Childbirth Educator jobs in South Dakota

This position is on-site at The Great Plains Zoo located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Come join us this summer at the Great Plains Zoo as a Seasonal Educator! This position assists in forwarding the Zoo's mission by engaging kids and teens in our two summer Educational programs. You will be responsible for general day-to-day coordination and execution of ZooCamp in addition to the general day-to-day supervision of approximately 50 or more teenage participants of the Junior Zookeeper (JZK) Program.

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Leading age-appropriate educational activities and lessons for the summer ZooCamp program which runs from late May through August.
• Providing day-to-day care, cleaning and diets for the Hy-Vee Face-to-Face Farm animals and their exhibits by supervising and working alongside JZK participants, in a manner that meets the standards held by the Animal Care staff.
• Handling ambassador animals safely and correctly for ZooCamp presentations and coaching JZKs in handling and presenting ambassador animals for daily Creature Feature presentations.
• Engaging with our guests and coaching Jr Zookeepers to do the same through a variety of interpretive opportunities.
• Maintaining appropriate supervision and safety for all program participants.
• Ensuring each program participant and Zoo guest receives outstanding service by having excellent animal and exhibit knowledge.
• Answering guest questions and providing directions; ensuring Zoo guests receive assistance and accurate information as needed.
• Communicating with others immediately when responding to an incident or an emergency.

Qualifications include, but are not limited to:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Previous experience working with children or teens is preferred.
• Previous experience caring for or handling animals is preferred.
• Must be willing and able to interact with guests of all ages and abilities.
• Must be able to work well alone as well as part of a team.
• Maturity, sound judgement and good decision-making skills.
• Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions, be able to lift 50 lbs, and be able to stand for long periods of time.
• Must successfully pass a criminal background check.
• Must have current negative TB test and provide proof of COVID vaccination.

The Great Plains Zoo is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Great Plains Zoo cares for animals from around the world and offers up-close views of animals often not found in larger zoos, including giraffes, tigers, black rhinos and a national award-winning Snow Monkey exhibit.

• On September 27, 2022 the Governing Boards of the Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum of Natural History and the Butterfly House & Aquarium voted to merge the two organizations. The Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium was created Jan. 1, 2023. The organization will operate on dual campuses: Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum of Natural History (805 S. Kiwanis Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57104) and Butterfly House & Aquarium (4320 S Oxbow Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57106) until such time as construction can be completed for one campus at 805 S. Kiwanis Ave., Sioux Falls. Our organization is growing - come and join our collaborative team atmosphere and be a part of something great!