Early Childhood Education Lead Instructor (Full-Time)

Are you passionate about education, animals and conservation? ZooTampa is hiring for a Lead Early Childhood Education Instructor for our ZooSchool.

• Are you the kind of person who is passionate about rescuing, rehabilitating and caring for animals?
• Do you care about creating exceptional, personal experiences with co-workers and guest?
• Do you want to work in a fun and immersive environment where your contribution impacts the mission of the organization.

If so, apply today, we are scheduling interviews soon.

Must pass a Level II Background Screening through the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse (https://info.flclearinghouse.com)

Position Summary

Oversees the educational activities within the classroom. Provides a healthy, safe, and developmentally appropriate program and environment where children have the opportunity to develop social, emotional, language, intellectual, and physical skills. Respects and supports the family in its efforts to raise their child to become a well-rounded individual.

Who We Are

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S., with over 1.2 million visitors annually. We have grown to what now encompasses 56 acres of naturalistic wildlife habitats in a lush, tropical garden setting with wide-ranging activities. The Zoo, accredited by Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), offers popular educational programming, fun recreational amenities, up-close animal encounters and engaging seasonal events for which it has won awards as one of the country's most family-friendly zoos.

Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals; create exceptional personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways.

Our vision is that everyone we touch is motivated to join us in taking action to protect and preserve wildlife.

Join us and become a part of creating unforgettable natural connections!

Your day to day

Essential Functions (including but not limited to):

Supports social and emotional development of program participants and provides positive guidance.

• Values children's play and promotes it. Displays children's work at their eye level and changes it frequently (artwork, writing attempts, dictation or graphs).
• Shows respect for children's feelings and consistently communicates the worth of each child. Models anti-bias practices and cultural sensitivity.
• Communicates and engages with children at their eye level.
• Translates and coaches in conflicts and problem solving.
• Uses and promotes positive guidance techniques. Encourages children to be independent.

Advances physical and intellectual competence of program participants.

• Provides balance between child/teacher-initiated activities and between quiet/active learning activities.
• Conducts large and small group activities for appropriate lengths of time (matches developmental abilities of children). Provides stimulating, cognitively challenging classroom environment that encourages exploration and experimentation for all ability levels. Plans and executes appropriate learning experiences indoors and outdoors in accordance with the curriculum provided.
• Plans and implements experiences that promote language and literacy development throughout all parts of the day (including transitions, routines, outdoor play, etc.).

Ensures a well-run, purposeful program responsive to children's needs.

• Follows daily schedule; incorporates flexibility to promote good early childhood practices (teachable moments, follow-through of experience, etc.). Prepares supplies and materials needed prior to implementing activities. Maintains lesson plans at least 2 weeks in advance. Prepares/maintains a folder of activities and information to be used by a substitute in case of absence.
• Uses appropriate classroom management techniques; does not require children to wait for preparations, set ups, routines, etc.). Manages the group while giving individual attention.
• Evaluates and assesses individual child progress at least quarterly using anecdotal notes and work samples for portfolio. Maintains a portfolio for each child that documents growth in language, cognitive skills, motor development and creativity.

Establishes and maintains a safe and healthy learning environment.

• Maintains a clean and healthy environment; practices proper sanitation methods for furnishings and equipment.
• Provides training and supervision to help children develop/practice good health and safety habits (hand washing, toileting, etc). Promotes healthy eating habits.
• Provides appropriate adult supervision of children at all times. Ensures that children are only released to authorized persons. Provides safe supervision on Zoo hikes and playground.
• Maintains accurate and timely records of accidents, illnesses, medication, etc..
• Provides training and supervision of children during emergency procedures and drills.

Other Essential Functions:

• Incorporates environmental education into lesson plans and activities.
• Develops curriculum and promotional materials specific to assigned classrooms.
• Directly supervises daily activities of assigned assistant instructors.
• Relays assessment information to parents and offers support for dealing with children at different stages.
• Communicates frequently with families, and conducts formal conferences with families twice annually.
• Provides a variety of ways that families can extend the curriculum at home.
• Proactively seeks out and participates in workshops, classes, and programs to ensure the latest and best learning techniques are applied in the classroom.
• Assists in maintaining the Zoo's appearance internally and externally promptly reports/corrects needed repairs, safety hazards, or sanitation issues.
• Maintains common supply areas in an orderly fashion; provides notification when materials need to be ordered.
• Provides excellent guest service to all internal and external customers.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Must have strong oral and written communication skills.
• Must have strong organizational skills.
• Must be confident and articulate when challenged and able to act as a professional ally of parents.
• Must be able to take initiative, produce work independently, and act on behalf of a team.
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office and Internet Explorer.
• Must be able to speak in front of groups of various sizes and ages.
• Must have the ability to establish positive and productive relationships with co-workers, children and families.
• CDA, A.A or B.A. in Education, Child Development, Psychology, Environmental Education or related fields required.
• Certificates/Licenses/Registrations: 45-clock hours, CPR, First Aid
• Prior work experience at a child development center, zoo, aquarium, wildlife park, or science center preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years' experience with classroom management.
• Any combination of education, training, and/or experience which demonstrate ability to perform the required duties.

Annual / Ongoing Qualifications:

• Expectation to continue formal education training and stay current with developments in profession, minimum of twelve (12) in-service hours annually.
• Maintain active one of the following; CDA, CDAE, Birth through Five or School Age Credential for continued employment.
• Maintain an active Staff Credential Verification on Form CF-FSP 5211.
• Maintain a current CPR and First Aid Card.

Other Requirements:

• Conducts all activities in alignment with AZA standards and guidelines, all relevant laws and regulations, safety standards, and standards that ensure animal welfare.
• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions typical to west central Florida (i.e., heat, rain, or cold).
• Ability to use radio, telephone, and computer to communicate and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Must be willing and able to work varied and long shifts including holidays and weekends.
• Must be able to plan for, work, and staff specials events and exhibits as well as be available for unexpected shifts.
• Must have the ability to physically and mentally maintain control during emergencies that may arise.
• Must be able to safely lift children up to thirty pounds.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, and kneel to children's level.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.

Full time Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance options
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with a 4% company match
• Generous PTO (Vacation and Wellness time)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Free admission to the Zoo, MOSI, Glazer Children's Museum, and the Florida Aquarium
• Free or discounted admission to many attractions in Florida
• Discounted gym membership
• And so much more!

Equal Opportunity Employer & Drug-Free Workplace