Education Coordinator - Nature Spot
Starting pay $912.00/Biweekly

Nature of Work

The Nature Spot Coordinator is responsible for the design, programming, and staffing of the Zoo’s educational opportunities for children five and under and their families. This position is also responsible for marketing and overseeing new, as well as, existing programs. At times this position will also assist the Supervisor in overseeing the Nature Spot staff and daily routines. The Nature Spot Coordinator reports directly to the Nature Spot Supervisor.

Essential Functions:

• Establish and maintain positive, cooperative, and effective working relations with fellow employees.
• Constantly exhibit an awesome customer service attitude, a smile, and an obvious interest in visitor comfort and service.
• Communicate with the public in a courteous and tactful manner and assist visitors with questions and directions to various areas of the Zoo. Address the visitor - do not wait to be asked.
• Remove trash and debris from public areas; i.e. pick up litter whenever you see it.
• Support the Zoo’s mission of conservation by researching, developing and implementing a comprehensive strategy for fun and appropriate conservation education opportunities targeting children under age five and their families. This plan should encompass needs assessment, program development, marketing, staffing and evaluation and include both fee-based and non fee-based programming. The Nature Spot Coordinator will be responsible for increasing existing programs and developing new opportunities in the Nature Spot.
• Facilitate the development and growth of the exhibit by helping to oversee program development, staffing, community education and more. Work with others within the local early childhood educational community to research and develop partnerships, internship programs and other collaborative opportunities within the exhibit. Research, design and implement strategies for involving the early childhood community, Zoo staff and families with young children in the excitement and ownership of the Nature Spot.
• Maintain current information on fee-based programs on the Zoo’s website by working with the Development department.
• Collaborate with Zoo staff to insure accurate dissemination of information as well as maximum use of the Zoo’s resources to support conservation education.
• Provide support for volunteers and other members of the Education Department as needed.
• Work closely with the Nature Spot Supervisor with all Nature Spot needs including staffing, and maintaining the Nature Spot.
• Any and all other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

•  Ability to plan, create, implement, promote, execute and evaluate early childhood education programs reflecting environmental themes.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing.
• Ability to coordinate and organize multiple projects.
• Skilled in customer service and staff management skills
• Skilled in the facilitation of play environments for children ages four and younger.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to work weekends, holidays and occasional after-hours assignments.
• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or related field preferred.
• Three years experience as an early childhood educator.
• Strong desire to share wonders of the natural world with all audiences required.
• Commitment to the importance of nature play within the field of early childhood education.
• Experience developing, implementing and evaluating educational curriculum.
• Experience with desktop publishing and general computer skills.

To apply for this opening please send resume and cover letter with salary requirements to:

San Antonio Zoo
ATTN: HR Dept/Education Opening
3903 N. St. Mary's Street
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 734-7291 Fax

Download the Zoo's Employment Application (PDF)

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