Seasonal Educator (FT, 6 months)

Seasonal Educator (FT, 6 months)
Tracy Aviary, Salt Lake City

Join Tracy Aviary’s education team! We are pleased to offer two full-time seasonal educator positions that will provide on-the-ground experience in science communication and environmental education by supporting educational programming at Tracy Aviary & Botanical Garden and Tracy Aviary’s Jordan River Nature Center. Seasonal Educators will report to the Director of Education and will work closely with other Education staff members.

Position Details:

Start Date: Monday, May 2, 2022 at the latest; may start earlier

End Date: Six months from start date

Schedule: 40hr/week, rotating shifts. Evening and weekend work will be required.

Compensation: $12-$15/hr, depending on experience

Primary Duties: 

• Complete one week of paid training

At both campuses:

• Prepare for and facilitate onsite and off-site programming, such as guided tours, family nature programs, bird identification classes, and more
• Provide site interpretation, which includes communicating with guests about local ecology, natural wonders, and animal behavior (especially birds)
• Create and/or edit curriculum and other educational materials using Google Suite and Canva
• Administer evaluation instruments such as surveys to improve program quality and effectiveness

When working at Jordan River Nature Center: 

• Provide assistance to guests, including communicating the mission and vision of the Nature Center
• Assist with site operations, such as opening and closing the Nature Center

Please note that these positions do not involve any direct contact with animals.

Workload Breakdown:    

Preparing and facilitating programs        30%

Site interpretation                20%

Creating/editing educational materials    15%

Program evaluation                15%

Nature Center-specific tasks            15%

Other                        5%

Studies have shown that women, non-binary folks, and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color are much less likely to apply for a position unless they feel they meet every qualification as described. We are committed to finding the best overall candidate and welcome candidates who may come from less traditional backgrounds. Please think about the breadth of your life experience when considering the following list of qualifications:

Qualifications:  

• Background or demonstrated interest in science communication and/or environmental education
• Background or demonstrated interest in ecology, animal behavior, or related fields
• Effective in working well collaboratively and managing time efficiently
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Experience interacting with members of the public 
• Additional and Preferred Qualifications:
• Knowledge about regional birds and avian ecology
• Certification in CPR and First Aid
• Proficiency in word processing, layout and editing
• Familiarity with learning assessment tools and strategies
• Knowledge of and commitment to justice, equity, accessibility, and inclusion in the community and workplace
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred but not required

About our Team: 

Tracy Aviary’s Education Department welcomes and empowers all people so that they may grow their sense of place and purpose within their communities and the natural world. 

We use the following guiding principles in order to operate at our best:

• Be innovative. We reimagine ways to improve everything we do. We use fresh eyes to bring in new ideas and challenge old ideas, so we can grow and change for the better.
• Be collaborative. We are flexible and open to working with others. We provide a safe place to try new things by making sure everyone feels seen and heard. 
• Be committed. We are trusting of others and worthy of trust in return. We go all in!  
• Be a mentor. We inspire others by providing insight in an inviting and humanizing way. Everyone we interact with feels a sense of belonging so that they can expand their horizons and find a new passion. 

About Tracy Aviary & Botanical Garden:

Tracy Aviary is committed to inspiring curiosity and caring for birds and nature through education and conservation. As the largest and oldest of only two free-standing aviaries in the nation and accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Tracy Aviary has grown and evolved over our more than 80-year history to become a cultural landmark, public garden, and leader in environmental education and conservation.

About Tracy Aviary’s Jordan River Nature Center: 

Tracy Aviary’s Jordan River Nature Center opened in 2020 as a second campus to complement Tracy Aviary & Botanical Garden. These two locations share one mission: to inspire curiosity and caring for birds and nature through conservation and education. The Jordan River Nature Center specifically focuses on equipping and empowering community members to become environmental stewards. The Nature Center allows us to meet folks in the heart of their neighborhoods and near the banks of the Jordan River, an important urban wildlife habitat and recreational hub. The Nature Center is currently in Phase 1 of construction and sits on a 0.25 acre lot. Phase 2 of construction will begin Summer 2022 and will expand the Nature Center by 8-12 acres. We are building up our programming and community following, and new team members are needed to ensure our success!

How to apply:

Applications are being accepted immediately. Positions are open until filled. No telephone calls please. Send a cover letter which connects your life experience to your interest and qualifications for this job, resume, and contact information for three references to Anne Terry (she/her), Director of Education, at [email protected]. Visit www.tracyaviary.org for more information about Tracy Aviary.