WildCare Park Educator

Description: The WildCare Park Educator will meet the mission of the Saint Louis Zoo and the Education Department by providing educational opportunities and experiences for a variety of audiences in and around WildCare Park that promote animal and habitat conservation. A successful candidate will practice the core values set forth by the Zoo and the Education Department, and work towards achieving the vision and philosophy of the Education Department, while maintaining a future-focused perspective. This educator will also work to build and maintain relationships with north St. Louis community organizations. This staff position is housed at WildCare Park and reports to the Assistant Director of Education.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement nature-based education programs and learning experiences for a variety of audiences including family, youth, school and adults, all guided by the mission, vision and philosophy of the Zoo’s Education Department.

• Work cooperatively with members of the Zoo’s Education Department to develop program outlines, activities, lessons, handouts, written curriculum and other teaching and interpretative materials based on participant needs and input.

• Use innovative methods and other approved tools and content in program presentations according to the guidelines set forth by the Saint Louis Zoo.

• Ensure all programs meet standards set by the Zoo’s Education Department for program quality, safety, impact, equity, inclusion and accessibility.

• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

• Work in collaboration with partner organizations to engage north St. Louis community families and students in nature-based, STEM and field conservation programs.

• Attend community meetings and events to build relationships with the surrounding community groups and organizations.

• Work with the Zoo’s CARE (Conservation Audience Research and Evaluation) Team on program data collecting and evaluation in order to make informed decisions about future program offerings.

• Maintain and prepare required reporting documentation on community relationship building efforts and program impact.

• Support north St. Louis community outreach programs and project initiatives including youth co-design, community BioBlitz, field conservation programs, wildlife monitoring, grant and donor funded programs and projects.

• Provide educational support for all WildCare Park teams for north county community outreach programs and projects as assigned.

• Serve as main communicator to Education Department on pertinent WildCare Park and Sears Lehmann, Jr. Wildlife Reserve information related or relevant for education programmatic needs.

• Attend all trainings and meetings as assigned.

• Maintain flexibility to support other programmatic and special projects as needed.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required. Major in biology, education, zoology or other related field preferred.

• Background knowledge and understanding of ecology, zoology, environmental education, and wildlife conservation concepts required.

• Two years of experience with non-formal education and inquiry-based teaching required.

• Ability to connect with and teach a variety of people of all ages and abilities, and from diverse backgrounds.

• Experience with and understanding of child development and pedagogical practices in order to provide developmentally appropriate and learner-directed opportunities and experiences.

• Genuine interest in animal conservation and animal-related issues.

• Excellent organizational and time management skills.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail and ability to translate complex scientific information to audiences of all ages.

• Experience teaching in the outdoor environment preferred.

• Experience conducting or participating in community engagement work preferred.

• Experience developing programming designed to meet community needs preferred.

• Experience with North St. Louis County communities and organizations preferred.

• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite, including Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneDrive.

• Driver’s license required and must have or be willing to obtain a Class E commercial driver’s license, to drive a Zoo vehicle to community outreach programs and events as needed.

• Must be willing to work flexible schedule, including weekends and evenings.

• Ability to take directions and work independently is a must.

• Ability to handle multiple tasks, respond to shifting priorities, and meet deadlines.

• Flexibility, creativity, resourcefulness and good problem solving and decision-making abilities.

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 30 pounds on flat surface, up and down stairs, and on uneven field terrain.

• Must be trained or willing to be trained in First Aid, CPR, AED.

• Successful candidate must be willing to submit to a background check, and drug test.

Education

• Bachelors or better