The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s Education Department is seeking a creative and enthusiastic individual who has a passion for connecting children in K-12  schools learners with nature, sustainability and wildlife conservation through creative programs and events!

Reporting to the Senior Program Manager, this position focuses on the logistical preparations, staff hiring, training, scheduling, and evaluation of School Programs.  Incumbent supervises part-time instructors and AmeriCorps Members.

Responsibilities:

• Recruiting, training, inspiring, supervising, scheduling, and evaluating part-time employees, instructors, and interns involved in School Programs.
• Coordinating, organizing, and evaluating School Programs.
• Leading by example and enabling every member of the team to act.
• Staying current and informed in trends and best practices in formal and informal learning (Environmental Education, Conservation Education, Natural History Interpretation, Sustainability Education, Botanical Education, Participatory Education – specifically Inquiry Based Learning, etc.)
• Implementing strategies designed to accomplish yearly budgetary and strategic goals for School Programs.
• Working regularly with the animal collection to maintain the highest level of proficiency, maintains their status as an animal handling trainer, to offer high quality, innovative and fun programming that considers the needs of our guests, animal ambassadors, and takes full advantage of our animal resources. 
• Endeavoring to meet learner, teacher, employee, volunteer and intern needs by actively soliciting their input and adjusting programs as needed.
• Approaches program creation and evaluation in a collaborative manor that engages other departments to ensure that all assets that the CZBG has to offer in the realm of conservation, sustainability, botany, research and zoology are reflected in our programs and events. 
• Other related duties as assigned to ensure the overall well-being of the Education Department, and its programs and while advancing the mission of the Zoo.

Desired Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education or one of the Biological Sciences.
• Experience working in environmental education or interpretive programs designed particularly for K-12 learners.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job will be considered

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of animal and plant natural history, resource conservation, wildlife conservation, and an even stronger desire to convey knowledge to others.
• Aptitude for using operant conditioning methods when working with program animals.
• A strong conservation ethic and enthusiasm for wildlife.
• Highly professional, motivated, and collaborative, and able to gain cooperation through expertise, credibility, and building positive working relationships
• Ability to develop and sustain effective working relationships within the organization as well as with outside vendors
• Demonstrated understanding of the Zoo’s Core Values, “Modeling the Way” for others
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with diverse personalities
• Excellent project management & organizational skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and related program software
• An understanding and affinity to the mission of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Working Conditions/Other Requirements: 

• Employment is contingent upon passing a drug & nicotine screen and background check.
• While performing the duties of the job, the incumbent is regularly required to stand, walk, and have the manual dexterity to use computer mouse and keyboard.
• Ability to lift and carry 25lbs and spend time outdoors on varied terrain, in all weather conditions.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be insurable to drive a Zoo vehicle.
• Must follow current Zoo Covid-19 policies. Employees must provide proof of full vaccination status as defined by the CDC.

Position Details:  This is a full-time, overtime-exempt, and eligible for the Zoo’s benefit programs for non-union employees. We offer a comprehensive benefits package in support of our employees’ “Total Well-Being” including affordable medical, dental & vision coverage; EAP, 401(k) plan with company match; flexible spending accounts; generous paid time off banks; company-paid disability & life insurance; park discounts and free passes.

We strive to be an organization that is diverse and reflects the fullness of society. With a strongly held value for an organizational culture characterized by inclusion and belonging, we are committed to equity in all we do. We are especially interested in candidates who can contribute to our organization’s diversity and who want to walk alongside us in our commitment to inclusion and equity. We are a Queen City Certified/Ellequate Leader in Workplace Equity. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.