Learning & Engagement Specialist II

Pay Range: To maintain internal equity, we have identified the starting range for this position at the Oakland Zoo as $24.60 - $25.49 per hour. An offer within this range will be determined by the experience and qualifications of a candidate and will be our best and final compensation offer.

Serves as a first-line instructor, developing and delivering interactive, safe, engaging, high-quality Pre-K – 12 Education and public programs. Helps with the identification of content to be covered and the development of Conservation Education curriculum and materials, in accordance with and supporting the Conservation Society of California’s mission and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). May guide group or individual tours of the institution and interpret and lead public programs and discussions regarding animal background, care and activities, environmental issues, and other topics of interest to the guests. Serves as a technical resource to visitors in wayfinding and providing information. Has a proven ability to teach rigorous conservation education and willingness to obtain training to handle program animals.

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Oakland Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package, including Health insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, Flexible spending account, Retirement plan, Paid time off, Employee Assistance Program, and A Family Zoo Membership.

• Support in the preparation and delivery of education programming in an informative, safe, engaging, and high-quality manner, including but not limited to:
  • Zoo School
  • UC Environmental Stewards Program
  • Community outreach
  • Public Programs
• School and community focus:
  • Training of teaching staff for TK-12 audience programming including Zoo School, virtual programs, community outreach events and collaborations with school districts.
  • Support UC Environmental Stewards Course implementation and serve as an  Training can be provided by OZ.
  • Coordinate with Animal Care and the Learning and Engagement team on enrichment activities for TK-12 and community programming.
  • Follow animal protocols and maintain Animal Handling certifications as needed.

• Maintain positive attitude and collaborative working relationships with volunteers, co-workers, program participants, and internal and external customers.
• Demonstrate superior customer service with vendors, visitors, and program participants.
• Demonstrate knowledge of, and support the California Conservation Society’s mission, vision, values, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and codes of behavior.
• Participate in collaborations with CSC partners
• Collaborate with Education Program Managers on program development, and be prepared to support all Learning and Engagement programming, including:
  • Ambassador Animals
  • Zoo School
  • Zoo Mobile
  • Zoo Camp
  • Wildlife Assembly
  • Teen Programming
  • On-Grounds Interpretive Programming
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned

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• At least 2 years of experience in a related field at a zoo, aquarium, museum, or other similar institution  some text
  • OR 2 years of experience working in formal or informal education
• Able to work five 8-hour shifts per week, including one weekend day
• Driver’s License and ability to drive Zoo vehicles
• Commitment to service excellence
• Comfort with “yes, and” principle of improvisation  
• Classroom management skills  
• Knowledge of animals and current conservation issues    
• Deep sense of responsibility for the animals under our care
• Comfort with safely handling ambassador animals such as reptiles, amphibians, and arthropods, and/or willingness to be trained to do so
• Drive to maintain relevant workplace certifications as needed  
• The Oakland Zoo requires vaccination*

Bonus if you have:

• College level coursework in biology, zoology, environmental science, animal behavior, and/or education
• 3-4 years' experience providing science communication/interpretation in zoos, aquariums, museums, science centers, or other similar institutions
• 3-4 years’ background in teaching (formal or informal) and/or experience working with children (camps, tutoring, coaching, etc.)

• Communication – communicates respectfully and effectively with stakeholders across identities, both verbally and in writing
• Dependability – demonstrates trustworthiness and reliability, including while working with little or no direct supervision
• Flexibility – nimbly adapts to evolving priorities and urgent needs; handles intervals of high pressure while maintaining perspective and humor
• Inclusive Culture - fosters a culture of mutual respect, transparency, collaboration and belonging which allows all employees to feel appreciated, included, and valued.
• Organization – strong attention to details and able to build and/or maintain efficient systems
• Passion – wholeheartedly believes in, represents, and models Oakland Zoo’s mission and PRIDE values at all times
• Presentation – able to convey ideas clearly and sensitively, highlight key takeaways and translate impact; have thoughtful presence, can quickly build rapport with others, and are comfortable in front of a variety of audiences  
• Sustainability – oriented toward the mission and values of Oakland Zoo and able to put those into practice by finding creative and resourceful ways to develop sustainable practices within your role and department
• Technological Aptitude – able to quickly understand, develop and maintain functional digital systems
• Time Management – strong capabilities with a demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize multiple commitments
• Wildlife Aware - understands mission to support the conservation and welfare of animals at the Zoo, locally and globally.  This is demonstrated by a willingness/passion to reflect this mission in all actions and to continue to learn how to take action for wildlife