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Job Description / Duties

Working Title: Zoo Camp Supervisor
Job Class: Interpret Naturalist Supv 1
Agency: Minnesota Zoological Garden

Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted: 09/21/2023
Closing Date:10/04/2023
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Zoological Garden / Zoological Gardens-MMA
Division/Unit: Education / General Education
Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / Hours vary
Days of Work: Monday - Friday
Travel Required: No
Salary Range: $24.34 - $35.34 / hourly; $50,821 - $73,789 / annually
Classified Status: Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union: 216 - Middle Management Association/MMA
FLSA Status: Nonexempt
Telework Eligible: No
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.
The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

Job Summary
This position will provide supervision for the Minnesota Zoo Camp program including developing, coordinating, evaluating, and delivering conservation and nature programming that serve a wide variety of stakeholders including but not limited to youth, families, and adults. It supports the Minnesota Zoo’s mission by creating programs that engage audiences and foster a lifelong commitment to the environment and conservation.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Coordinate the day-to-day operation of Summer Zoo Camp according to agreed-upon protocols and best practices to meet the Zoo’s education outcomes and to ensure that summer camp is relevant and accessible to diverse audiences.

Develop the curriculum, resources, and materials for Zoo Camp that are relevant, engaging and accessible to diverse audiences, and that reflect best practices and meet Zoo standards and educational goals

Coordinate programming logistical tasks so that deadlines are met, space, materials and staff are available when needed, and programs run smoothly.

Lead, supervise, and direct camp personnel so that staff are skilled and available as needed; programs are staffed correctly to meet objectives, deadlines and stay within budget; collective bargaining agreements, policies and procedures and all employment laws and regulations are implemented and enforced; and all employees and applicants receive equitable treatment.

Assist coworkers with developing and delivering additional year-round educational programming as directed so that educational goals, deadlines, and revenue is met.

Perform other duties as assigned to ensure the smooth functioning of the department and maintain the reputation of the organization as a viable business partner.

Qualifications / Required Skills

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology, Ecology, Wildlife Management, Natural Interpretation, Education, or closely related field
3 years of experience developing and/or implementing environmental/nature, socio-cultural, historical, or closely related programs at a zoo, nature center, or aquarium
Knowledge of conservation, wildlife biology, and sustainability issues
Demonstrated knowledge of and proven experience in environmental, experiential and/or outdoor learning theory and methodology
Demonstrated commitment to diversity and affirmative action principles
Demonstrated commitment to and experience working with culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse communities and/or organizations sufficient to maintain a work environment that respects and values differences and diversity
Demonstrated ability to clearly communicate with a variety of stakeholders
Effective teaching and presentation skills, practices, and processes
Excellent verbal and written communication and documentation skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and other Windows applications and video editing programs
Ability to accommodate a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as well as being able to perform in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment
Ability to work with the public and resolve conflict
Ability to provide work direction and supervision to staff and volunteers
Preferred Qualifications
Significant experience developing and implementing Zoo Camps
Significant experience working with diverse populations
Experience with ambassador animal handling and/or training, including public engagement experiences and attention to animal welfare best practices
Experience supervising employees and volunteers in an environmental, experiential and/or outdoor learning setting
Fluent in a language in addition to English such as Spanish, Hmong, ASL, etc.
Knowledge of the Minnesota Zoo operational services, philosophy, objectives and guidelines
Physical Requirements
Ability to stand for long periods of time and walk long distances on uneven terrain
Ability to carry and use two-way portable radios to communicate with all zoo staff
Flexible availability including weekdays, weekends, evenings, and overnights
Additional Requirements
This position requires successful completion of the following:

Employment Verification Check
Criminal Background Check including fingerprinting
Driver's License Check

Additional Information

Application Details
How to Apply
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

If you have questions about the position, contact Michele Lamm at michele.lamm@state.mn.us or 952-431-9482.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Michele Lamm at michele.lamm@state.mn.us.

About Minnesota Zoological Garden
Created by the State of Minnesota, the Minnesota Zoo opened in 1978 with a mission to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. Cutting-edge exhibits provide exciting experiences with animals and their habitats introducing guests to species from around the globe. Education programs engage audiences at the Zoo, throughout the region, and around world. Conservation programs protect endangered species and preserve critical ecosystems.

Why Work for Us
Diverse Workforce
We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule
Comprehensive Benefits
Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

Public pension plan
Training and professional development
Paid vacation and sick leave
11 paid holidays each year
Paid parental leave
Low-cost medical and dental coverage
Prescription drug coverage
Vision coverage
Wellness programs and resources
Employer paid life insurance
Short-term and long-term disability
Health care spending and savings accounts
Dependent care spending account
Tax-deferred compensation
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Tuition reimbursement
Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program
Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and indicate what assistance is needed.

Salary: Salary Range: $24.34 - $35.34 / hourly; $50,821 - $73,789 / annually

Contact Information

If you have questions about the position, contact Michele Lamm at michele.lamm@state.mn.us or 952-431-9482.

Employer Profile

Minnesota Zoological Gardens

The Zoo encompasses a 485 acre campus and is home to more than 5,300 animals with about 1.29 million guests visiting annually. The Zoo is a coordinator of international conservation and breeding programs and is the State’s largest environmental educator with over 400,000 participants annually. The Zoo’s conservation programs protect endangered species and preserve critical ecosystems and its education programs engage audiences at the Zoo, throughout our region, and around the world