JOB OBJECTIVE:  To plan and direct the Education Division at the Little Rock Zoo which include developing and evaluating interpretive educational programs, managing the penguin exhibit, training education staff and volunteers to present interpretive programs and tours, and developing graphics for activities, programs, and events at the Little Rock Zoo.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:  Plans, develops, and oversees Education Division programs and activities to include developing and evaluating interpretive educational programs, youth volunteer and docent programs to assist staff in education and programming activities, community outreach programs; management of the penguin exhibit, and development of graphics for activities, programs and events at the Little Rock Zoo. Develops and implements education program curriculum and interpretive materials, displays, signs, brochures, articles, and other related materials for use by staff in presenting onsite and off-site classes and tours to the public; designs and produces Zoo informational and publicity releases, and fliers for special and educational events at the Zoo; conducts research and develops material for Zoo animal identification graphics, new animal exhibits, and interpretive areas within the Zoo; operates computer with graphic production software; graphic printer, laminator and related equipment to development zoo graphics. Develops and implements short and long-range plans for Zoo education programs; evaluates and makes recommendations for educational programming for current and new animal exhibits; implements upon approval of the Zoo Director. Recruits, supervises, and trains volunteer Docents to present Zoo related educational classes, outreach programs, and Zoo tours. Compiles information, conducts research and prepares various narrative and statistical reports relative to Division activities and programs. Compiles and prepares tentative annual budget figures for the Education Division; monitors Division expenditures; requisitions approved supplies, publications, and equipment. Monitors program presentation schedules to ensure that a variety of groups are participating in the education programs. Investigates operational and administrative problems or complaints; reports findings and recommends solutions. Reviews policies and procedures and makes recommendations for revision; develops and implements procedures to ensure effective operation of assigned projects and programs; develops and maintains functional or operational manuals outlining established methods of performing work in compliance with organizational policies and procedures. Coordinates with the Animal Division the care and training of the Zoo animals designated for education purposes to include onsite, outreach interpretation, and events; trains staff and volunteers; serves as liaison to other zoo divisions by providing animals for promotional and special events, and various Departmental activities. Maintains information on the education animal collection and training manuals for use by docents and Zoo staff; conducts research, analyzes data, and compiles information to ensure all training data and related information are up to date. Assigns, prioritizes, and reviews the work activities of assigned personnel. Serves as the Zoo representative at various functions in the absence of the Director of the Zoo as assigned. Instructs Docents and other volunteers in basic and advanced
zoology, zoo history, zoo geography, and safe and efficient methods of animal exhibition and Zoo operations. Develops public education programs to promote public awareness of zoo education programs in the community; disseminates information, writes articles, speaks to schools,community groups, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood associations and other organizations at local, state, and national levels. Develops, monitors, and evaluates divisional grants and special projects; ensures compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, policies, and regulations. Monitors and ensures all applicable local, state, and federal permits are obtained for Education program animal and biofact collections; ensures compliance with all applicable policies, procedures, ordinances, and laws. Develops, implements, and monitors information relative to Education Programs on the Zoo’s website; coordinates with Zoo Marketing staff to post and update information. Prepares and presents Zoo promotional programs to encourage civic, professional, and other groups to participate or sponsor various Zoo programs and events. Conducts research, analyzes data, and prepares narrative and statistical reports on various topics, such as the demographics of program participants, and other reports as requested. Provides conservation education materials and assistance with special event operations as assigned. Assists Director of the Zoo and Zoo management staff in the development of Zoo master planning and implementation. Maintains demographic data on groups participating in education programs; maintains training records on Docents and teen volunteers. Establishes and maintains hard copy and computer files and records relating to Division programs, operations and activities. Operates a computer with database, desktop publishing, graphics, spreadsheet, and word processing software. Operates a City pool automobile in the performance of essential job functions.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Zoo Education Outreach Coordinator, Animal Keeper (s), assigned part-time employees, volunteer Zoo Docents, and other volunteers assisting in the education programs at the Zoo.
