Youth Engagement Instructor (Bilingual Candidate Fluent in Spanish) Temporary, Part-Time March to June 2022

The San Francisco Zoological Society (“Society”) is a non-profit institution that manages and raises funds for San Francisco Zoo and Gardens (“Zoo”).  The Society’s mission, supra, is summarized as the 3 C’s: to connect our visitors with wildlife so that they care about nature and ultimately conserve it.  The Society’s leadership team is comprised of a President & Executive Director as well as a professional team of Senior Managers. The Society endeavors to meet or exceed the standards of its industry peers, including those established by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (“AZA”). For over 25 years, the Society has been continuously accredited by the AZA.

SUMMARY: The candidate in this position will support the mission of the San Francisco Zoo by inspiring youth to connect, care and conserve through the spring  youth  engagement  education and conservation programs & to advance the Zoo’s on-going Diversity, Equity, Access & Inclusion (DEAI) initiatives. The primary responsibility of a Youth Engagement Instructor is to create a fun, safe, inclusive and educational experience for bilingual youths.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

• Daily supervision of youth program participants.
• Implements & translates age appropriate education and conservation curricula that correlate to weekly learning objectives and themes, with support from Zoo management.
• Facilitates age-appropriate games, DEAI activities and art projects for program participants.
• Works effectively as a member of a diverse team.
• Ensures the safety of program participants, staff and Zoo guests at all times; including adhering to applicable COVID-19 health regulations.
• Supports program participants’ social-emotional learning and creates a productive and inclusive classroom & educational environment.
• Demonstrates a commitment to the mission and core values of the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens as outlined in the employee handbook.
• Provides excellent customer service during interactions with Zoo guests and program families.
• Other duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

COMMITMENT:

Incumbent(s) are expected to be on Zoo grounds for the duration of their employment and to uphold the Zoo’s Mission statement and Core Values (Respect, Professionalism, Resiliency, Efficiency, and Equality).

EDUCATION:

2+ years pursuing a degree in an education or science-related field; OR any equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities. OR a participant in a SFZS fellowship or similar program

EXPERIENCE/SKILLS:

• Bilingual candidate who is fluent in Spanish
• 1+ years of paid experience working with children in a formal or informal educational setting.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver information to groups of children.
• Experience with behavior management and creative problem solving.
• Ability to work collaboratively with people of diverse races, ethnicities, nationalities, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expression, socio-economic backgrounds, religions, ages, English-speaking abilities, and physical abilities.
• Ability to adapt to new situations, experiences and directives.
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn animal-science and conservation terms and concepts.
• Ability to work in a semi-structured environment with minimal supervision.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS: 

First Aid and CPR certification (training will be provided, if not already certified)
Successful completion of a background check and fingerprinting.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to bend, squat, talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, use hands for grasping, fine work and assembly, reaching, kneeling, or twisting.  The employee is occasionally required to sit, use hands to push/pull, crawl, taste, or smell.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is often exposed to outdoor weather conditions. 

Salary: $ 17.50/hour

Note: Instructors are expected to work all assigned weeks unless specific days off are approved by the Education & Engagement Manager or designee prior to employment.

APPLICATION:  Apply via our website at www.sfzoo.org.  Please attach a cover letter along with your resume.

How to apply:

Apply via our website at www.sfzoo.org.  Please attach a cover letter along with your resume.