About this role
Youth Engagement Assistant Coordinator
Job Description: Job Title: Youth Engagement Assistant Coordinator Reports To: Coordinator of Volunteers and Visitor Engagement Location: Queens Zoo Job Type: Part-Time Department: Education Schedule: Wednesday - Sunday August - October: approx 35 hours per week (Sunday- Thursday) Nov-March: approx 24 hours per week - some flexibility in terms of scheduling but candidate must be available on Thursdays until 7:30 PM April- July: approx 35 hours per week (Wednesday - Sunday) *Thursdays until 7:30 PM through early June Pay Rate: $23 per hour
Who We Are WCS saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature. To achieve this, we harness the power of our Global Conservation Program in nearly 60 nations, in all the world’s oceans, and our five wildlife parks in New York City - Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and New York Aquarium - visited by 4 million people annually. We combine our expertise in the field, zoos, and aquarium to achieve our conservation mission.
WCS Education is a pioneer in zoo-based learning, inspiring over 1.5 million people each year across New York City. Since 1929, we have been at the forefront of science education, fostering the next generation of conservation advocates by creating meaningful connections to wildlife and nature. We provide innovative, high-quality learning experiences that empower individuals to care for and protect the natural world.
The Opportunity You will work for the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) as a valued team member of the Education Division. You will recruit, train, and oversee youth ages 14-24, serving in our volunteer Discovery Guide program and Discovery Guide Leader Intern positions at the Queens Zoo. You will also recruit, train, and oversee high school students, serving in our Youth Environmental Advocate Intern positions at the Queens Zoo. You will develop these youth by helping them to learn and acquire job skills, to explore career opportunities, and to share the mission of the Wildlife Conservation Society with zoo visitors. You will build a community of youth who value wildlife and wild places, are scientifically literate, and are mobilized for conservation change. You will gain valuable management and coordination experience in the field of informal science education, interpretation, and youth development. You are adaptable, organized, and enjoy working and mentoring youth. You are able to tactfully and effectively handle a wide variety of situations including, but not limited to, program coordination, implementation, deadlines and customer service challenges. You are a confident problem-solver who thrives working in both a team environment and independently. You are outgoing, and are willing to interpret science concepts in both a classroom setting, as well as with the public at zoo exhibits.
Under the direction of the Coordinator of Volunteers and Visitor Engagement you will: ● Recruit, select, and train primarily high school aged youth for the zoo’s volunteer Discovery Guide program, Discovery Guide Leader internship and Youth Environmental Advocate internship. ● Play a key role in the day-to-day oversight and support of youth including leading meetings, providing supervision, and giving feedback for up to 150 youth annually. ● Support in the design, creation, development, and execution of an interactive and engaging educational experience for youth including creating and delivering ongoing training and workshops for youth volunteers and interns. ● Create and maintain weekly schedules and track requirements and metrics such as training status, attendance, and performance. ● Create a warm, welcoming, and fun environment as well as serve as a mentor and respected advisor to youth. ● Participate in our community of practice with fellow Youth Engagement Assistant Coordinators, Youth Development, and Live interpretation teams to share best practices and network across all 5 parks (supporting more than 500 youth). ● Support the Youth Development & Queens Zoo teams at recruitment and outreach events, including the WCS Youth JIVE Expo and more. #LI-DNI
Qualification Requirements: Minimum Qualifications ● Currently in pursuit of a bachelor's degree or equivalent in Education, Youth Development, Animal Science, Environmental Science, Biology, or similar. ● One-year experience working with, or mentoring youth, ages 14-24. ● Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to facilitate training for large groups of youth. ● Ability to work within a highly team-oriented environment. ● Reliable, flexible and accountable. ● Weekend availability is required. Preferred Qualifications ● Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Education, Youth Development, Animal Science, Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, etc. ● Demonstrated experience working with, coaching, or mentoring youth, ages 14-24. ● Bilingual in English and Spanish. Workplace Conditions and Environment ● We value team members and community partners from all backgrounds and cultures with different skills, abilities, and perspectives. ● We ensure that everyone has an opportunity to fully contribute to our mission. ● Ability to lift up to 20 lbs. and to perform light physical activity. ● Ability to work outside during various weather conditions. ● This position requires a Wednesday-Sunday schedule for most of the year; candidates must be available to work both Saturdays and Sundays. Benefits and Perks ● We value creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and building a culture where everyone is welcomed and can flourish. ● As part time staff, you will receive access to all WCS parks (Bronx Zoo, New York Aquarium, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and Prospect Park Zoo).