Reports to: Curator of Education

Department: Education

Status: Non-exempt, Full-time

Date: July, 2024

Interested applicants should send their resume, cover letter, and application to Katie Manion, [email protected].

SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE:

The National Aviary’s Program Specialist is part of a dynamic and energetic Education Department performing all job assignments with a positive attitude that reflects the National Aviary’s mission to inspire a respect for nature through an appreciation of birds. The Program Specialist develops formal, informal, and interpretive education programs and materials, coordinates and facilitates education programs and interpretation, actively participates in bird handling, supports the Volunteer Coordinator in mentoring National Aviary volunteers on interpretation and assists the sales coordinator with administrative responsibilities and strategic initiatives. 

When you are part of the National Aviary team, you will be immersed in a work culture of collaboration, inclusivity, respect, and continual growth.  Applicants from historically underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Facilitates virtual, on-site, and off-site education offerings (including classes, tours, events, and experiences) for visitors, schools, scouts, organized youth organizations and adult groups.
• Fosters an inclusive and welcoming educational environment for all program audiences and visitors.
• Develops curriculum, lessons, activities and materials for education programming.
• Assists with the creation and organization of educational content and materials for special events, graphics and exhibits geared for children and adults.
• Provides training, support and mentoring to staff, volunteers and interns in program content and delivery.
• Develops and delivers interpretive educational content in the National Aviary’s immersive habitats.
• Uses National Aviary’s established techniques and protocols for handling and presenting Ambassador animals and for preparation and care of animals.
• Supports the Education Sales Coordinator with administrative tasks such as program booking, invoicing, and reporting.
• Supports Education Sales strategic initiatives such as benchmarking research, promotional timelines, and sales initiatives.
• Maintains awareness and understanding of the National Aviary’s animal collection and environment, and appreciates each animal’s natural history and personal story.
• Assists with educational strategic planning and programmatic goal achievement.
• Supports the volunteer coordinator by scheduling volunteers and interns on daily activities as needed.
• Supports interdepartmental efforts to increase and improve volunteers’ level of customer service, visitor engagement, professionalism, and avian knowledge.
• Adheres to all National Aviary protocols and procedures.
• Maintains program materials and teaching spaces.
• Develops a strong understanding of the principles of basic operant conditioning (method of animal training used to increase or decrease behavior). Puts these principles into practice in working with and presenting ambassador animals.
• Interacts with visitors utilizing Aviary Visitor Engagement protocol.

Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

OTHER DUTIES:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for their job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The Education Specialist has no formal supervisory responsibilities. The Education Specialist may mentor interns and volunteers.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong teaching, interpretation and presentation skills, as well as the ability to continually interact and communicate with a variety of audiences in a professional and productive manner.
• Ability to adapt and relate appropriate messaging to people of all ages.
• Ability to organize and complete projects in a timely manner, using initiative and proper professional judgment; ability to work independently and as a team.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with volunteers, fellow departments, and the public.
• Strong communication, organization and project management skills with experience in managing simultaneous projects in a fast-paced environment.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Undergraduate degree in Education, Environmental Education, Life Sciences or a similar field is desired. However, relevant and equivalent experience will be considered.
• Relevant professional experience in an education department in a zoo, nature center, or other informal learning center.
• Previous experience working with live animals in an educational setting desired.
• Previous experience with operant conditioning a plus.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Satisfactory Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check and Child Abuse History Certification
• Satisfactory FBI Criminal Record Check
• Valid Driver’s License and ability to pass Department of Motor Vehicles check

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee constantly positions self to prepare classrooms, including setting up technology, tables, chairs, and signage, including under and around obstacles. The employee regularly transports crates and supplies up to 50 pounds. The employee regularly uses utensils and tools including knives, scissors, hoses, and falconry equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work environments will include climate-controlled office spaces, public areas where the noise level may be loud, and outdoors where work may need to be done in inclement weather conditions, including extremes of temperature and precipitation. The employee is regularly exposed to various disinfecting agents and common allergens such as latex, nuts, and seafood.

POSITION TYPE/ EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:

This is a full-time position.  The candidate must be able to work on weekdays, weekends, and holidays and occasionally in the evening as job duties demand.

Reports to: Assistant Manager of Retail Services

Department: Guest Operations

Status: Non-Exempt, Full-time

Date: July, 2024

Interested applicants should send their resume and application to Cindy Fisher; [email protected]. 

SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE:

The Guest Operations Associate Is an important role in the Guest Operations Department. They assist with all front-of-house operations, which includes the Retail Shop and Admissions. This position is responsible for promoting walk-in Membership sales and the sales of in-house Animal Encounters and programs, providing excellent customer service, maintaining accurate admissions and retail records, and safeguarding cash.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Hospitality and Guest Experience

• Greets guests and completes the check-in process by following established protocols focusing on excellent customer service.
• Enhances guest experience by promoting and selling memberships, brunch, all classes and education programs.
• Interacts with guests, asking if they are enjoying their visit, need any help finding a habitat, or have any questions in order to ensure a superior customer experience.  Contacts appropriate department personnel, as needed, to properly respond to a guest.

• Utilizes the Point-of-Sale system efficiently for admission, merchandising, and scheduling. Accurately enters purchase orders following all protocols and policies.
• Maintains the cleanliness of all front-of-house operations.
• Assists in outside telephone call coordination, answering general guest questions and directing calls to appropriate individuals.
• Periodically serves as Shift Leader to maintain orderliness of educational areas, assist guests with wayfinding, respond to guest phone and email inquiries, and maintain gift shop merchandise so all products are stocked and neat.
• Stays up to date with the National Aviary messaging and is equipped to share interesting facts about our birds, changes, and updates with guests.
• Adheres to all National Aviary protocols and procedures.
• Interacts with visitors utilizing National Aviary Visitor Engagement protocol.

Membership and Program Promotion

• Greets guests and completes the check-in process. Promotes and sells Memberships, Encounters, and add-on programs.
• Utilizes the Point-of-Sale system efficiently for Membership processing, admissions and timed entry, merchandising, and scheduling.

Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

OTHER DUTIES:  

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for their job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• The Guest Operation Associate has no supervisory responsibilities.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Must be highly professional, respectful, and responsive when interacting with guests and colleagues.
• Well organized, with the ability to assess and prioritize multiple tasks and demands.
• Proficient in both written and oral communication skills, positive and professional appearance, and proficiency in public speaking.
• Must be able to clearly convey information and respond to questions in a professional manner 
• Reliable and punctual
• Positive and professional appearance
• Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work.
• Ability to record detailed and accurate information necessary when booking events
• Must be able to operate the phone system and Point of Sale system

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:  

• High school diploma or GED required
• Experience with Point-of-Sale system preferred.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:  

• Satisfactory Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check and Child Abuse History Certification
• Satisfactory FBI Criminal Record Check 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee constantly operates a computer and phone and regularly moves about the office to access fixtures, file cabinets, office equipment, etc. The employee occasionally will use a stepladder and other tools to access merchandise. The employee occasionally lifts boxes up to 25 pounds across the facility.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  

Work environments will include climate-controlled office spaces, public areas where the noise level may be loud, and occasionally outdoors where work may need to be done in inclement weather conditions, including extremes of temperature and precipitation.  

POSITION TYPE/ EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:  

The candidate must have a flexible schedule and be able to work on weekdays, weekends, holidays, and occasionally in the evening as job duties demand.