Job Details

Do you love working with young children and sharing the wonders of nature? The Santa Barbara Zoo is hiring an Assistant Preschool Teacher to deliver engaging, age-appropriate lessons as part of the Early Explorers Preschool program. Join us in fostering curiosity and promoting conservation while ensuring the safety and well-being of our youngest learners!

Position Status: Part-Time, Regular, Hourly, Non-Exempt Schedule: Monday - Friday, up to 25 hours per week, exact work hours are to be determined.

Compensation: $20.20 - $21.60 per hour

You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position

SUMMARY:

Under the general direction of the Preschool Director, the Assistant Preschool Teacher promotes the Zoo and its mission through implementation of the Early Explorers Preschool program ensuring a safe, engaging, and developmentally age-appropriate learning environment based on the preschool curriculum. This position is responsible for supervising groups of young learners, facilitating hands-on curriculum, and fostering a deep connection between children and nature through outdoor exploration.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Collaborates with the Early Explorer Director (EED) and Lead Teachers to execute curriculum that aligns with early childhood best practices and the outdoor preschool philosophy

Coordinates with the Early Explorer Director to ensure effective execution of program curriculum in an engaging, age-appropriate manner, working with children within the 3-5 age range

Leads and assists in delivering age-appropriate, experiential learning and engaging activities for children ages 3-5, including but not limited to:

Nature-based science activities

Songs, stories, and movement exercises

Hands-on crafts and sensory play

Kindergarten readiness activities

Outdoor exploration, guided walks, and zoo tours

Accurately explains animal and environmental science concepts in a way that is accessible and engaging for young students.

Assists the Preschool Teachers in daily schedule, curriculum, and activities

Assists in the setup, cleanup, and maintenance of learning spaces, ensuring they remain safe, clean, and organized

Improvises pre-approved activities, when necessary, to keep students engaged and focused

Supervises students and leads activities during extended day care as required

Inventories and maintains curriculum equipment and supplies

Monitors children's well-being and responds promptly to any health, safety, or behavioral concerns following established protocols

Signs students in and out according to established Security and Licensing Procedures and responds professionally to parent's or guardian's questions at the direction of the Preschool Director

Interacts professionally with parents/guardians, zoo visitors, volunteers, and other zoo staff

Maintains cleanliness of common spaces as pertaining to Title 22 regulations

Works collaboratively with the Education team to continually improve the Early Explorers Preschool experience

Adheres to the Zoo's policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual

Applies and exemplifies “green” (sustainable) practices whenever possible

Models a sense of curiosity, kindness, and respect for nature, animals, and peers

Responds to emergencies quickly and follows emergency protocols

Remains calm and creates an atmosphere of calm and control for those dealing with the emergency situations

SECONDARY DUTIES:

Other duties as assigned to maintain efficient and quality preschool and zoo operations

Participates in professional development opportunities related to early childhood education, nature-based learning, and child development

Guest Relations:

Greets every guest with a smile

Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo

Ensures the Zoo's presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash, reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions

Associates with guests to assist and share information

Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures

Adheres to the zoo's uniform and appearance standards

Takes responsibility to stay informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending meetings

Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement and the Employee Pledge

Other duties as required

POSITION CRITERIA:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience:

Minimum 18 years of age

Experience working with children

6 ECE units required (12 ECE units preferred)

These classes must be a part of the 6 ECE units

Child/Human Growth and Development

Child, Family and Community

Program/Curriculum

Please include a copy of your unofficial transcripts

Official transcripts required upon hire

License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications:

Successful completion of a Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Branch of Investigation (FBI), and the Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) background check prior to Training start date

Successful completion of First Aid and CPR certification (may be available through employer)

Completion of Mandated Reporting for Suspected Child Abuse training (may be available through employer)

Experience in informal education, outdoor education, or early childhood environmental education preferred

Experience working with children with special needs is a plus

Knowledge, Skills and Ability:

Basic knowledge of Early Childhood Education principles

Ability to organize and implement daily activities

Ability to lead activities in an age-appropriate manner

Effective verbal and written communication skills

Strong problem-solving skills and ability to think on one's feet

Ability to relate sensitively to young children and their parents/guardians

Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and our guests. Team-oriented mindset and willingness to collaborate with others

Ability to exercise safe work habits

Awareness of, sensitivity to, and empathy with animals

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including telephones, printers, two-way radios, and copiers

Must be able to perform hands-on activities, run, kneel, sit on the ground/floor, squat, and stand for long periods of time

Ability to negotiate the zoo work environment including behind-the-scenes, lawns, gravel, hilltop, attic storage, and high storage shelves

Must be able to lift 50 pounds occasionally, and 10-20 or fewer pounds frequently

Ability to exert a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly push, pull or otherwise move objects, including tables and chairs

Involves working out-of-doors in all weather conditions

Supportive and open employment culture

Other: TB Test Clearance

Tools Used:

Personal Computer and software (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Standard office equipment; telephone, copier, printer, facsimile machine, and calculator

Two-way radio

Tablets with attendance and curriculum software

Bio Facts and various learning-based materials

BENEFITS & PERKS:

Great team, beautiful grounds, amazing animal collection, sunshine & ocean view almost year-round!

Free parking, free guest passes, unlimited free tea/coffee every morning, 20% discounts on food services and retail purchases

Access to the Collabornation learning platform, professional development events, and lunch & learn opportunities

You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position

Please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.

This job description is representative of the expectations of the position described. Additional duties, reporting relationships, and/or position criteria may be assigned as deemed necessary by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative. No changes to this job description shall be made without written permission by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative.

The Zoo reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description does not constitute a contract for employment, and does not guarantee employment for any specified period of time. The job description does not in any way alter the at-will employment relationship.

At this time, the Zoo does not sponsor employment or internship visas.