Zoo ALIVE Programs Coordinator

Location: Saint Louis Zoo – Forest Park
Position Type: Full-Time Temporary (2 years, after that Part-time benefitted)

Position Summary:

The Saint Louis Zoo is looking for someone interested in bringing their passion for conservation and empowering teens together to further our mission. The coordinator is responsible for maintaining a welcoming environment where teens can thrive, and learn about conservation, sustainability, Zoo careers and more, while also providing teen mentorship, as well as planning, implementation and evaluation of teen programs.

Responsibilities: 

• Coordinate day to day operations of the Zoo ALIVE organization


• Support teen work with Hazelwood school district greenhouse project


• Mentor teens across multiple program areas


• Co-develop programs and program changes with teens


• Coordinate Zoo ALIVE volunteers, meetings, events, trips and activities


• Lead monthly Zoo ALIVE meetings


• Co-lead Zoo ALIVE trips


• Supervise teens in Zoo apprenticeship program


• Support and maintain programs that engage teens socially, culturally, and intellectually and that reflect the diversity of St. Louis


• Support and maintain programs that focus on service, leadership, education & advocacy


• Participate in meetings related to teen programing


• Lead regular training and continuing education opportunities for teens


• Create and maintain a culture of inclusion and respect


• Participate in outcome measurement processes and other evaluation programs


• Ensure the quality of programs with regular evaluation, professional development and reflection


• Model and provide guidance around professionalism


• Manage record keeping and reporting, as it relates to the teen programs


• Attend mandatory staff meetings and training


• Participate in and or coordinate all related events and programs


• Marketing of programs to schools, organizations, and individuals


• Recruitment of program volunteers and participants.


• Coordinate the planning and implementation of volunteer trainings


• Maintain contact databases, including volunteers and alumni


• Coordinate program follow-up, including surveys, mailings, and other needs


• Maintain program supplies


• May be required to perform other duties as assigned


• Create an environment founded in trust, that encourages awe and wonder

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in youth development, education or related field


• Experience working with and teens


• Experience working with teens of all abilities preferred


• Experience camping required


• Experience leading outdoor education programs preferred


• Experience with co-design


• Experience working with a non-profit organization, preferably a youth development organization


• Excellent planning and organizational skills


• Familiarity with the principles of youth development


• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse communities and groups


• Ability to define outcomes and work towards positive outcomes


• Ability to use Microsoft Office products


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills


• High EQ required


• Have or willing to get a passport


• Flexibility with change


• Valid driver’s license


• Ability to build positive relationships with teens, community members, guests and parents


• Possession of, or willingness to obtain, a class E driver’s license


• Strong presentation and organizational skills


• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously, including reprioritizing based on unexpected deadlines


• Ability to manage the boundaries between the professional aspects of the position and the personal relationships formed with the teens


• Demonstrated experience with group facilitation


• Ability to stay calm and act with dispatch during difficult situations


• A team player who is collaborative, and proactive


• Ability to interpret the natural world


• Knowledge of local


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


• All successful candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check and a drug test. As this is a safety-sensitive role, a negative drug test result is mandatory. The drug test screens for five substances, including marijuana.

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 natural areas at a steady pace on mixed terrain. Ability to hike 4-6 miles on moderately difficult trails.

Work Schedule: 40 hours a week schedule, at least one weekend day per week, including travel each quarter, and occasional evenings