JOB PURPOSE: Educators are responsible for the delivery of education programming at Flint RiverQuarium, and Thronateeska Heritage Center. This position is responsible for creating and facilitating positive education interactions in support of each organization’s mission. 

This is an essential position, and the employee must be available for work 24-hours a day, 365-days a year, in the event of emergencies and natural disasters. All positions may require employees to work some weekends, holidays, and evenings. 

JOB DUTIES: 

• Responsible for delivering new or existing education programming that increases educational value and elevates guest experience.  Assists with creating new programs.  Delivers weekend educational programming to guests.   
• School groups 
• Scout groups 
• Overnight groups 
• Birthday parties 
• Nature-based programs on park grounds 
• Lead on and off grounds programs, some programs utilize ambassador animals 
• Lead nature based programs on and off grounds which includes scouting areas in advance for potential hazards and inspecting equipment; areas such as nature trails, play park, water ways (canoe or kayak trips) 
• Lead groups of in day camps ages 4-12 
• Includes daily camp set up, clean up, & record keeping 
• Manage camper’s behavior 
• Maintain clear communication with parents and other education staff about: behavioral or physical issues, dress code, materials to bring to camp 
• Manage youth volunteers helping with camp 
• Act as camp runner 
• Conducts program animal husbandry which includes, but is not limited to scheduled disinfections and enclosure maintenance, daily feeding and cleaning, and making health and behavior observations 
• Evaluate Education Animal stress levels, behaviors, and overall wellbeing then relay abnormalities, positive or negative progress to education supervisors and/or animal care staff 
• Conduct regular program animal training for program use; crating, stepping up, and displaying wings, feet, etc for procedures 
• Report and record program and animal information 
• Basic Zims navigation and record keeping 
• Be an exemplary model for safety, proper program and animal care protocol 
• Assists with creating social media content, flyers, and promotional materials.   
• Take supervisory role when working with volunteers & interns. 
• Help plan, develop, and carry out yearly and seasonal special events (conservation events, Halloween, Thanksgiving, etc.). 
• Actively attend trainings for staff development and utilize new information to enhance existing programs or create new programs .  
• Educators may also assist with guest service duties including using the point-of-sale system, cash handling, and general facility housekeeping.   

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license 
• Associates’s degree in relevant field, or one years’ experience (paid or volunteer) in related education or science related position, or equivalent combination of school and experience 
• Minimum of one season leading children for camps or programs (volunteer or paid) 
• Basic computer skills 
• Excellent communication and customer service skills, especially speaking in front of groups 
• Basic understanding of biology, ecology, or conservation  
• Flexible and commitment to working as a team player 
• Experience in ambassador animal handling, care, and training staff/volunteer (preferred) 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand (for up to 8 hours), sit, walk, and reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The position requires frequent visits to the exhibit areas (walking on concrete floors, climbing stairs), extensive time standing, intervals of time outdoors in varying environmental conditions, tolerance of high levels of noise, and extensive public speaking, sometimes in noisy environments. Must be able to lift 25 lbs.