Preschool Teacher

Do you love working with young children and sharing the wonders of nature? The Santa Barbara Zoo is hiring n Preschool Teacher to deliver engaging, age-appropriate lessons as part of the Early Explorers Preschool program. Join us in fostering curiosity and promoting conservation while ensuring the safety and well-being of our youngest learners!

Position Status: Regular, Full-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Compensation: $26.21 - 26.73 per hour

You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position

SUMMARY: Under the general direction of the Preschool Director, a Preschool Teacher promotes the Zoo and its mission through implementing the Early Explorers Preschool program. This position supervises groups of students while delivering preschool curriculum in an engaging, age-appropriate manner, ensuring the safety and well-being of their groups.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Coordinates with the Early Explorer Director to ensure effective execution of program curriculum in an engaging, age-appropriate manner, working with children within the 3-5 age range

Leads and assists in delivering age-appropriate, experiential learning and engaging activities for children ages 3-5, including but not limited to:

Nature-based science activities

Songs, stories, and movement exercises

Hands-on crafts and sensory play

Kindergarten readiness activities

Outdoor exploration, guided walks, and zoo tours

Accurately explains animal and environmental science concepts in a way that is accessible and engaging for young students

Improvises pre-approved activities when necessary, to keep students engaged and focused

Supervises students and leads activities during extended daycare as required

Inventories and maintains curriculum equipment and supplies

Responds to health, welfare, and safety issues of students

Signs students in and out according to established Security Procedures and responds professionally to parent’s or guardian’s questions at the direction of the Preschool Director

Interacts professionally with parents/guardians, zoo visitors, volunteers, and other zoo staff

Maintains cleanliness of common spaces as pertaining to Title 22 regulations

Works collaboratively with the Education team to continually improve the Early Explorers Preschool experience

Adheres to the Zoo’s policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual

Adheres to Title 22 laws and regulations in accordance with Preschool Licensing

Applies and exemplifies “green” (sustainable) practices whenever possible

Responds to emergencies quickly and follows emergency protocols

Remains calm and creates an atmosphere of calm and control for those dealing with emergency situations

SECONDARY DUTIES:

Other duties as assigned to maintain efficient and quality zoo operations

Guest Relations:

Greets every guest with a smile

Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo

Answers phone calls, voice mails, and e-mails promptly

Ensures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash, reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions

Associates with guests to assist and share information

Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures

Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo’s uniform dress code

Takes responsibility for staying informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending meetings

Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement, the Zoo’s Core Values, and the Employee Pledge

Applies and exemplifies “green” (sustainable) practices whenever possible

Other miscellaneous duties as required

POSITION CRITERIA:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Education & Experience:

Minimum 18 years of age

Experience working with children

12 ECE units required

These classes must be a part of the 12 ECE units:

Child/Human Growth and Development

Child, Family and Community

Program/Curriculum

Please include a copy of your unofficial transcripts

Requires an official transcript upon hiring

License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications:

Successful completion of a Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Branch of Investigation (FBI), and the Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) background check prior to Training start date

Successful completion of First Aid and CPR certification (may be available through employer)

Completion of Mandated Reporting for Suspected Child Abuse training (may be available through employer)

Proof of Measles and Pertussis vaccinations, TB Clearance, and Flu vaccine or declination of Flu vaccine statement

Experience in informal education, outdoor education, or early childhood environmental education preferred

Experience with special needs children is a plus

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

Basic knowledge of Early Childhood Education principles

Ability to organize and implement daily activities

Ability to lead activities in an age-appropriate manner

Effective verbal and written communication skills

Strong problem-solving skills and ability to think on one’s feet

Ability to relate sensitively to young children and their parents/guardians

Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and our guests

Team-oriented mindset and willingness to collaborate with others

Ability to exercise safe work habits

Awareness of, sensitivity to, and empathy with animals

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including telephones, printers, two-way radios, and copiers

Ability to run, kneel, sit on the ground/floor, squat, and stand for long periods of time

Ability to negotiate the zoo work environment including behind-the-scenes, lawns, gravel, hilltop, attic storage, and high storage shelves

Must be able to lift 50 pounds occasionally, and 10-20 or fewer pounds frequently

Ability to exert a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly push, pull, or otherwise move objects

Involves working out-of-doors in all weather conditions

Supportive and open employment culture

Tools Used:

Personal Computer and software (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Standard office equipment; telephone, copier, printer, facsimile machine, and calculator

Two-way radio

Bio Facts and various learning-based materials

BENEFITS & PERKS:

Great team, beautiful grounds, amazing animal collection, sunshine & ocean view almost year-round!

Free parking, free guest passes, unlimited free tea/coffee every morning, 20% discounts on food services and retail purchases

Access to the Collabornation learning platform, professional development, and lunch & learn opportunities

Comprehensive benefits package for FTR staff, voluntary supplemental insurances, zoo membership, paid sick leave, paid vacation time, 403(b) and SEP retirement plans, a paid conservation day, a paid Zoo Day to visit another AZA-accredited institution, paid time off to take your pet to the vet, and much more...

You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position

Please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.

This job description is representative of the expectations of the position described. Additional duties, reporting relationships, and/or position criteria may be assigned as deemed necessary by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative. No changes to this job description shall be made without written permission by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative.

The Zoo reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description does not constitute a contract for employment, and does not guarantee employment for any specified period of time. The job description does not in any way alter the at-will employment relationship.

At this time, the Zoo does not sponsor employment or internship visas.