The North Carolina Zoo is seeking a dynamic leader to oversee all the self-guided learning experiences (e.g., Zoo Trekker, Asia Tracking Experience, and the North Carolina Zoo App) at the Zoo as well as designs, develops, and evaluates a variety of new experiences for a wide range of guests including people with disabilities and non-English speakers. The Zoo relies heavily on self-guided learning experiences to engage, educate, and entertain our over 900,000 guests each year. The zoo offers a variety of self-guided learning opportunities for our guests to choose from in the hopes that we have something for everyone and something different or new for our repeat guests.

This position mentors, supervises, and works closely with the Guest Engagement Educator (Asia) and the High School and Virtual Programs Coordinator in addition to seasonal educators, interns and volunteers. Overseeing all the programs in their purview and working closely with other team members on a variety of programs across the Conservation/Education/Science (CES) department. This position serves as the second interpretive writer for the Zoo and works closely with the Interpretive Programs Manager and the Curator of Education to create new and update current interpretive signage throughout the Zoo.

Position Requirements: 

• Weekend, evening, and holiday work required. 
• Must meet DNCR Fleet Safety Guidelines and have ability to obtain and maintain a valid North Carolina driver’s license to drive a state vehicle. 
• Must be able to lift and exert up to 25 pounds of force occasionally and ability to lift, carry, push, or pull objects with or without an accommodation, negotiate uneven outdoor terrain on foot.
• Interpersonal, time management, leadership, research, planning, and organizational skills are needed for this position. This person must be proficient in public speaking. 
• Must be comfortable working with, maintaining, and troubleshooting problems with a wide range of technology used in self-guided learning (e.g., apps, sound equipment, video equipment), as well as be able to effectively communicate problems that arise during use and testing of software with developers.
• Must be comfortable and have experience working with mobile apps, app developers and contractors. 
• Will be required to obtain Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) training within one year of the hire date if they do not have it already and maintain the certification for the duration of employment.

Learn about the NC ZOO: https://www.nczoo.org   
Learn about employee perks/benefits: https://oshr.nc.gov/state-employee-resources/benefitsKnowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies

**To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must list the information on the application form. Any information omitted from the application form, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit.**

• Demonstrate experience in the development and evaluation of effective educational programs in an informal setting such as a: Zoo, aquarium, nature center, park, or museum. 
• Demonstrated experience in designing a variety of self-guided learning experiences for a wide range of audiences.
• Demonstrate experience in interpretive writing.
• Must be highly proficient in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, Publisher, and Power Point.

Management Preferences: 

• National Association for Interpretation’s Certified Interpretive Guide certification
• Demonstrated knowledge of natural history and environmental and conservation education are required as well as knowledge of the variety of interpretive techniques used in informal, outdoor, and place-based education. 

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See oshr.nc.gov/experience-guide for detail.

Bachelor’s degree in Art History, Biology, Botany, Conservation, Education, History or Zoology from an appropriately accredited institution ANDfour years of museum or related work, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.Supplemental and Contact Information

Primary Purpose of the Organizational Unit: 
The North Carolina Zoo exists for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of all of North Carolina's citizens and visitors to the zoo. The mission of the zoo is to encourage the understanding of and commitment to the conservation of the world's wildlife and wild places through the recognition of the interdependence of people and nature. The Zoo displays, conserves and protects representative examples of natural beauty, plant and animal species and ecological features of the North American and African regions of the world through the presentation of live animal exhibits from these regions.
 
Department Information:
The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) takes care of the things that people love about North Carolina, literally from A to Z. The Arts to the Zoo, and so much else – parks, aquariums, historic sites, archaeology, African American Heritage Commission, science and history museums, the state Symphony, Library and Archives, historic preservation, land and water stewardship, and more. These places, and the ideas they represent, create a shared identity in North Carolina. They provide common ground. Everyone is welcome. The Department’s vision is to be the leader in using the state's natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational, and economic future of North Carolina. Our goal is to promote equity and inclusion among our employees and our programming to reflect and celebrate our state's diverse population, culture, and history. We encourage you to apply to become a part of our team. Check out this amazing video about our Department.  

The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) selects applicants for employment based on required education and experience and job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age (40 or older), disability, National Guard or veteran status, genetic information, political affiliation or political influence.
 
Please be sure to complete the application in full. Resumes may be uploaded with your application, but will not be accepted in lieu of a fully completed application and will not be considered for qualifying credit.  "See Resume" or "See Attachment" will NOT be accepted.
 
Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.  Transcripts, and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application.
 
To obtain veterans preference, you must scan and upload a copy of your DD-214 or discharge orders.
 
Technical issues submitting your application, please call the NeoGov Help Line at 855-524-5627.
 
Applicants requesting and receiving an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are eligible to submit paper applications via mail or by fax.  Please call the human resources office for assistance.
 
If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received prior to the closing date will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM on the closing date.
 
Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account.  Upon the closing date, applications are "Under Review" and will be screened by Human Resources for the qualified applicants. The hiring process may take an average of 6 – 8 weeks.  
 
It is the policy of the State of North Carolina and the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources that all employees provide proof of employment eligibility (immigration and naturalization) on the first day of employment.   We participate in E-Verify (Employment Eligibility Verification System).

 CONTACT INFORMATION: 
   N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
   Division of Human Resources
   Ellie Meadows
   4401 Zoo Parkway
   Asheboro, NC 27205
   336-879-7310
   employment@dncr.nc.gov
 
 Visit our website at www.nczoo.org.