Education Specialist II - Flint Hills Discovery Center - #250412

Description

(Regular, Non-Exempt)

Starting Salary Range: $19.54 - $23.45/hour, DOQ Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Shift/Workdays and Hours: Usually Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (some weekends and evenings)

How to apply: Using the “apply” button on this page, please complete the required online application, upload a resume and a list of three professional references with full contact information. For general questions about the position, contact Unique Hiram at (785) 587-2447 or [email protected].

The City of Manhattan values diversity and draws strength from the diversity of the team. The City is committed to providing opportunities for all employees to succeed by creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. The City is always seeking qualified Minority, Veteran, Women and Disabled applicants to fill available employment vacancies. The City of Manhattan is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Summary/Objective

The incumbent develops and implements education programs to ensure that education programs and activities advance and promote excellent guest services and contribute to the overall mission and goals of the division. The incumbent assists the Curator of Education with long-term education program planning, and program, event, and exhibit development. The incumbent may also manage the education team’s use of technological resources, manage program reporting and paperwork, coordinate activities for volunteers and department interns, and supervise the work of seasonal educators.

Essential Functions

Develops, coordinates, and implements educational and volunteer programs and events.

• Designs, researches, develops, and delivers conservation educational programs to groups on-site and off-site on a variety of mission-oriented topics for audiences of all ages and backgrounds according to established timeframes and set budget and revenue expectations.
• Possesses and demonstrates proficiency in Kansas state K-12 curriculum standards in all relevant fields.
• Facilitates excellent guest engagement experiences and assists in tracking program and engagement data; supports the growth and development needs of program assistants and volunteers.
• Interacts with program contacts, partner agencies, co-workers, volunteers, and visitors in a courteous and professional manner focusing on a positive customer service experience.
• Works to develop, manage, and maintain interpretive activities and education resources, according to established timeframes, set budget, and revenue expectations.
• Follows animal handling policies and procedures to maintain the safety and wellbeing of ambassador animals during programs and animal care/upkeep.
• Provides direct support for education programs, which may include drop-off and pick-up procedures, provides support with disruptive behavior from participants, facilitating delivery of first aid as necessary, etc.
• Develops and implements strategies for incorporating emerging technologies and interpretive tools into new and existing educational programs.
• Participates in educational programs and public speaking engagements, comfortable speaking on camera, radio and in front of groups.
• Occasionally works independently on a variety of projects and activities simultaneously without direct supervision.
• Maintains safe and clean workspace, notifies appropriate staff of safety related concerns.
  
  

Performs Other Administrative Duties As Required.

• Attends meetings and training.
• Manages stress brought about by interacting with potentially irate and/or defensive customers.
• Participates in sustainability and conservation plans as appropriate, such as recycling, composting, etc.
• Assists with program and event planning and implementation.
• Provides setup support for event rentals as needed.
• Organizes, orders, and maintains program supplies.
• Maintains and secures needed program related forms, records, and documentation.
• Assesses needs of interpretive volunteers to plan, develop, schedule, and communicate training resources and classes.
• Performs custodial duties as required.
• Ensures compliancy with all applicable regulations, policies, and procedures in all duties.
• Performs work at night and weekends on a fluctuating schedule as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Requirements

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in education, recreation, psychology, natural resources, environmental/conservation, sociology, or related subject area.
• Valid driver’s license.
• One (1) year experience working with school-age children/youth.
  
  

Preferred Education And Experience

• Experience in informal education: including program development, program delivery, and/or volunteer management.
• Two (2) or more years’ experience working with school-age children/youth.
  
  

Compensation & Benefits

• Boot, Clothing and Vehicle Allowances, if applicable.
• City issued Cell Phone, if applicable.
• Retirement/Pension - City employees are required by statute to contribute to the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS). Voluntary retirement contributions are offered with Nationwide, Mission Square, and Empower KPERS 457.
• Medical, Dental, Vision - The City offers an excellent benefits package that includes wellness, medical, vision, dental, and prescription drug benefits.
• Paid Holidays – 10.5 paid holidays per year plus one additional floating holiday.
• Paid Vacation - 12 to 26 days per year based on years of service.
• Paid Sick Leave - 12 days per year.
• Paid Parental Leave - up to 6 weeks of paid leave.
• Education Reimbursement, Professional Development. Certifications/Licensure - The City will reimburse up to $8,000 per calendar year for tuition and fees. Professional Development funds are based on department budget. Certification/licensure may be reimbursed by the City.
• Other Benefits - Long-term disability, employer paid group life insurance, basic life insurance, employee assistance program and an array of voluntary benefit options.