational event programming.

-Interacts with and supports the other two divisions within the Education Department.

-Assists with the development of the Education Department budget. Monitors metrics to ensure the Interpretive Programs Division meets budget expectations.

-Adjusts work schedule as needed to accommodate any programming times that are outside the typical assigned work schedule.

-Stays current with information and skills pertaining to education, the environment, animals, and any other field pertinent to this position.

-Develops and maintains professional relationships with personnel from outside organizations and facilities.

-Directly supervises one full-time employee and multiple part-time and seasonal employees. 

-Reports to the Curator of Education.

Skills and Qualifications:

-Bachelor’s degree from college or university in environmental education or related field required

-Three to five years related experience and/or training

-Minimum of one year supervisory experience

-Experience in interpretive education, including curriculum development and implementation

-Familiarity with a variety of teaching methods and knowledge of age-appropriate cognitive and physical abilities

-Experience working with small invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals in public and non-public situations

-Research skills are required

-Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays

-Working knowledge of the natural world

-Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing

-Ability to work with both adult and teen volunteers

-Proficient in public speaking and creative thinking

-Capable of self-motivating and working without direct supervision