Programs Facilitator III

Department:      Learning & Engagement
Supervisor:       Outreach Supervisor 
Supervises:       None
FLSA Status     Full Time, Regular, Non-exempt
Starting Pay Rate: $21.50/hour

General Statement:     
The Programs Facilitator is an ambassador and educator for the ACNC and the Phoenix Zoo. This position is responsible for the facilitation of interpretive education programs on-site and offsite, for children, families and adults. Programs Facilitators support program design, development, and coordination and assist with other education programs and special events as needed.

This position is trained and certified to handle Level II Ambassador Animals. These are animals that are safe and appropriate to bring to educational programs, such as non-venomous snakes, lizards, frogs, insects, and small mammals. Animal Handling includes presenting educational and entertaining presentations at Phoenix Zoo outreach programs (both live and virtual), camps, events, and birthday parties while following all animal handling protocols. This position may have the option to participate in Level III Animal Handling which includes animals such as raptors and larger reptiles and mammals.

Programs Facilitator III must have availability for:

1. Typical daytime shifts (8am-4pm, Monday-Friday).
2. Some evening and weekend shifts, depending on program bookings.
3. All mandatory meetings and trainings.

 
Essential Duties:

1. Provide quality guest service to both internal and external guests by maintaining a WILD (friendly, helpful, positive and professional) working attitude and appearance. 
2. Provide high quality guest experiences to audiences of various ages and sizes in alignment with an established curriculum/schedule.
3. Maintain Ambassador Animal Handling Certification: Responsible for knowing and abiding by proper handling, transportation, presentation, and interaction protocols for a diverse collection of animals in preparation for and during programs. After completing animal handling training, must be able to pass a written and practical test to certify. Must re-certify each year to maintain animal handling certification.
4. Facilitate and support independently, or as part of a team, various educational programs for children, families, and adults, including outreach (Live On Location, Virtual, and Booth Events), homeschool programs, Camp Zoo, Night Camp and more.
5. Accurately and independently complete necessary administrative work to plan and confirm assigned Outreach programs.
6. Especially during offsite programs, to the best of your ability, independently make decisions that ensure the safety of: yourself, your audience, other drivers on the road, the Ambassador Animals in your care, the Zoo vehicle, and other Zoo property.
7. Provide interpretive support and guest engagement at interactive exhibits. Explain rules of exhibits to guests entering exhibits; educate guests by initiating discussions, answering questions and following best practices for exhibit interpretation, and model excellence in these skills for other employees and volunteers.
8. Depending on daily needs, fill in where necessary to provide support, including working at an exhibit, conducting tours (including Guided Field Trip, Discovery or Backstage Adventure Tours), or driving the Safari Cruiser.
9. In cooperation with the Outreach Supervisor and other department staff, assist in the development and planning process of programs as needed.
10. Attend scheduled meetings and training for all department team members to become familiar with experiences, logistics and responsibilities.
11. Work collaboratively with other staff members and departments to meet the Learning & Engagement Department’s overall goals and objectives. 

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job. Management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (e.g. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs, or technological developments.)
 

1. High School diploma or equivalent.
2. Excellent public speaking and presentation skills and the ability to learn, understand, and communicate conservation concepts and messages to audiences of all ages. Can evaluate an audience and tailor programs to provide information and entertainment at an appropriate level.
   1. Existing knowledge about education, ecology, conservation and biology and interest in increasing knowledge in these areas preferred.
   2. Experience working with children in an educational setting (formal or informal) preferred.
3. Personable, responsible, and energetic, with the ability to initiate discussions and effectively communicate with all age levels through good listening skills, friendliness, enthusiasm, positive attitude and humor.
4. Can effectively and respectfully communicate with a diverse audience and teammates (including all age levels, cultures, neurodiversity, and level of abilities).
5. Problem solving experience and the ability to make decisions and communicate in a calm, professional manner during a high-stress situation.
6. Able to give and receive constructive feedback with a growth mindset and solution-oriented approach.
7. Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekdays, weekends, holidays, and some evenings.
8. Excellent time management and guest service skills.
9. Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work independently and in a team environment.
10. Ability to perform all duties in an outdoor environment even during extremes of weather.
11. Ability to lift up to 30 pounds; regularly bend, crouch, and kneel; stand and walk for extended periods of time; work in both indoor and outdoor environments.
12. Possession of valid driver’s license.
13. Ability to pass pre-employment background check, drug test, DMV check, clear annual TB test, and obtain an IVP Fingerprint Clearance card and Food Handler’s License within 1 month of hire date.
14. A requirement of this position is the ability to deliver programming at health care facilities.   Accordingly, applicants may be asked to provide official proof of vaccination for COVID-19 and/or other vaccines as determined necessary by the health care facility where programming is conducted. These requirements are established in alignment with facility protocols and regulations to help protect vulnerable populations and ensure a safe working environment.  As an equal opportunity employer, we will provide accommodations to individuals who cannot be vaccinated in accordance with applicable law.