<p>Roger Williams Park Zoo</p> <p>Big Backyard Coordinator</p> <p>Roger Williams Park Zoo is currently recruiting for a full-time, year-round, non-exempt, Big Backyard Coordinator. The Big Backyard Coordinator is responsible for the coordination of the Play Partner volunteer program, providing and maintaining outdoor play-based resources/activities, and actively working to help provide a meaningful, playful experience for zoo patrons.</p> <p>RESPONSIBILITIES</p> <p>Big Backyard Related Duties:</p> <ul> <li> <p>Oversee the Play Partner volunteer program, including recruitment, training, management, communication, recognition, evaluation and partnership building with local social service agencies, school, colleges and universities.</p> </li><li> <p>Follow all opening and closing procedures for the exhibit.</p> </li><li> <p>Open and close the "Our House" Visitors Center for operation.</p> </li><li> <p>Understand how to operate the Nature Swap computer system and utilize the program with patrons and Play Partners.</p> </li><li> <p>Manage:</p> </li><li> <p>day-to-day operations of the exhibit space.</p> </li><li> <p>volunteer portfolios in Volgistics, including updating files and printing reports.</p> </li><li> <p>the Zoo's Little Free Library, which includes but is not limited to collecting books, maintaining the book inventory, and restocking the physical Library.</p> </li><li> <p>Perform morning, afternoon, and evening walk-throughs to coordinate and help report logistical concerns.</p> </li><li> <p>Respond to emergency situations in Our Big Back Yard. Call for appropriate support from Security and EMTs for missing persons emergencies, medical emergencies, and shelter-in-place events as well as members of other departments as events and/or issues arise.</p> </li><li> <p>Assist with crowd flow blockages and stroller parking concerns as well as monitoring safety.</p> </li><li> <p>With the Manager of Interpretation, support seasonal staff at the Drip Drop Water Garden by monitoring visitors and ensuring compliance with safety rules.</p> </li><li> <p>Manage loose materials and "acceptable messes" in the play space.</p> </li><li> <p>Supervise and support seasonal staff members in conjunction with the manager, and on their own.</p> </li><li> <p>Perform routine, weekly maintenance to exhibit space in conjunction with the manager.</p> </li><li> <p>Support the development and management of ongoing play bin activities, educational materials, teaching tools and interpretive information to be used in the "Our Big Backyard" exhibit.</p> </li><li> <p>Assist with the organization, inventory, and ordering of supplies and stock for the Nature Swap program.</p> </li><li> <p>Oversee Project Feeder Watch, Nature Swap and other community science initiatives.</p> </li><li> <p>Performs other duties as assigned by the Manager of Interpretation in order to meet the mission and objective of the Zoo.</p> </li></ul> <p>Exhibit Interpreter/Docent Related Duties:</p> <ul> <li>Support the Exhibit Interpreter/Docent Coordinators in: </li><li>providing assistance and guidance to Exhibit Interpreters/Play Partners while on grounds. </li><li>facilitating yearly evaluations. </li><li>interviewing and training of Exhibit Interpreters/Docents. </li><li>developing and maintaining teaching materials. </li></ul> <p>Other functions and responsibilities (Non-Essential/Marginal Functions)</p> <ul> <li>Maintain on-stage approachability whenever in uniform on Zoo grounds. </li><li>Participate as needed to support the organization's education department. This includes education department programs, team building, outreach, and professional development. </li><li>May be trained to handle and present program animal collection. </li><li>Support other Education Department programs during off-season when "Our Big Backyard" has less traffic. This may include facilitating animal encounters or conducting Wild Connections. </li><li>Participate as a core member of the greater zoo and help other departments (i.e. PR, Education, and Group Sales) navigate the resources of the "Our Big Backyard" exhibit. </li></ul> <p>Required Experience, Training and/or Education:</p> <ul> <li>Completion or pursuit of a Bachelor's Degree in Education, sociology, psychology or a related field from an accredited college or university; or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. </li><li>A minimum of one year of experience in volunteer management is required. </li></ul> <p>Preferred Experience and Education:</p> <ul> <li>A minimum of one year of experience working with children ages 3 and up is desired. Familiarity with informal education strongly desired. </li><li>Education or experience in natural science is strongly desired. </li><li>Recent experience working with diverse populations and fluency speaking additional languages. </li></ul> <p>Competencies:</p> <ul> <li> <p>Must be 18 years old and have a high school diploma.</p> </li><li> <p>CPR/First Aid Certification desired.</p> </li><li> <p>Dependable, consistent and conscientious team player.</p> </li><li> <p>Experience working with individuals with disabilities in a job or volunteer capacity.</p> </li><li> <p>Keep an open mind and interest in learning a variety of environmental education techniques like (i.e. naturalist, opportunistic moments, play pedagogy, and zoo based techniques).</p> </li><li> <p>Must:</p> </li><li> <p>be patient, self-motivated and able to work both independently and with a team.</p> </li><li> <p>be adaptable to a dynamic work environment, which may include, schedule changes, variable crowd size, and weather.</p> </li><li> <p>engage with children of all ages, backgrounds and learning abilities.</p> </li><li> <p>be comfortable interacting with the general public and speaking in front of large groups of people.</p> </li><li> <p>create a work and program environment that is inclusive, welcoming other's suggestions and points of view.</p> </li><li> <p>be professional, customer service oriented, and have a positive attitude.</p> </li><li> <p>Able to function in a professional environment, demonstrating responsibility, creative problem solving and excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.</p> </li><li> <p>Experience with Microsoft Office and database software, as well as general computer skills.</p> </li></ul> <p>Additional Requirements:</p> <ul> <li>Maintain a professional and positive work environment with zoo co-workers and patrons. </li><li>Successful completion of a background check. </li><li>Ability to work outdoors under various weather conditions. </li><li>Flexibility to work holidays and occasional evenings. </li><li>Valid driver's license. </li></ul> <p>Supervisory Responsibilities:</p> <p>Supervises Play Partners, Interpretive Supervisor, Docents, Teen Interns, Exhibit Interpreter Leads, Exhibit Interpreters.</p> <p>How to Apply</p> <p>If you are interested in this exciting opportunity to be a team member at a well-renowned Zoo in the New England area, send a cover letter, resume and salary requirements to the address below.</p> <p>Roger Williams Park Zoo</p> <p>ATTN: Big Backyard Coordinator</p> <p>1000 Elmwood Ave</p> <p>Providence, RI 02907</p> <ul> <li>or- </li></ul> <p>employment@rwpzoo.org</p> <p>Roger Williams Park Zoo</p> <p>1000 Elmwood Ave</p> <p>Providence, RI 02907</p> <p>Visit our website</p> <p>Like us on Facebook</p>