Teen Programs Coordinator

Our Mission:  Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.

Our Vision:  Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Develops, prepares, and implements summer and year-round teen programming both on and off site.
• Mentors teens in various aspects of programming including working with youth, public speaking, interpretation, leadership, and wildlife-saving campaigns.
• Supervises teen program participants on Zoo grounds as well as during off-site programs.
• Educates teen program participants about Houston Zoo’s Take Action Initiatives and wildlife-saving efforts.
• Leads program-wide wildlife-saving action efforts empowering teens with the skills to reduce threats to wildlife.
• Collaborates cross-departmentally to develop year-round opportunities for teen program participants throughout the Zoo.
• Articulates long-term goals and objectives for teen programs under their supervision.
• Develops and implements program evaluation to assess effectiveness of programming and identify areas for growth. Track, manage, and analyze program data to assess progress toward targeted outcomes.
• Effectively communicate program impacts to internal and external audiences through regular internal reporting, writing program summaries, and presentations.
• Collaborates with leadership to create and implement program budgets including tracking revenue, expenditures and grant funds.
• Assists in designing a marketing plan for teen programs.
• Develops strategies and best practices for promoting and fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within Teen Programs.
• Reviews applications, interviews, selects, and trains teen program participants.
• Leads off-site Adventure Programs which involves driving teens to local nature spaces and supports the annual teen international adventure program.
• Ensures the safety of all teen program participants both on and off Zoo grounds and enacts all emergency protocols. Required to maintain American Red Cross and Wilderness First Aid certifications.
• Effectively communicates with teen program participants via email and phone.
• Ensures discretion with confidential information.
• Maintains and organizes program facilities and supplies.
• Uses appropriate techniques to confidently handle and present ambassador animals to Zoo guests in an engaging and age-appropriate manner that prioritizes exemplary animal care, health, and well-being.
• Supports other team members in their roles such as assisting in various program instruction, collaborating on program development and creating a culture that values the team above individual achievement.
• Maintains courteous, helpful and professional behavior on the job. Supports the success of the entire team by promoting a collaborative work environment, maintaining positive working relationships and striving to give and receive timely, honest feedback with co-workers and supervisor.
• Adheres to all Zoo and Conservation Education Policies and Procedures, Safety Policies and Procedures.
• Contributes to saving animals in the wild through: reduction of waste, water and energy use and inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife protecting actions.
• Will be required to work some holidays, weekends, and evenings as needed. Some international travel may be required in support of teen programs. Regular schedule will be 40 hours per week.
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Education and Experience

• Previous experience examples include, but are not limited to:
  • Associate's degree (AA) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school
  • Six months to one-year related experience and/or training
  • Equivalent combination of education and experience
• Bilingual in English/Spanish is desired
• High level of communication skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team within diverse environments, while treating everyone with respect.
• Ability to facilitate programs effectively and comfortably with audiences of different backgrounds and experiences.
• Comfortable taking risks to try new approaches and solutions and a willing to learn from failure.

ABOUT HOUSTON ZOO

The Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education! There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment.

Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests. We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild.  Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Disclaimer 

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as a complete inventory of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.     This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.    Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an at-will basis.  

Benefits  
Full-time, regular positions are offered the following benefits.

• Medical and Prescription Drug
• Vision 
• Dental 
• Basic Life AD&D (100% Employer Paid) 
• Short Term Disability (100% Employer Paid) 
• Long Term Disability (100% Employer Paid) 
• Supplemental Life 
• Flexible Spending Account / Health Savings Account
• 401k, with employer match

Full-time and Part-Time, regular positions are offered the following additional benefits. 

• Free Zoo Membership 
• Free Guest Passes 
• Discounts on Food, Merchandise, Attractions, Admission and Programs 
• Free parking    

Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer    

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

To apply: https://jobs.dayforcehcm.com/en-US/houstonzoo/CANDIDATEPORTAL/jobs/2613