ZooAmbassador Education Specialist, temporary
Salary $21.72 Hourly
Location Portland, OR
Job Type Temporary
Department Oregon Zoo
Job Number 2018-2020-Zoo
Closing 3/16/2018 5:00 PM Pacific
Position Summary
Please note the application deadline has been extended to March 16, 2018.
Are you passionate about education? Do you enjoy working with volunteers? The Oregon Zoo is seeking a candidate to serve its education program in the role of ZooAmbassador Education Specialist.
The work environment provided by this position is flexible due to current construction projects. Going beyond the physical, the work environment is ideal for a problem solver, who works well in a collaborative or independent context.
This position receives direction from the Volunteer-Intern Supervisor and is engaged in all aspects of the program including training, assessment, managing volunteer information and scheduling.
The ideal candidate for this position is someone who is passionate about education, thrives in dynamic environments, enjoys educating people and assessing program success, and who excels in collaborating and interacting with employees (including the ZooAmbassador Coordinator), volunteers and guests. This candidate also has experience working with multi-lingual communities and communities of color.
ZooAmbassador program staff and volunteers support the ZooQuest game which encourages guests to take conservation actions to help wild animals and wild places. They will be volunteering at various ZooQuest stations around the zoo that each focus on an action families can take, particularly in the area of wasted food.
One part-time seasonal position is available:
- Approximately from May 1 through September 9
- The selected candidate will work 32 hours per week. Weekend work is required. This exhibit is open 7 days a week.
At the Oregon Zoo, we hire a workforce representative of the communities we serve, understanding that a diverse workforce strengthens our organization. We value diversity and support a positive and welcoming environment where all of our employees can thrive.
About the ZooAmbassador Program
The ZooAmbassador program is open to volunteers aged 10-110, including families. There are usually about 130 volunteers in the program. To learn more about the program, to see some pictures and to engage your Zoo interest in general, please check out our website.
Essential Job Duties
An employee in this position must be able to perform all the essential job duties listed below with or without reasonable accommodation; however, this list is not intended to include all of the specific tasks which an employee in this position may be expected to perform.
- Presents and schedules a variety of formal and non-formal education programming to a variety of audiences, including schools, private and professional organizations, community groups, non-profit and governmental agencies.
- Assist with research of educational programs and interpretive exhibits and displays. May include the development of scripts, lesson plans, creating visual/printed materials and purchasing/creation of props and other teaching aids. Ensures programming has a consistent message and content which advances current agency-wide education initiatives and goals.
- May train and lead the work of temporary employees, volunteers, and/or interns.
- Research information for interpretive exhibits and displays.
- Record and track attendance; administer program evaluation tools; enter data for tabulation and produce basic reports.
- Fulfill Metro's employee values of Public Service, Excellence, Teamwork, Respect, Innovation, and Sustainability. These duties include but are not limited to maintaining positive relationships, respecting diversity of ideas and perspectives of others, and demonstrating sustainable practices.
- Assists the public, public officials and other employees in a professional and courteous manner.
- Monitor, clean, repair, inventory, store materials, supplies and equipment.
- Develops safe work habits and contributes to the safety of self and co-workers.
- Contributes to a positive team atmosphere.
- Has regular and punctual attendance.
- Performs assigned duties during an emergency situation.
- Other duties as assigned.
This position is not represented and is classified as an Education Specialist I, temporary (click to read the full classification). Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions.
Minimum Requirements
Required
- Associates degree in field related to program area and 2 years experience, or
- HS diploma and four (4) years of experience in a field related to the position, or
- Any combination of education and experience that has provided knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of this position.
- Ability to work a Sunday – Thursday schedule, with some additional evenings and Saturday's.
Preferred
- Possess a valid driver's license.
- Experience working with teens
- Experience with a diverse group of volunteers
- Experience with Volgistics volunteer database
Knowledge, skills and abilities
- Ability to pass a criminal background check
- Ability to communicate verbally and in writing
- Ability to effectively manage a database
- Ability to work as part of a team to ensure a consistent educational message and quality visitor experience
- Understanding of formal and informal teaching techniques
- Understanding of volunteer management principles
- Ability to relate to visitors of all ages and experiences
- Ability to effectively work with and mentor youth and adult volunteers
- Ability to foster an inclusive environment
- Ability to effectively organize work, manage time, prioritize tasks, and follow both written and oral direction.
- Knowledge of academic standards, multiple learning styles, natural history interpretation and other techniques relevant to formal and non-formal learning environments
- Skill to coordinate logistic for workshops, seminars and other professional training sessions.
- Skill to engage and communicate with individuals and communities of color
Additional Information
Online applications: Metro now accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, call 503-797-1570.
Accommodation: Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this process. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources at 503-797-1570.
Public Employees Retirement System (PERS): New employees will pay the employee portion of the PERS contribution.
Veterans' Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.
Criminal background check: In order to protect the well being of its employees, the public and agency assets, Metro may conduct criminal background checks on candidates selected for Metro positions. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude employment and will be considered on a case by case basis. A background check will only be conducted if you are selected as a finalist for a position. If selected as a finalist, you will be contacted by Human Resources prior to initiation of a background check.
Equal employment opportunity: All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made or any other status protected by law. Assistance will be gladly provided upon request for any applicant with sensory or non-sensory disabilities.
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer