ZooTeen Summer Staff, temporary
Salary $13.77 - $15.30 Hourly
Location Oregon Zoo, OR
Job Type Temporary
Department Oregon Zoo
Job Number 2018-2516-Zoo
Closing 3/19/2018 5:00 PM Pacific
Position Summary
The Oregon Zoo is recruiting for one to two part-time ZooTeen Summer staff, temporary positions. These positions present a great opportunity to work at the Oregon Zoo around animals, staff, volunteers and youth (primarily teenagers).
This position directs the work of youth participating in an education- based volunteer program for high school age students, called ZooTeens. This includes designing interpretive materials, learning how to handle animals, and engaging with and providing leadership to diverse employees, volunteers and youth.
ZooTeen Summer Staff members work a fairly flexible part-time schedule, which includes weeks with as many as 32 hours and as few as 12 hours scheduled. Training takes place in May and June, and the program runs from mid-June to early September.
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.
Essential Job Duties
An employee in this position must be able to perform all of 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.
Specific duties
- Attend weekend trainings in May (specific dates TBD).
- Begin and end ZooTeen shifts, ensuring ZooTeens are aware of upcoming events, announcements and other information affecting the program.
- Assign ZooTeens to work areas and ensure a rotation/break schedule.
- Help design interpretive materials for teens and train them on use them on grounds for our guests.
- Work with Animal Management staff to ensure all ZooTeens learn the proper care and handling of animals.
- Ensure an inclusive space for a diverse group of teen volunteers.
- Oversee and direct the work of the ZooTeens during all on-grounds activities and in the Insect Zoo
- Assist with the evaluation of individual ZooTeens' performance and the program as a whole.
- Consistently project a positive, supportive attitude to all ZooTeens and staff.
- Recognize ZooTeens contributions and individual accomplishments.
- Provide instruction to develop skills required for effective educational interpreters.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
Responsibilities
- Ensure the safety of all ZooTeens, visitors and animals.
- Promote a positive attitude toward the Zoo and its programs.
- Become familiar with animal handling techniques for our contact animal collection.
- Support all ZooTeen, Zoo and Metro policies.
- Work to promote the Zoo as an educational environment for teenagers.
- Help to create valued and meaningful roles for ZooTeens.
- Model leadership and communication skills that foster a respectful environment.
- Help to further students' science education and career exploration opportunities.
- Mentor teens in leadership roles.
Minimum Requirements
- 4 years cumulative experience beyond high school in: elementary/middle school education, non-formal environmental education, natural history interpretation, zoology, biology, natural history interpretation or related fields.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
- Ability to communicate effectively.
- Ability to provide direction to youth volunteers.
- Experience working with teens.
- Experience working with small education animals such as rabbits and tortoises, or a willingness to learn.
- Enjoy working with insects; previous experience handling them a plus
- Ability to maintain records and schedule in a database (Volgistics)
- Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with employees, volunteers and the public.
- Experience training, mentoring or presenting to diverse audiences (different ages, races, abilities and cultural backgrounds)
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 503-797-1570.
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.
Representation/classification: This positions is not represented and is classified as an Instructor II.
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 the 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
Agency
Metro
Address
600 NE Grand Ave
Portland, Oregon, 97232.
Phone
503-797-1570
Website