Lead Humane Education Instructor

Being cross-trained in Humane Education and Animal Husbandry, the Lead Education Instructor will support the Rescue Ranch Education Programs by ensuring that all Rescue Ranch Ambassador Animals are properly cared for. They will also support the Humane Education Program with lesson planning, volunteer and Jr. Counselor training, and schedule coordination. The Lead Education Instructor will also be responsible for providing animal education to students and adults that attend Rescue Ranch’s programs.

It is expected that all Rescue Ranch employees:

• Facilitate open communication with employees, clients, and community partners.

• Attend and participate in team meetings, work groups, committees, workshops, individual training, and training conferences and webinars when assigned. 

• Understand and support Rescue Ranch’s Mission and Vision.

• Represent Rescue Ranch standards of professionalism.

• Obtain a working knowledge of and comply with all company policies and procedures, including but not limited to, the Employee Handbook, Personnel Policies and Procedures and Standard Operating Procedures, service plans and any other related policy and procedures.

• Report to work at scheduled times and maintain acceptable attendance records as outlined in the Employee Handbook.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Present educational programs about the care and survival of our RR Animal Ambassadors to children and adults.

• Under general supervision, create new programs and enhance current programs.

• Assist with training new instructors and volunteers to help visitors interact with RR Animal Ambassadors.

• Keep current in knowledge about domestic and wild animals, the natural environment, and other related topics in humane education.

• Assist with program supplies, including inventory, ordering and organizing for programs. 

• Perform various office tasks as needed, such as answering phones, taking payments, booking programs, typing up schedules, and copying and folding flyers.

• Coordinate Junior Counselor Program, including recruitment, training and assignment scheduling.

• Participate in Rescue Ranch activities and support events as required.

• Able to take the daily lead on Rescue Ranch programs, as it pertains to program presentation and classroom management, including but not limited to Field Trips, Birthday parties, Summer and Spring Critter Camps.

• Assist in the general cleaning of the main building including trash removal, sweeping, mopping and supply restocking. May require working some holidays, nights, and weekends.

  Provide tours to Ranch visitors.

• Maintain compliance with Rescue Ranch policies, procedures, and safety standards.

  Qualifications:

• Education and/or Experience:

  • High School diploma required. 

  • Relevant higher education such as Continuing Education, Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Zoology Science or related field preferred but not required. 

  • 2-3 years experience working with children. 

  • Experience working with a variety of animals is preferred but not required.

    
    

  Certificates & License's 

  • CPR and First Aid Certification or willing to obtain within first six months

  • Must possess a valid drivers license.

  Other Skills and Qualifications:

  • Experience presenting educational programs to preschool and school age children.

  • Experience working with and handling small mammals, birds, reptiles, farm animals, and other animals.

  • Knowledge of animal types, species, and breed identification.

  • Must be willing to work in varying temperatures and weather conditions.

  • Ability to take charge and react calmly and quickly in stressful situations involving people and animals.

  • Must be organized, motivated, reliable, able to multitask and work well with general supervision.

  • Ability to use positive techniques for handling disruptive people of any age.

  • Must have technology skills including MS Word, Excel, Power Point, social media, and internet navigation.

  • Employee must demonstrate ability to work effectively with others (including co-workers, volunteers, and guests) by sharing ideas in a constructive and positive manner; listening to and objectively considering ideas and suggestions from others; keeping others informed of work progress, timetables and issues; and addressing problems and issues constructively to find mutually acceptable and practical business solutions.

  • Perform other duties as assigned and reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.

    Employment May be Conditional upon the Results of the Following: 

    • Pre-employment drug screen

    • Background check

    Physical Demands:  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

    • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, or listen, as well as stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. 

    • Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

    Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Indoor/Outdoor environment 

• Occasional exposure to wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, and outside weather conditions 

• Noise levels within the work environment are usually moderate