Description:

The Nature Kit Specialist facilitates outreach, engagement and education for Zoo guests with a special focus on our “Family Nature Adventure Kits” program.Zoo New England’s mission is to inspire people to protect and sustain the natural world for future generations by facilitating fun and engaging experiences. The Family Nature Adventure Kits are intended to support families, especially families with children who have experienced trauma, in having positive experiences outdoors in natural settings. The specialist in this position will work to network with organizations that serve families to extend invitations and will facilitate family visits to both Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo, so families can have positive experiences using activities available in the kits. The specialist will serve as a host and facilitator when families visit. They will also keep track of statistics such as how many families and individuals make use of the kits, and will ensure that we gather feedback about families’ experiences. Ultimately, this role is about facilitating positive experiences in nature for hundreds of families to help them feel at home at the zoo and in other outdoor sites.The Specialist will work as a member of the Education Department, leading other programs as needed, for audiences ranging from preschoolers to retirees. The Specialist is expected to participate in occasional special event programs on evenings and weekends

Duties & Responsibilities

• Facilitate activities that are part of the existing family nature adventure kits with families, at the zoo.
• Welcome and host families, especially on weekends, when they have reserved a time to visit and to use a kit.
• Keep clear records of all kit-related data such as frequency of use and materials that need to be replaced, and track expenses for the kit program.
• Organize and maintain contact information for families who participate with kit activities.
• Communicate at least twice a month with key contacts outside of the zoo about opportunities to extend invitations to families through networks affiliated with partner organizations, and facilitate to send invitations.
• Learn to handle the Zoo’s ambassador animals and to facilitate presentations about them and zoo exhibits.
• Facilitate other programs for families, school groups, scout groups and other audiences, including classroom programs and behind-the-scenes tours.
• Engage zoo guests with presentations and activities from the kits and about ways parents can support science learning outdoors.
• Serve as one of the Zoo’s first responders when there is a call for first aid assistance.
• This role requires weekend work at least one day each week and will also require some weekday and evening work. Work hours will be negotiated based on program needs and will not exceed 35 hours per week.
• This role will require work at both at Franklin Park Zoo and at Stone Zoo.
• All other duties assigned

Qualifications:

Minimum Job Requirements

• Must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
• Must be 18 years or older
• Available to work weekends, plus at least one more day each week.
• Desire to work with families and children, especially outdoors
• Positive prior experience working with families.
• Background knowledge of environmental studies or a related field
• Ability to provide excellent customer service to ZNE customers, clients, and colleagues
• Excellent oral presentation skills
• Bi-lingual in English and at least one other language that is common in the Boston area (Spanish, Cape Verdean, Haitian, Vietnamese, or another).
• Ability to work independently as well as on a team
• A strong desire to support ZNE’s messages, mission, and goals and to share them with visitors
• Reliable transportation to and from work at both Stone Zoo and Franklin Park Zoo
• Willingness to spend long periods of time outdoors
• Ability to lift 50 pounds and walk over uneven terrain
• Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Valid driver’s license and a driver in good standing
• Must submit proof of up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination

Preferred Job Requirements

• Experience with curriculum development, program implementation, and evaluation
• Previous experience handling and presenting live animals
• Current certification in CPR/AED and First Aid

Hours, Location, and Term of Appointment

Hours: 25-35 hours per week. One weekend day is required each week; other hours based on needs.

Location: Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo

How To Apply:
Please apply by using this link:https://zoonewengland.bamboohr.com/careers/169

Apply by:
November 30, 2022

Salary:
20.50 / Per hour

About this Organization:
Zoo New England is the private, non-profit organization responsible for the operation and management of the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston and the Stone Zoo in Stoneham, Massachusetts.

Zoo New England is dedicated to teaching wildlife and wild land preservation through responsible management and exhibition of wildlife. Our mission is to inspire people to protect and sustain the natural world for future generations by creating fun and engaging experiences that integrate wildlife and conservation programs, research, and education.