Job Details

Preschool Teacher

Do you love working with young children and sharing the wonders of nature? The Santa Barbara Zoo is hiring a Preschool Teacher to deliver engaging, age-appropriate lessons as part of the Early Explorers Preschool program. Join us in fostering curiosity and promoting conservation while ensuring the safety and well-being of our youngest learners!

Position Status: Regular, Full-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:15 am - 5:15 pm

Compensation: $20.20 - $21.20 per hour *You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*

Summary: Under the general direction of the Preschool Director, a Preschool Teacher promotes the Zoo and its mission through implementing the Early Explorers Preschool program. This position supervises groups of students while delivering preschool curriculum in an engaging, age-appropriate manner, ensuring the safety and well-being of their groups.

Essential Duties:

• Coordinates with the Early Explorer Director to ensure effective execution of program curriculum in an engaging, age-appropriate manner, working with children within the 3-5 age range.
• Leads and assists in delivering age-appropriate, experiential learning and engaging activities for children ages 3-5, including but not limited to: nature-based science activities, songs, stories, and movement exercises, hands-on crafts and sensory play, kindergarten readiness activities, outdoor exploration, guided walks, and zoo tours.
• Accurately explains animal and environmental science concepts in a way that is accessible and engaging for young students.
• Improvises pre-approved activities when necessary, to keep students engaged and focused.
• Supervises students and leads activities during extended daycare as required.
• Inventories and maintains curriculum equipment and supplies.
• Responds to health, welfare, and safety issues of students.
• Signs students in and out according to established Security Procedures and responds professionally to parent's or guardian's questions at the direction of the Preschool Director.
• Interacts professionally with parents/guardians, zoo visitors, volunteers, and other zoo staff.
• Maintains cleanliness of common spaces as pertaining to Title 22 regulations.
• Works collaboratively with the Education team to continually improve the Early Explorers Preschool experience.
• Adheres to the Zoo's policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual.
• Adheres to Title 22 laws and regulations in accordance with Preschool Licensing.
• Applies and exemplifies "green" (sustainable) practices whenever possible.
• Responds to emergencies quickly and follows emergency protocols.
• Remains calm and creates an atmosphere of calm and control for those dealing with emergency situations.

Secondary Duties:

• Other duties as assigned to maintain efficient and quality zoo operations.

Guest Relations:

• Greets every guest with a smile.
• Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo.
• Answers phone calls, voice mails, and e-mails promptly.
• Ensures the Zoo's presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash, reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions.
• Associates with guests to assist and share information.
• Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures.
• Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo's uniform dress code.
• Takes responsibility for staying informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending meetings.
• Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement, the Zoo's Core Values, and the Employee Pledge.
• Applies and exemplifies "green" (sustainable) practices whenever possible.
• Other miscellaneous duties as required.

Position Criteria:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Education & Experience:

• Minimum 18 years of age.
• Experience working with children.
• 12 ECE units required These classes must be a part of the 12 ECE units: Child/Human Growth and Development, Child, Family and Community, Program/Curriculum. Please include a copy of your unofficial transcripts. Requires an official transcript upon hiring.

License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Branch of Investigation (FBI), and the Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) background check prior to Training start date.
• Successful completion of First Aid and CPR certification (may be available through employer).
• Completion of Mandated Reporting for Suspected Child Abuse training (may be available through employer).
• Proof of Measles and Pertussis vaccinations, TB Clearance, and Flu vaccine or declination of Flu vaccine statement.
• Experience in informal education, outdoor education, or early childhood environmental education preferred.
• Experience with special needs children is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Basic knowledge of Early Childhood Education principles.
• Ability to organize and implement daily activities.
• Ability to lead activities in an age-appropriate manner.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to think on one's feet.
• Ability to relate sensitively to young children and their parents/guardians.
• Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and our guests.
• Team-oriented mindset and willingness to collaborate with others.
• Ability to exercise safe work habits.
• Awareness of, sensitivity to, and empathy with animals.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

• Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including telephones, printers, two-way radios, and copiers.
• Ability to run, kneel, sit on the ground/floor, squat, and stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to negotiate the zoo work environment including behind-the-scenes, lawns, gravel, hilltop, attic storage, and high storage shelves.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds occasionally, and 10-20 or fewer pounds frequently.
• Ability to exert a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
• Involves working out-of-doors in all weather conditions.
• Supportive and open employment culture.

Tools Used:

• Personal Computer and software (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Standard office equipment; telephone, copier, printer, facsimile machine, and calculator
• Two-way radio
• Bio Facts and various learning-based materials

Benefits & Perks:

• Great team, beautiful grounds, amazing animal collection, sunshine & ocean view almost year-round!
• Free parking, free guest passes, unlimited free tea/coffee every morning, 20% discounts on food services and retail purchases
• Access to the Collabornation learning platform, professional development, and lunch & learn opportunities
• Comprehensive benefits package for FTR staff, voluntary supplemental insurances, zoo membership, paid sick leave, paid vacation time, 403(b) and SEP retirement plans, a paid conservation day, a paid Zoo Day to visit another AZA accredited institution, paid time off to take your pet to the vet, and much more...

*You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position. Please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not