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Job Description

Metro Parks Tacoma (MPT) is a CAPRA-accredited and AZA-accredited, independent park district that leads efforts to build a healthy, sustainable community.  Metro Parks Tacoma is located in Tacoma, Washington. The system is comprised of many different park facilities that offer residents a variety of recreational opportunities. From waterfront access to local neighborhood parks to large regional facilities and attractions, the MPT system is both a local community asset and regional destination.
 
OUR CORE VALUES
These eight core values will guide future decisions, business and operations, and the manner in which MPT treats staff, customers and the community:
•Innovation    

•Excellence    

•Equity    

•Inclusiveness    

•Sustainability  

•Accountability

•Safety  

•Fun

POSITION INFORMATION   
Under the direction of the Deputy Director, the Education Curator provides oversight of all aspects of the education program; positively influences people’s knowledge, attitudes, emotions and behaviors about wildlife and wild places through engagement and involvement;  growing successful programs already in place and creating new programs to expand our mission; oversees that park wide volunteer program; provides oversight of the Park’s conservation initiatives, both internally and externally; assists the Deputy Director and other departmental managers in planning, organizing and coordinating all programs, functions and activities.  

The primary responsibility of the Education Curator is to contribute to our success by developing and implementing progressive education programs, coordinating education oriented special events and activities and providing exceptional guest services.  
 
In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to conform to the following:

• 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.

Essential Duties

• Maintain working knowledge of AZA Accreditation standards and AZA Education Programs.
• Coordinate the daily tram operations; provide oversight of tram, tour station operations and interpretive programs; work with Facilities Manager to assure the safe operation and maintenance of the tram fleet; train staff; update and assure accuracy of the information block system.
• Develop effective education goals; programs and special events; manage projects; develop printed and other materials. 
• Develop, deliver and train staff on virtual education programs.  Cultivate effective relationships with local school district representatives to develop and market virtual education programs.
• Implement and maintain an annual evaluation of all programs to determine effectiveness and accuracy of the messaging and assuring efficient use of resources.
• Assist in developing and implementing the organization’s conservation strategy
• Provide oversight of conservation efforts both internally as well as externally, including collaborative efforts with other MPT departments. Collaborate and participate in conservation engagement efforts associated with our audience. 
• Seek funding sources and revenue opportunities to support conservation initiatives.  Interview, hire, train, provide work direction, and evaluate assigned personnel and volunteers.
• Broaden our role in conservation by working closely with the zoological department on age-specific strategies for educating our visitors.
• Establish through consensus building, departmental direction and support for education initiatives; advocate for our interests in environmental education and conservation at the local, regional, and national levels.  
• Coordinate with Fund Development Manager the research and submission of grants for education programs; manage grant funded programs for the department; communicate with the non-profit support organization on education department program needs.
• Participate on design team(s) for temporary and/or new exhibits.
• Determine annual staffing needs; align functional work areas and assign responsibilities. Implement training programs as necessary for maintaining or improving professional and technical qualifications of staff. 
• Oversee the park’s volunteer program and supervise staff associated with the administration of the program. 
• Develop and maintain graphic and signage standards; arrange for and oversee installation of graphics.
• Attend a variety of staff and administrative meeting and represent Northwest Trek on Metro Parks committees; prepare and deliver oral presentations. 
• Prepare and administer operating budget for assigned area of responsibility.
• Function as the Incident Commander (emergency response coordinator) on assigned days.
• Supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned staff to include interns and volunteers, through the effective utilization of the Employee Performance Evaluation Program; assist or participate in the selection, training, development, counseling, disciplining and scheduling of assigned staff; conduct department staff meetings; perform on-site observations of performance.
• Support implementation of divisional responsibilities within the departmental Strategic Planning directives and initiatives; establish divisional benchmarks and performance measurement objectives in accordance with the adopted comprehensive Strategic Plan for the District. 
• Maintain professional knowledge through such means as attending conferences, reviewing professional publications and participating in professional organizations. 
• Serve as a media spokesperson as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least five years of f increasingly responsible experience in the education department of a zoological park or other informal science learning center, including three years’ experience in a lead or supervisory capacity required.
• Bachelor’s degree in the Life Sciences, Education or related field required. An additional 5 years of related experience to substitute for the Bachelors degree.

 
LICENSE & OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid Washington driver’s license
• Obtain a valid First Aid and CPR Card within the probationary period
• Must be willing and able to work a flexible schedule to include evenings, holidays and/or weekends as needed

Additional Information

ENVIRONMENT:

• Standard office work environment
• Constant interruptions
• Indoor and outdoor environment
• Adverse weather conditions

 
PHYSICAL ABILITIES:

• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a keyboard
• Reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally
• Standing for extended periods of time
• Walking
• Climbing stairs
• Kneeling or crouching
• Hearing and speaking to exchange information
• Seeing to read and prepare records and reports
• Moderate lifting up to 40 pounds

 
HAZARDS:

• Contact with dissatisfied or abusive individuals
• Contact with dangerous animals

METRO PARKS TACOMA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation, disability or any other merit factor. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veterans, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.
 
MPT employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
 
MPT is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource (253) 305-1089 or angelas@tacomaparks.com.
 
Employment is subject to a national background check.
 
This position is an at-will position with no written or implied contractual agreement.