Education Specialist
The Education Specialist creates, coordinates, develops and conducts educational programs, activities and projects, both on-site and off-site for promoting the conservation of the environment and the appreciation of wildlife. The Education Specialist also oversees, develops, implements, and assesses public educational programming to promote conservation of the environment and appreciation of wildlife. This position may supervise seasonal interpretive staff and Education Assistants. Presents Ambassador Animals to enhance education programs. Develops, fabricates and coordinates education content for signage and exhibits.
Essential Functions:
1. Effectively supervises assigned employees, including the following:
a) Interviews, selects and trains employees;
b) Coaches employees in proper job performance techniques and procedures;
c) Directs work of employees and sets/adjusts hours of work;
d) Maintains records on employee productivity and appraises employees’ productivity and efficiency to recommend promotions or other changes in status;
e) Handles employee complaints and disciplines employees when necessary;
f) Apportions work among different employees;
g) Monitors or implements legal compliance measures;
h) Determines the type of materials, supplies, or tools to be used by employees and controls the flow and distribution of materials and supplies; and
i) Provides for the safety of employees and the property of Cleveland Metroparks.
2. Regular and predictable attendance is expected and required. All Cleveland Metroparks employees must be prepared to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and/or holidays as required.
3. Develops, implements, and delivers on-grounds educational programming for groups and organizations of all ages levels, which may include camps, professional development workshops, preschool programs, school- aged student programming, Zoo Crew programs, family programs, zoo guest tours, zoo trainings, and informal, casual conversations with Zoo Guests and scripted microphone presentations: Writes/develops program material and scripted presentations geared towards regular zoo guests and scheduled groups; researches topics, develops themes, logic models, conservation messaging, training process and progression plan for those tasked with facilitating programs and presentations; oversees implementation of programs and presentations, evaluating progress and adjusting as needed; audits, assesses and evaluates impact of programming and edits/adjusts as needed (including training materials).
4. Presents Ambassador Animals to enhance education programs. This includes the handling of live reptiles, amphibians, insects, arachnids, mammals and birds.
5. Supervises assigned staff. Ensures operations requirements are met by assigning staff to appropriate locations, provides necessary tools for staff, provides feedback as needed and appropriate; assigns projects, reviews work, and assists in prioritization of tasks.
6. Performs administrative tasks: Creates schedules; manages labor and operation budget; submits and tracks orders; emails correspondence with team and partners (internal and external); attends and runs meetings; maintains program evaluations, attendance records, participant reports, logs, records, and tracking documents; collects, analyzes, and reports evaluation data; files paperwork.
7. Travels to various locations both on zoo grounds and off site at various locations throughout the park district to coordinate and conduct educational programs, activities, and projects.
8. Plans, coordinates, updates, fabricates, acquires, and installs signs, exhibits, printing, audio, and video on zoo grounds. Researches and writes text for signage and prepares written interpretive media materials. Responsible for designated exhibit areas, program facilities, and other educational displays.
9. Keeps direct supervisor promptly informed of key/significant issues or concerns.
10. Carries out duties and responsibilities in a safe and efficient manner to maintain a safe work environment and surrounding area for oneself, co-workers and public. Responds to hazardous situations and/or potentially unsafe conditions by taking corrective action as capable and promptly notifying supervisory personnel.
11. Updates and enhances own knowledge by involvement in continuing education for professional growth (i.e., attends relevant conferences, seminars, in-service trainings, and certification programs)
12. Performs related duties as assigned or apparent.
Qualifications:
· Bachelor’s Degree in natural sciences, biology/zoology, or education; supplemented by one year of experience in an educational setting such as a zoo, national park, or aquarium preferred.
· Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders, including employees and the general public.
· Ability to speak and write clearly, concisely and persuasively using correct grammar, spelling and punctuation with ability to communicate one-on-one or in group settings.
· Ability to perform work with a high degree of accuracy and organization.
· Management skills and strong business acumen, including problem solving, vision, ability to manage multiple programs and meet deadlines, collaboration, leadership, decision making and ability to analyze diverse facts and develop clear and concise reports and recommendations.
· Ability to work cooperatively with others.
· Proficiency in software programs including all Microsoft Office programs.
· Mature professional attitude and considerable discretion, including ability to manage confidential information.
· Ability to perform with considerable independence and initiative.
Wage: Salary commensurate with experience
Work Schedule: Availability to work nights, weekends and holidays.
Filing Deadline: 03/08/2023
To Apply: Please visit our career site at www.clevelandmetroparks.com or copy and paste the following link into your web browser: