General Purpose

This position is responsible for cultivating a passionate team of Conservation Interpreters who provide excellent experiences to Zoo guests. They will ensure that the Zoo live interpretation is innovative and current to industry standards.

Our comprehensive compensation package includes 100% employer paid Medical/Dental/Vision, Employee Assistance Program, 401k, 10 Paid Holidays, Paid Sick and Paid Vacation time on an accrued basis. The pay range for this position is $62,400.00-$72,000.00 per year. Offers will be based on the successful candidate's experience.

Essential Accountabilities

• Provides training, leadership, coaching, and evaluation of effective interpretation techniques to enhance guests’ experience, provide audience-appropriate information, and invite Zoo guests to take conservation action.
• Ensures employees and volunteers are equipped with relevant, accurate knowledge of all Zoo collections.
• Collaborates with Human Resources department to recruit and hire qualified Conservation Interpretation staff as appropriate for the anticipated volume of Zoo guests.
• Provides direction and ongoing development for Conservation Interpretation staff, completes performance reviews, and oversees all personnel management activities for the department.
• Supports the Director of Learning with budgeting, goal setting, employee retention, strategic planning, safety concerns, and collaboration with other Zoo departments.
• Serves as a spokesperson to the community through online content, print media, and public appearances as appropriate.
• Engages in other duties as assigned to meet the goals and objectives of the Fresno Chaffee Zoo.
• Manages payroll and budget for direct reports and oversees the implementation of wage and hour regulations.
• Manages the schedules for all direct reports and oversees the implementation of appropriate regulations.
• Acts as a core leader of the Education team, providing support, strategic thinking, and vision for the future of the department.
• Serve as the example for quality customer service and de-escalation when interacting with the public.
• Incident Coordinator (IC) – Assume coordinator role in on grounds emergencies (medical, environmental, and animal related)

Management Accountabilities

• Customarily and regularly exercises discretion and independent judgement during the course of the workday. Actively demonstrates leadership through actions, reactions, decisions, and professional demeanor. Practices solution-based problem solving and learns from mistakes. Works with the team to find solutions and asks for help when you need it.
• Reports to meetings/activities fully present, prepared and punctual. Thoughtfully prioritizes needs in order to be respectful of each other’s time. Respond to emails and other communications in a timely manner. All written communication contains professional and proper language. Demonstrates follow through and is accountable for the management of the team.
• Willingly engages the Education team, volunteers and Zoo staff and proves to be an inspirational leader. Actively create connections that encourage open and honest communication with all.
• Remains accessible to the Zoo staff by cell phone. Uses professional courtesy and only call/texts within the parameters of CA employment regulations.
• Provides regular performance feedback to reporting staff. Completes timely and appropriate written evaluations that highlight strengths and areas for improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Biology or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience managing large teams and/or emerging professionals required.
• Experience and expertise in educational program or interpretive design and implementation required.
• Strong verbal and written English communications skills required. Bilingual (Spanish or Hmong) communication skills preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite is preferred.
• Strong planning, analytical and decision-making skills are required, with the ability to work in a dynamic, evolving organization.
• Demonstrates motivational and problem-solving acumen.
• Possesses the ability to articulate and inspire support for a vision of the future.
• Available to work some weekends and holidays.

Physical Requirements

These are physical and mental requirements of the position as it is typically performed. Inability to meet one or more of these physical or mental requirements will not automatically disqualify a candidate or employee from the position. Upon request for a reasonable accommodation, the Zoo may be able to adjust or excuse one or more of these requirements, depending on the requirement, the essential functions to which it relates, and the proposed accommodation.

• Close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, viewing a computer terminal, and extensive reading.
• Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication (in person and via telephone), at normal speaking levels with or without correction.
• Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. The employee must convey detailed or important spoken information to others in small and large group settings.
• Hand and finger dexterity sufficient for typing and other administrative tasks.
• The employee is regularly required to lift and/or carry up to 10 pounds, and occasionally up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment

• This position regularly works with others including Zoo executives and employees, Zoo guests and community members, media and government officials.
• The position functions both indoors and outdoors, with potential exposure to heat, cold, and inclement weather.
• Occasional travel may be required.