Reports to: Youth Development Coordinator
Type: Temporary/Seasonal
Rate: $18.00/hour
Duration: 8-9 months
Date Range: Mid February - November 1, 2020
Schedule:
●    February - June: 3 days per week (weekends and holidays required, weekday(s) TBD)
●    July - August: 5 days per week (Wednesday - Sunday; may include holidays, evening, and/or morning events)
●    September -November 1st: 3 days per week (weekends and holidays required, weekday(s) TBD)

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 that same value.

POSITION SUMMARY
You will work part-time for the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) as a valued team member of the Education Division at the Bronx Zoo and report to the Youth Development Coordinator. You will engage and supervise over one hundred staff and youth volunteers who are primarily between the ages of 14-24. You will develop these youth by helping them to learn and acquire job skills, to explore career opportunities, and to share the mission of the Wildlife Conservation Society with zoo visitors through our live interpretation programs. You will build a more diverse, inclusive community of youth who value wildlife and wild places, are scientifically literate, and are mobilized for conservation change. You will reach thousands of members of the public by helping to develop and implement the zoo-wide live interpretation program. You will gain valuable management experience in the field of informal science education and interpretation.

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.

The WCS Education Department works across our Zoos & Aquarium. We inspire a diverse and inclusive movement of conservation advocates by sparking connections with animals and nature, improving scientific literacy through hands-on investigation, and engaging constituents in stewardship and action to conserve wildlife and wild places.

YOUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
●    You will support the Youth Development Coordinator, Manager of Volunteers & Visitor Engagement, and Assistant Director of Live Interpretation in the design, development, roll-out, modification, and upkeep of hands-on, exhibit-based, science activities and interpretation executed by youth in the park
●    You will work alongside the Youth Development Coordinator and Manager of Volunteers and Visitor Engagement to coordinate all day-to-day operations of visitor engagement staff and youth volunteers in the park. You will help ensure a smooth, cost effective and efficient operation of all programs, including Nature Trek, Quests, and special events.

YOUTH ENGAGEMENT
●    You will work alongside the Youth Development Coordinator and Manager of Volunteers and Visitor Engagement to recruit, train, and place over one hundred individuals in spring, summer, and fall part-time employment and volunteer positions.
●    You will coach over one hundred youth by doing the following:
○    Modelling best practice for staff and volunteers, by participating alongside them in our on-site interpretive programs
○    Supporting and evaluating staff and volunteers, 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 support the on-site interpretive program logistics through the spring, summer, and fall by doing the following:
○    Leading/supporting daily meetings and workshops with youth volunteers & visitor engagement staff
○    Creating weekly schedules for volunteers and visitor engagement staff
○    Communicating with youth volunteers and visitor engagement staff to track schedule changes, attendance, and performance
○    Maintaining organization for all materials

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
●    You will work alongside members of the Education Department team during special events, including, but not limited to, morning and evening events for WCS Members, seasonal special Events, and appreciation events for staff and volunteers.
●    You will work with the Youth Development Coordinator help to plan fun and educational events & activities for youth volunteers
●    Support the Education Department and Adult Volunteer program as needed
 

Qualification Requirements

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION
Minimum:
●    You are in your junior or senior year pursuing a 4 year college degree

Preferred:
●    You possess a 4 year college degree in a relevant field of study, such as Education, Youth Development, Animal Science, Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, etc., or are in pursuit of a graduate degree

OTHER SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS
●    You have some experience working with, coaching, or mentoring youth, ages 14-24
●    You meet at least two of the following requirements:
○    You have worked with children and the public in informal learning environments 
○    You have worked with large groups, and with learners of all ages
○    You have worked or volunteered in a setting that allowed you to communicate meaningful messages and/or create impactful experiences for visitors, students, peers, or another audience.
●    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, word processors, 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 Spanish a plus 

WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT & CONDITIONS
●    We work in a fun environment, in a natural, park-like setting, surrounded by amazing wildlife.
●    We prioritize being a lively and collaborative team.
●    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.
●    Applicants must be able to lift up to 20 lbs, perform light physical activity, and work outdoors

PERKS
●    Opportunities to grow at WCS through various internal professional development and continuing education events
●    Parking at the Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium with a staff permit
●    Access for employees to visit WCS Zoos & Aquarium on days off with their staff ID
●    Courtesy guest tickets after 45 days of employment in good standing to visit WCS Zoos & Aquarium
●    Employee discounts on food, merchandise, and programs
●    And more!