Youth Programs Manager

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Job description

Essential Job Functions

Youth programs at ZNE exist to support both the youth who participate, to help them develop core skills for college and career readiness, and to support the zoo's mission to engage people in acting to protect wildlife and habitats. The Youth Programs Manager leads development, administration and implementation of educational youth programs, including training and supervising Teen Ambassadors, and Summer Zoo Teens, administering the Jr. Zoo Teen Program, and coordinating the FPZ Youth Advisory Council. The YPM integrates citizen science and community education programs into youth programs. As a member of the Education Team, the YPM conducts education programs and helps with animal care, as needed.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Manage and administer the Teen Ambassadors, Jr. Zoo Teen and Youth Advisory Council programs
• Manage assigned staff, including selection, job assignment, training, evaluation, discipline and separation.
• Manage and administer the Summer Zoo Teen program.
• Assist the Director to develop, administer and report on grant-funded programs.
• Develop measurable learning goals for each program and implement assessments based on those goals.
• Use feedback from assessments and participants' comments to adjust program plans for the future.
• Gather information about community needs and use those to guide youth programs to help programs to be relevant for local communities while being sure they support the zoo's mission.
• Facilitates day and nighttime education programs at the Zoos, local schools, and community centers as needed.
• Leads teen programs both on-site and, sometimes, off-site, including driving a van with teen participants to off-site locations.
• Develop and conduct citizen science and community education programs.

• Build & maintain relationships with school districts, scouts, Zoo members, and other area cultural institutions to support youth programs.

• Meet regularly with the Director of Education & Volunteer Programs to establish clear goals and to report on progress and problems.

• Serve as an institutional first aid responder. This requires the YPM to maintain certification in CPR/AED and First Aid; and proof of negative TB.
• Regularly scheduled hours will be 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (will change seasonally), Tuesday through Saturday. However, work on evenings and weekends will be required. Work will be based at Franklin Park Zoo, but the Youth Programs Manager will travel to Stone Zoo for meetings as needed, generally monthly.
• All other duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Must be fully vaccinated.

• Bachelor's degree in education or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 3-5 years' successful experience in informal education and/or managing youth programs.
• Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher.
• Experience working with urban youth.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and in writing).
• Ability to address student groups of all ages and aptitudes.
• Previous experience as a positive role model for middle and/or high school program participants.
• Self-motivated team player; flexible, with ability to work well with Zoo New England staff, project partners, and program participants.
• Knowledge of current teaching trends in the environmental education field.
• Experience with curriculum development, program implementation, and evaluation.
• Ability to multi-task as part of a fast-paced team.
• Appreciation of ZNE's mission and goals.
• Valid driver's license and a driver in good standing
• Able to lift 50 pounds and walk over uneven terrain and in all weather.
• Current First Responder & or CPR/AED certification.
• Fluent in a non-English language, especially Spanish or Creole.

Preferred Job Requirements

• Positive experience as an informal science educator or classroom teacher.
• Previous experience with citizen science programs and research.
• Knowledge of current teaching trends in the environmental education field.
• Understanding of national, state, and city education standards.
• Previous experience teaching science in school setting.
• Previous experience handling and presenting live animals.

Zoo New England is an Equal Opportunity Employer by Choice

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