Job Type: Temporary
Salary Details: $18.35- $20.24 Hourly
Deadline: May 20, 2023
Position Length: June 16 – September 1

Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium seeks to hire a full-time seasonal Youth Volunteer Assistant to join the Conservation Engagement team.  The Youth Volunteer Assistant will collaborate with the Youth Volunteer Coordinator to schedule, co-supervise, and further develop programing for youth volunteers (ages 14-18).

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 Youth Volunteer Coordinator of Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, assist in the development and delivery of youth volunteer programs. 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.

Essential Duties

  • Schedule and co-supervise 75 -100 youth in settings such as meetings, trainings, active volunteering, shuttles, and off-site educational experiences.
  • Assist in program development, training and evaluation of youth ranging in age from 14 years to 18 years. 
  • Collaborate with the Volunteer Engagement Specialist for maintenance of volunteer and education databases, and basic administrative and clerical duties.  
  • Additional duties include creating and implementing interpretive presentations and informal interactions for the general public, special event coordination and other duties as assigned. 
  • Other duties as assigned may include but will not be limited to, facilitating restorative justice practices, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of youth, setting and holding boundaries with participants, facilitating opportunities for professional and community growth, and supporting individual participants differentiated needs.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Minimum of two years increasingly responsible experience managing and/or coordinating teenage youth.
  • Excellent communication and public speaking skills.
  • Must be flexible, detailed oriented, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
  • Demonstrated commitment and applied use of Justice, Equity, Diversity, Accessibility, and Inclusion best practices.
  • Must be able to work weekends and holidays as required.
  • Must be proficient in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Publisher)
  • Must have the desire to work with large groups of zoo visitors in a conservation education facility.
  • Must be customer service oriented with a positive, cheerful, and professional attitude.

LICENSE & OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

  • Valid Washington State driver’s license.

DESIRED BUT NOT REQUIRED:

  • BA/BS in education, environmental sciences, environmental studies, resource interpretation, natural resources, outdoor or environmental education, biology, zoology, multi-disciplinary studies, or a related field, or comparable experience. 
  • Informal education experience at a zoo, aquarium, nature center, science center, museum, or outdoor school.
  • Environmental Education Certification and/or be a Certified Interpretive Guide.
  • Ability to move between large systems-thinking to detail-oriented tasks and issues.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  • Operate a computer and other office equipment and a motor vehicle.
  • Remain in a stationary position for extended periods of the time. 
  • Move across steep and uneven surfaces for periods of 15 minutes or more.
  • Exchange accurate information with guests and in training youth.
  • Work in all weather conditions.

ENVIRONMENT: Indoor and outdoor environment in a variety of weather conditions. Extensive contact with the public.

HAZARDS: Contact with dissatisfied or abusive individuals.

HOW TO APPLY
Apply HERE