Education & Interpretive Services Coordinator (#RA0720)
$23.13-$28.11 Hourly / $4,008.71-$4,872.61 Monthly / $48,104.52-$58,471.35 Yearly

Under direction, performs educational activities at the Micke Grove Zoo; develops and coordinates interpretive and outreach programs; coordinates volunteers; and does related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.

An incumbent in this position is responsible for assessing, developing and implementing educational programs at Micke Grove Zoo consistent with zoo and aquarium profession standards. The position serves as a resource for natural history education and interpretive services that serve the Parks and Recreation Division of the Department of Facilities Management.

• Develops educational and interpretive programs to benefit Micke Grove Zoo visitors, including students and special groups using the Zoo as an educational resource.

• Develops and coordinates outreach programs, presentations and appearances of an educational nature that represent Micke Grove Zoo, its collections, message and mission throughout the San Joaquin County community.

• Assists in the planning, development, installation and maintenance of interpretive and educational materials that provide learning opportunities for Micke Grove Zoo guests; coordinates with staff the use of small animals used for educational programs and interpretive presentations.

• Recruits, trains, motivates, schedules, supervises, and evaluates volunteers and paid program staff engaged in the development and delivery of interpretive services and educational programming.

• Works with the education community to develop and implement conservation education curriculum that meets the needs of area students.

• Researches data, communicates and collaborates with other science education specialists, including fellow zoo and aquarium educators, to learn from, and contribute to, the growing body of informal science education tools and techniques.

• Informs and interprets to the general public, educators, community organizations and other agencies the various educational services and programs provided at Micke Grove Zoo and through the Division of Parks and Recreation.

• Participates in workshops, training sessions, conferences and other meetings that aid in the development, promotion and implementation of program services.

• Gathers data, prepares reports, maintains records and prepares correspondence and promotional materials as needed.

• Assists in the identification and cultivation of resources, including preparation of grant proposals that benefit interpretive/educational programs and services; assists in maintaining records and expenditure control.

Education: Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in education, biological sciences, communications, or related field.

Experience: Two years in education program development and implementation in a zoo, museum or similar setting; demonstrated experience in volunteer recruitment and coordination. Experience in sponsor/donor solicitation and/or grants development preferred.

License: Possession of a valid California driver’s license.

Principles, methods and materials of conservation education in a zoo, aquarium or nature center setting; organizations and resources for environmental, conservation and zoo education; principles of educational psychology, statistic and research methodology; principles and practices of developing, preparing and presenting educational materials in written and exhibit form; principles of public relations; language mechanics and report writing principles and methods; methods for preparing and maintaining funding grants; personal computer systems and general office computer software.

Develop, implement and evaluate conservation education projects and programs; develop, coordinate and conduct workshops, training programs and public presentations; effectively express self orally and make presentations before groups; express self effectively in writing including preparing educational literature and related printed materials; operate computers and related software and apply computer applications to departmental functions; supervise and train subordinate staff; develop and maintain effective relationships with staff, public and private agencies, community groups and the general public.

Mobility-Operation of a data entry device, sitting, frequent walking and standing, pushing/pulling, bending, driving; Lifting-Frequently 5-50 pounds or less; Vision-Good overall vision, color perception, depth perception; reading and close-up work; normal hand and eye coordination; good field of vision/peripheral; Dexterity-Normal dexterity and repetitive motion; Hearing/Talking-Frequent hearing and talking on the telephone/radio and in person; Special Requirements–Working weekends; may require overtime, evening or weekend work; Emotional/Psychological-Frequent public contact and decision making; frequent concentration; occasional exposure to dangerous situations, including trauma, grief and death; working alone; Environmental-Exposure to varied weather conditions.

San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.