Job Description

Assistant Preschool Teacher

Do you love working with young children and sharing the wonders of nature? The Santa Barbara Zoo is hiring an Assistant 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: Part-Time, Regular, Hourly, Non-Exempt

Schedule: Monday - Friday, up to 25 hours per week, exact work hours are to be determined.

Compensation: $21.00 - $23.00 per hour

Under the general direction of the Preschool Director, the Assistant Preschool Teacher promotes the Zoo and its mission through implementation of the Early Explorers Preschool program ensuring a safe, engaging, and developmentally age-appropriate learning environment based on the preschool curriculum. This position is responsible for supervising groups of young learners, facilitating hands-on curriculum, and fostering a deep connection between children and nature through outdoor exploration.

Essential Duties:

• Collaborates with the Early Explorer Director (EED) and Lead Teachers to execute curriculum that aligns with early childhood best practices and the outdoor preschool philosophy
• 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.
• Assists the Preschool Teachers in daily schedule, curriculum, and activities
• Assists in the setup, cleanup, and maintenance of learning spaces, ensuring they remain safe, clean, and organized
• Improvises pre-approved activities, when necessary, to keep students engaged and focused
• Supervises students and leads activities during extended day care as required
• Inventories and maintains curriculum equipment and supplies
• Monitors children's well-being and responds promptly to any health, safety, or behavioral concerns following established protocols
• Signs students in and out according to established Security and Licensing 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
• Applies and exemplifies "green" (sustainable) practices whenever possible
• Models a sense of curiosity, kindness, and respect for nature, animals, and peers
• Responds to emergencies quickly and follows emergency protocols
• Remains calm and creates an atmosphere of calm and control for those dealing with the emergency situations

Secondary Duties:

• Other duties as assigned to maintain efficient and quality preschool and zoo operations
• Participates in professional development opportunities related to early childhood education, nature-based learning, and child development

Guest Relations:

• Greets every guest with a smile
• Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo
• 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
• Adheres to the zoo's uniform and appearance standards
• Takes responsibility to stay informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending meetings
• Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement and the Employee Pledge
• Other duties as required

Position Criteria:

• Minimum 18 years of age
• Experience working with children
• 6 ECE units required (12 ECE units preferred)
• These classes must be a part of the 6 ECE units:
• Child/Human Growth and Development
• Child, Family and Community
• Program/Curriculum
• Please include a copy of your unofficial transcripts
• Official transcripts required upon hire

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)
• Experience in informal education, outdoor education, or early childhood environmental education preferred
• Experience working with children with special needs is a plus

Knowledge, Skills and Ability:

• 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
• Must be able to perform hands-on activities, 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, including tables and chairs
• Involves working out-of-doors in all weather conditions
• Supportive and open employment culture
• Other: TB Test Clearance

Tools Used:

• Personal Computer and software (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Standard office equipment; telephone, copier, printer, facsimile machine, and calculator
• Two-way radio
• Tablets with attendance and curriculum software
• 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 events, and lunch & learn opportunities

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