EDUCATION PROGRAM SPECIALIST

JOB SUMMARY: The Education Program Specialist will implement, coordinate and train staff for education programs, including Pre-K Expeditions, Beyond Biofacts, Home School Days, Group Field Trip Tours, Group Field Trip Classroom Programs and private off property events or programs.

POSITION AUTHORITY: The incumbent is authorized to take reasonable action necessary to carry out assigned duties and responsibilities, provided such action is consistent with position guidelines as outlined below.

POSITION GUIDELINES: Position guidelines include, but are not limited to, established company and department policies and procedures and all supervisory directives. The incumbent is expected to exercise sound, reasonable judgment and initiative, and give high priority to accuracy and details in the performance of job responsibilities.

Essential Functions

• Conduct and/or Coordinate Pre-K Expeditions, Beyond Biofacts, Home School Days, Group Field Trip Tours, Group Field Trip Classroom Programs and private off property events or programs
• Maintain supplies in good working order for all education programs at appropriate levels
• Coordinate animal and prop needs for all education programs, private off property, Pre-K Expeditions, and home school programs
• Ensure all paperwork is complete for education program execution including, program forms, BEO’s and obtain item requests
• Develop program frameworks and activities for programs including but not limited to Pre-K Expeditions, Beyond Biofacts, Home School Days, Group Field Trip Tours, Group Field Trip Classroom Programs and private off property events or programs
• Assist the Education Workshop Specialist and Education Camp Specialist in the development of program frameworks and activities for programs including but not limited to Workshops and Camp programs
• Assist the Education Curator with the development and procurement of interactive materials for educational programs
• Assist with annual Educator Open House and any other education department events
• Train Interpretive Naturalists, Volunteers and other Education Staff to conduct or assist in staffing education programs
• Assist Naturalist Supervisor to evaluate performance of Interpretive Naturalists conducting education programs
• Assist Naturalist Supervisor and Volunteer Specialist with scheduling of Interpretive Naturalists and Volunteers for execution of education programs or events
• Monitor education program income and expenses
• Instruct and/or lead all education programs as needed
• Be cleared to work with Ambassador Animals and attend review courses as needed
• Attend scheduled staff meetings and trainings
• Travel to schools, area businesses, conferences and community events as assigned
• Provide positive guest experiences by initiating interactions and answering questions
• Address customer service issues related to education programs
• Staff interpretive stations in the Rainforest Pyramid, Aquarium Pyramid, Discovery Museum and other education programs or tours as assigned
• Any and all other duties as assigned; duties are subject to change as management deems necessary to best serve the needs of Moody Gardens
  
  

Education/ Experience Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent required
• College degree in related field required
• Formal or Informal PreK-12 education experience preferred
  
  

Required Skills

• Must be reliable and responsible
• Strong writing, teaching, interpersonal and organizational skills
• Strong verbal communication and public speaking
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills
• Excellent customer service skills
• Proficiency with computer word processing, spreadsheets and databases
• Ability to retain large quantities of information
• Ability to handle multiple projects with competing deadlines
• Flexibility with scheduling; including weekends & holidays
• Professional appearance
• Ability to work around and with animals
• Valid Texas state driver’s license
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Sufficient endurance to spend long periods of time (50% or more) in a stationary position conducting programs or staffing exhibit areas
• Sufficient mobility to spend long periods of time (50% or more) traversing on tour or conducting programs
• Ability to tolerate multiple climate change exposures throughout work habitat environments which include high humidity, heat, cold and outdoor conditions on a repetitive rotating schedule
• Ability to maneuver up to 50 pounds