This is a temporary position in the Parks and Recreation Division of the Facilities Management Department. Under supervision, develops, organizes, and implements Micke Grove Zoo’s youth education programs; and does related or other work as required.
This position monitors and administers daily lesson plans in art, ecology, and natural history to program participants. Employees supervise and direct camp counselors in prepared curriculum.
TYPICAL DUTIES
Develops, organizes, and implements educational curriculum and recreational programs for zoo education program participants; leads and directs activities that may include arts, ecology, and natural history.
Supervises and directs education program counselors.
Helps assure and monitor the safety of program participants and enforces rules and regulations applicable to program activities; maintain equipment and inventory; ensure safe use of equipment and supplies.
Administers daily lesson plans.
Responds to parents’ and participants’ questions and concerns, and provides information as needed.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: Six months paid or volunteer experience as a program leader, counselor, teacher, or assistant working with groups in an educational, recreational or other social program. Completed coursework in animal husbandry, zoology, or animal science is desirable.
Substitution: Completion of 30 semester units at an accredited college or university including at least six semester units in the social, behavioral, or environmental sciences, may substitute for the above-required experience.
Special Requirement: Must pass fingerprinting as mandated by state law. California state law requires all public recreation program employees to submit to fingerprinting for the purpose of obtaining a summary of criminal convictions.
KNOWLEDGE
Arts, ecology, and natural history or environmental education; lesson plan development; supervision and leadership; basic public relations and communications techniques; basic computer and modern office automation technology.
ABILITY
Instruct, guide, and supervise staff and youth; interact effectively and appropriately with young children; effectively develop, plan, organize, and implement basic educational and recreational program activities; operate computers and standard office equipment; understand and follow oral and written directions; communicate effectively with children and parents, both orally and in writing; understand and follow oral and written directions; read and understand park rules and regulations; establish and maintain effective working relationships with parents, children and a diverse group of individuals.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Mobility-Operate a data entry device; constant walking and standing for long periods, pushing/pulling, bending, squatting, crawling; Lifting-Occasionally lift 5-50 pounds; 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 and holidays; may require overtime evening work; Emotional/Psychological-Frequent public contact and decision making; frequent concentration required; Environmental-Frequent exposure to noise, cold/heat, hazardous materials, dirt, dust, fumes, and 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.