Early Childhood Educator

Location: Saint Louis Zoo – Forest Park
Position Type: Seasonal
Start Date: August ‘26

Position Summary: Serve as a floater in the Second Nature Zoo Preschool, filling in for lunches and breaks, and subbing as needed.

Responsibilities: 

• Serve as a floater in the Second Nature Zoo Preschool, filling in for lunches and breaks, and subbing as needed.


• Facilitate learning in the new Nature Nook discovery room and at Zoo early childhood camps, and programs.


• Assist in facilitating learning in a child directed environment, using an emergent curriculum and Reggio inspired approach that incorporates the Missouri Early Learning Standards.


• Create a comfortable and safe learning environment that meets the needs of all children.


• Teach children ages 3-5.


• Positively engage with families whose children are 0 – 10 in the discovery room.


• Foster a connection to the natural world through modeling environmentally friendly behaviors and attitudes, like a love of all wildlife and wild places and comfort in the outdoors, year-round, regardless of weather.


• Inspire joy and wonder in your work with children and families.


• Help create and maintain beautiful learning environments.


• Maintain and share a neurodiversity affirming mindset.


• Help co-create meaningful and engaging learning experiences with children.


• Nurture a positive environment where children can regulate their emotions in a safe and productive way.


• Cultivate community with children, teachers and families that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion and celebrates individuality in a positive and respectful way.


• Foster positive relationships with families and coworkers built on trust and open communication.


• Maintain personal professional development plan to ensure continuous quality improvement and understanding of educational advances.


• Follow developmentally appropriate practice in all areas of your work including conservation messaging.


• Perform daily, weekly and quarterly cleaning regiment of materials.


• Follow all state licensing requirements as well as preschool, and Zoo policies.


• Providing excellent customer service.

Qualifications:

• Some course work in early childhood, environmental Ed, or related field preferred.


• MUST have experience in early childhood education.


• Experience working with children of all abilities preferred.


• Familiarity and comfort with Reggio and nature-based approaches to learning preferred.


• High EQ and ability to maintain calm in difficult situations.


• Excel at working in a team environment.


• Excellent communication, and customer service skills a must.


• Strong attention to detail and ability to take directions as needed.


• Ability to work with guests of all ages.


• Ability to use Microsoft Office products.


• Must be trained or willing to be trained in First Aid, CPR, AED and CPI. Must be willing to submit to a background check, drug screening and TB test.

Physical Demands: Must have the physical ability to lift 40 lbs. Must be able to work outdoors in all weather and move across Zoo grounds and in Forest Park at a steady pace on mixed terrain.

Work Schedule:

• Work 20 hours a week (up to 40 during camp season)


• Work at least 1 weekend day per week and occasional evenings.