Our Purpose: The Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife. We take pride in supporting efforts that save wildlife from extinction by working to implement comprehensive conservation strategies and developing partnerships to increase knowledge and support in communities. The Houston Zoo focuses on saving wildlife through reducing threats that face species in the wild. This includes action to reduce plastic pollution and paper use, promote sustainable seafood and sustainable palm oil, recycle electronics, and address pollinator decline. We also protect the counterparts of zoo animals, like lions, sharks, cranes and toads in the wild through partnerships with other global wildlife-saving organizations. Every member of our staff makes this possible by ensuring extraordinary animal care and guaranteeing the zoo’s operations contribute to protecting animals in the wild. Our staff strengthens the zoo, making it possible to protect 20% of the lion population in Africa, save sea turtles through the elimination of plastic bottle sales, among other wildlife successes. By joining the Houston Zoo team, you save animals in the wild!

Do you have a desire to inspire, empower, mentor, develop and have fun? As a Teen Programs Specialist, you can do just that. This position supports our year-round teen (ages 13-17) programs within the Conservation Education department. The goal of these programs is to cultivate the next generation of conservation heroes by connecting teens to nature, fostering a sense of care for the environment, and providing them with opportunities to act. We seek to inspire teens to problem solve way to save animals in the wild as well as empower them to make animal saving actions mainstream within their lives and community. Through mentoring our teens and assisting the Teen Programs Supervisor in developing new opportunities, you will support the Zoo to meet these program goals and promotes a fun and safe environment for teens on Zoo site.

This is a part time position that averages 16-29 hours per week. This position will be required to work weekends and holidays. This position will be scheduled varying days and times Wednesday-Sunday during the months of January-May and September-December (approximately 20 hours per week). During the summer months of June-August this position will be required to work 40 hours per week Monday-Friday 8am-5pm. This position will be scheduled for no more than 999 hours in the year. This position requires considerable flexibility, a high level of enthusiasm, and creativity.

Our Mission: Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.

Our Vision: Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.

Education and Experience

• Associate's degree (AA) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; or six months to one-year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Ability to Read, Write and Speak Spanish is desired
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Excellent oral and written communications skills
• Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills
• Ability to partner across teams and with all levels of staff

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with all aspects of summer teen programming, with focus on detail and multi-tasking.
• Assist with reviewing applications, interviewing, selecting, and training teen programs participants.
• Mentor teens in various aspects of programming including working with children, public speaking, interpretation, leadership, and conservation projects.
• Teach teen programs participants about Houston Zoo’s Take Action Initiatives and wildlife-saving efforts.
• Effectively communicate with teen programs participants via email and phone.
• Supervise teens on-grounds when Teen Programs Supervisor is not available.
• Inform Teen Programs Supervisor if any emergencies or discipline issues arise.
• Assist with development, preparation, and implementation of teen programs.
• Collaborate cross-departmentally to develop year-round opportunities for teen programs participants throughout the Zoo.
• Assist with periodic program evaluation to assess effectiveness of programming and identify areas for growth.
• Cleaning and organization of program facilities.
• Ensure the safety of all teen participants.
• Ensure discretion with confidential information.
• Required to work some holidays, weekends, and evenings as needed, and performs other duties as requested.
• Complete animal handling training.
• Maintains courteous, helpful and professional behavior on the job. Will support the success of the entire team by promoting a collaborative work environment, maintaining positive working relationships and striving to give and receive timely, honest feedback with co-workers and supervisor.
• Adheres to all Zoo and Conservation Education Policies and Procedures, Safety Policies and Procedures.
• Contribute to saving animals in the wild through: reduction of waste, water and energy use and inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife protecting actions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Compensation: $15-18 per hour depending on experience

ABOUT THE HOUSTON ZOO

The Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education! There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests. We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild.

Join the Houston Zoo and become a part of an organization that is focused on the preservation of wildlife and their habitats by combining conservation with education and promotion of sustainable livelihoods in the local communities. Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer