Job Description: Community Collaboration Specialist
Company: Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Location: Tacoma, Washington (United States)
Job Category: General
Job Type: Part Time
Salary: $$23.28 -
Hourly
Community Collaboration Specialist
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POSITION INFORMATION
Under the direction of the Community Engagement Coordinator of ZEED (Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium/Northwest Trek Wildlife Park), the Community Collaboration Specialist will provide assistance in facilitating and delivering engaging classroom and field-based programs for the community. Including the hands-on empathy science-based program, Wildlife Champions, Explore the Shore, and community focused events and programming, new and current. Primary work site will be at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, in Tacoma; at times work site be at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, in Eatonville.
In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to:- Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
- Interact professionally with other employees, customers and suppliers.
- Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
- Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
- Observe applicable safety requirements, use safety equipment provided, implement appropriate safety practices at all times and report immediately any unsafe working conditions or hazards.
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Essential Duties
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Work with Community Collaboration Team to:
- Strengthen relationships with diverse communities by growing partnerships, fostering meaningful connections, and addressing barriers.
- Develop strategies that improve diversity, equity, access to promote inclusion, especially in historically oppressed communities.
- Collaboratively foster relationships with local historically oppressed communities by listening, learning and working together to further awaken the care and protection of Wild Life.
- Expand and deepened partnerships with (in community gathering points in the community. (e.g; schools, libraries, community centers)
- Build empathy and action for Wild Life both internally (ZEED) and externally in the community.
- Engage in storytelling highlighting the positive impact of community engagement efforts and the importance of conservation.
- Build and enhance pathways for local communities to explore careers in conservation, wildlife care, and zoo operations. Specifically at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park.
- Partner and collaborate with educational institutions to create opportunities for hands-on learning, internships, and career development in the field of wildlife and environmental science.
- Perform additional duties as needed to further the mission of Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park and the success of community outreach initiatives.
- Recruit and train volunteers (youth & adult) to support community programs and initiatives.
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Minimum Qualifications
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- At least two years of experience in natural sciences, education, or related field, may include college coursework, volunteering, or work experience.
- Passion to engage communities in science and nature experiences that are exciting, rewarding and impactful.
- Experience working with diverse populations in nature settings or conservation organizations, specifically historically oppressed communities
- Experience with delivery of community programming to individuals, families and groups from a variety of ages, abilities and backgrounds.
- Experience with environmental education program development and delivery in formal or informal settings.
- Experience working with community partners to achieve shared goals.
- Must exhibit consistent characteristics such as a positive attitude, ability to show initiative, emotional maturity, self-responsibility, and ability to work as part of a team.
- Ability to work outdoors, in a variety of weather conditions and frequently stand and walk for extended periods of time.
- Availability to work a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends.
- First Aid and CPR certification required, training available upon hire.
- Must present a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record upon offer of position.
- Ability to operate a 10-passenger vehicle after training with both adult and youth.
- Reliable Transportation to both facilities, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma & Northwest Trek Wildlife Park in Eatonville.
Desired Qualifications:
- Knowledge of current conservation issues relevant to local wildlife as well as species represented at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.
- Bilingual or use of a language other than English (such as Spanish, ASL, Russian, Korean)
- Experience in applying JEDI (justice, equity, diversity and inclusion) principles to your work.