Project Prairie Specialist

Under general supervision, this individual coordinates programming activities related to the Toledo Zoo Project PRAIRIE (PP) program. This includes the development and maintenance of PP curriculum and the preparation and execution of all PP related lessons and professional development at the Zoo and participating schools. Additionally, this position will act as the primary teacher for all PP programming and oversee related citizen science and annual bioblitz activities. The person in this position will also be responsible for regular communication with PP participating teachers and schools and act as the point person in communicating school prairie installation and maintenance needs to the Conservation staff.  This individual will occasionally assist Wild Toledo Conservation staff in the native plant nursery and in prairie installation and maintenance activities at participating schools. Occasionally assists in other department programs in a teaching role, including, but not limited to, overnight programs, camps, homeschool programs, and exhibit interpretation. Reports to the School and Community Programs Coordinator. This position is non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act and requires forty hours per scheduled work week.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Plans and executes all educational lessons related to Toledo Zoo Project PRAIRIE (PP) program.
• Acts as primary teacher for PP programming and maintains/updates related curriculum.
• Maintains PP loan materials
• Prepares and organizes all materials for Project PRAIRIE outreach programs.
• Oversees PP summer teacher institute, student symposiums, citizen science programs and annual Bioblitz events.
• Maintains regular communication with PP teachers and schools, and creates and distributes PP Newsletter.
• Acts as point person for communicating school prairie needs to Wild Toledo conservation staff. 
• Assists in scheduling PP programs and planning and facilitating PP teacher professional development events.
• Assists with hiring and training PP outreach staff and interns.
• Assists with scheduling and planning PP Steering Committee meetings. 
• Participates in PP related marketing activities to school administrators, staff and other interested parties.
• Assists Conservation staff with PP installations and maintenance activities; Assists with the native plant nursery.
• Assists in budget preparation for areas of responsibilities and operate programs within budget.
• Writes and assists in the preparation of proposals and grants.
• Maintains PP statistics.
   

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS 

• Receives, reviews, prepares and/or submits various reports and records including confirmations, department accounts, research reports, lesson plans, use reports, budget reports, purchase requisitions and general office correspondence.
• Utilizes various types of technology and software including computer, multimedia equipment, registration and general office software.
• Serve as department point person in absence of Education Department management.
• Work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by programming schedule or other department needs.
• Assist with other Education Department functions including but not limited to facilitation, preparation and execution of other outreach/school based programming.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in education, biology or a related field as well as a minimum of one year of experience in public programming in an informal setting. Must have a valid drivers’ license and be insurable by the fleet insurance carrier.  Knowledge of flora and fauna native to NW Ohio prairies desirable but not required. Knowledge of inquiry and citizen science pedagogies desirable but not required.

Apply today via the Toledo Zoo website at: toledozoo.org/jobs