Education Program Coordinator - School Programs at Parks Tacoma – Tacoma, Washington

Based on our internal equity review process, the starting hourly wage for this position will be $35.97
To allow for growth and salary progression the full hourly range is $35.97- $49.24. Employees will have the opportunity to move through the posted range based on annual performance reviews and merit increases.

Under the direction of the Community Collaboration Manager of ZEED (Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park) this position will develop, coordinate and implement the facilitation of engaging school programming (current and new). This includes evolving the hands-on empathy science-based program, Wildlife Champions into a sustainable and scalable program. Through the Empathy Educators: Nurturing Wildlife Advocates grant provided by Advancing Conservation through empathy for Wildlife Network, this position will facilitate fostering a culture of conservation and empathetic behaviors. Starting with Tacoma Public School elementary schools and planning for engagements with Eatonville School District. Building and enhancing pathways for local communities to explore careers in conservation, wildlife care, and zoo operations, specifically at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. Partnering and collaborating with educational institutions to create opportunities for hands-on learning, internships, and career development in the field of wildlife and environmental science. Working collaboratively with the community programs coordinator on areas of program overlap and support Explore the Shore programming as needed

This position will also be responsible for supporting community-focused events and programming led by Community Collaboration. Primary office location will be at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Tacoma WA and secondary location will be Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Eatonville, WA.

Work where you play!
Join our team at Parks Tacoma to put your skills to use serving your community and making Tacoma a vibrant, healthy, and welcoming place to live.

Who We Are
Parks Tacoma is a CAPRA-accredited and AZA-accredited, independent park district that leads efforts to build a healthy, sustainable community. Located in Tacoma, Washington, Tacoma Parks’ mission is to create healthy opportunities to play, learn, and grow. The independent park district spans the city providing a wide range of life-enriching destinations and services, including 70+ parks, 80+ miles of trails, 1,000+ acres of urban forest, 66 playgrounds, four community centers, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Point Defiance Park, and much more. Our work is guided by eight core values that are the foundation of our actions and goals: innovation, excellence, equity, inclusiveness, sustainability, accountability, safety, and fun.

Why You’ll Love it Here
Come work where you play! You will contribute to the overall vitality and well-being of your community when you work for Parks Tacoma, and you’ll do so as part of a supportive team of committed, passionate, and mission-driven professionals. The people of Parks Tacoma are the key to its success, and you just might be the next great addition to our team. You’ll receive a competitive wage, along with an attractive benefits package, including medical, dental, retirement, vacation, holidays, and much more. On top of that, you’ll wake each day knowing that you’re helping make Tacoma a great place to call home.

Position Information
Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, develop, coordinate and implement public educational programs; the volunteer/docent programs and related activities. Interview, hire, train, provide work direction, and evaluate assigned personnel and volunteers.

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to:

• Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
• Interact professionally with other employees, customers and suppliers.
• Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
• Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
• Observe applicable safety requirements, use safety equipment provided, implement appropriate safety practices at all times and report immediately any unsafe working conditions or hazards.

Develop, coordinate, schedule and implement educational programs with a nature or science focus, which promote the use of Park District facilities and resources and provide educational opportunities for the public.

Screen, interview, hire, provide work direction and guidance for assigned personnel, including volunteers and interns; schedule, assign and review work.

Develop, prepare and administer educational, scientific, historical and related literature concerning the activities of a public education function related to environmental, zoological, or cultural programs; develop education and related materials, graphics, websites and tools for publication and departmental use.

Develop and coordinate training programs for docents, volunteers, area teachers and instructors to promote the use of Park District facilities as an educational resource.

Coordinate communication and activities with other Park District departments and personnel, instructors, teachers and local schools to implement, facilitate and promote educational programs.

Plan and participate in a variety of special programs and projects to promote educational awareness and understanding to the public.

Maintain various records and files related to educational programs and to volunteer programs, including records of budget information and program reservations; gather and provide information for budget preparation.

Participate in long-range planning and policy development to facilitate and improve educational programs and operations.

Operate a motorized vehicle to travel to multiple locations to carry out essential duties. Adhere to all driving laws and safety rules.

Perform related duties as assigned.
Bachelor’s degree in education, history, natural sciences, environmental studies, communications, museum studies or related field and two years of increasingly responsible experience involving educational program development or interpretive programming in zoological, aquarium, museum or informal learning setting. Four years of increasingly responsible related experience may substitute for the degree.

DESIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Experience working with diverse populations in nature settings or conservation organizations, specifically historically oppressed communities.
• Experience with lesson development and delivery of educational programming to individuals, families and groups from a variety of ages, abilities and backgrounds.
• Experience with environmental education program development and delivery in formal or informal settings.
• Experience working with community partners to achieve shared goals.

LICENSE & OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
• Ability to obtain valid first aid and CPR certification within probationary period.
• Ability to work flexible schedule, including weekends, evenings and holidays as required
ENVIRONMENT:
Office, outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and auditorium work environment.
Extensive public contact.
Emergency medical situations.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES:
Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate computer keyboard, other office equipment and a motor vehicle.
Standing for extended periods of time.
Walking, kneeling, bending or crouching.
Range of motion, vision and hearing for safely driving park district vehicles.
Hearing and speaking to exchange information and make presentations.
Seeing to read and develop materials, prepare records and reports.

HAZARDS:
Contact with dissatisfied or abusive individuals.
Exposure to adverse weather conditions and open water situations.

Knowledge

• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations related to assigned area
• Recordkeeping, data collection/analysis, data entry, and reporting requirements in a public agency environment
• Office procedures, methods, and computer equipment relevant to assigned duties
• Customer service principles and techniques in a public setting
• Principles of program coordination, logistics, and project tracking
• Purchasing procedures
• Public communication and outreach methods
• Records management, confidentiality, and data privacy standards

Skills

• Collecting, organizing, and verifying data accurately
• Performing detailed administrative or technical tasks with accuracy
• Using software applications for data management and reporting (e.g., Excel, database systems)
• Communicating clearly and effectively with coworkers and the public
• Following established procedures
• Coordinating activities among departments or external partners
• Preparing and maintaining accurate records and reports
• Managing project timelines and deliverables
• Drafting correspondence, summaries, and communications materials
• Using judgment in identifying and resolving routine issues

Abilities

• Learn and apply agency policies and procedures
• Interpret and follow verbal and written instructions
• Work independently within established guidelines
• Organize and prioritize work assignments
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships
• Communicate effectively with diverse groups and audiences
• Contribute to team goals and support higher-level staff
• Adapt to changing work assignments or priorities
• Balance multiple priorities and deadlines
• Interpret and apply procedures with limited supervision
• Learn agency safety procedures and follow safety plans

PARKS TACOMA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation, disability or any other merit factor. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veterans, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.

Parks Tacoma employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Parks Tacoma is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resources athr@parkstacoma.gov.

Employment is subject to a national background check.

This position is an at-will position with no written or implied contractual agreement.