Play Program Facilitator, Conservation, Education and Training
Requisition ID# 765CC

This position contributes to the success of the Chicago Zoological Society by providing innovative nature play programs for children and families. Under the guidance of Play Program Supervisors, responsible for development of and facilitation of play programs, settings, and experiences in the Hamill Family Play Zoo, as well as in other Chicago Zoological Society events and programs.

Responsibilities:
Under the guidance of Play Program Supervisors: Facilitates play with children, aged birth-10, including holding live animals, in both indoor and outdoor settings, as assigned. Responsible for the daily care of equipment, property, play program materials, and play settings, including but not limited to: daily set-up, clean-up, inventory, and proper use of all equipment and property. Creates, develops, and implements play programs and developmentally appropriate learning experiences for children, aged birth-10, and their families at Hamill Family Play Zoo. Creates, develops, and implements developmentally appropriate learning experiences and programs, with an emphasis on nature play for children aged birth-10 and their families for the Education Department Subscription Programs, Chicago Zoological Society Special Events, and other programs as requested by the Senior Manager of Learning Experiences. Incorporates knowledge of Chicago Zoological Society, its mission and zoo-wide operations into daily job responsibilities. Becomes familiar with and follows Society policies and procedures. Provides guidance to adult and youth volunteers as directed. Attends meetings and training sessions as assigned. Other related duties as assigned.

Requirements:
High school diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts, Science, Fine Arts, Drama, Early Childhood Education, Environmental Education, or related field is preferred. Basic computer literacy required. Computer proficiency with Windows, Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel preferred. Minimum two years experience in any of the following areas are required: facilitation of play, art, drama, music, or other creative activities; working with and/or supervising adult and youth volunteers; and/or early childhood education or other educational and/or recreational experience with children aged birth-10. Must be able to work with and handle live animals including small mammals, herps, birds, and invertebrates. Experience in a zoo, aquarium, museum, nature center, art studio environment, or early childhood classroom required. A genuine interest in nature, animals, and children. Must be able to accommodate a flexible schedule with rotating days, including regular weekends, holidays and evening work as needed. Must be able to work in outdoor and indoor work settings in a variety of weather conditions. Willingness to learn play facilitation skills. Excellent customer service skills and/or demonstrated ability to work with the public effectively in both high and low visitor attendance conditions. Strong ability to communicate effectively with children of diverse background aged birth-10 and their caregivers. Must be able to read, write and speak the English language proficiently. Creative skills/abilities such as musician, actor, dancer, artist, gardener, farmer, naturalist, craftsman, costumer designer/seamstress or other skills relevant to the exhibit experience are a plus. Must represent the Society in a courteous, professional manner at all times. Valid driver’s license required. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois license within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state license required for out-of-state residents. Spanish fluency a plus, but not required.