Job Description

Level Management Job Location Galveston, TX 77554 Position Type Full Time Education Level 2 Year Degree Salary Range $50,000.00 - $60,000.00 Salary/year Travel Percentage None Job Shift Any Job Category Education

The Education Curator will continue to develop, implement, and administer an innovative education program in cooperation with the academic community and is responsible for the supervision and administration of education programs for Moody Gardens, including on-site guided tours, educator training and special programs.

The Education Curator will continue to develop, implement and administer a comprehensive volunteer program offering opportunities for adults, youth, intern and those with special needs.

POSITION AUTHORITY:

The incumbent is authorized to take reasonable action necessary to carry out assigned duties and responsibilities, provided such action is consistent with position guidelines as outlined below or through reasonable assent present within this position.

POSITION GUIDELINES:

Position guidelines include, but are not limited to, established company and department policies and procedures and all supervisory directives.

The incumbent is expected to

• exercise sound, reasonable judgment and initiative in the performance of job responsibilities
• adhere to and enforce Moody Gardens policies and procedures, documenting incidents and taking disciplinary actions as needed
• create and maintain a productive work environment by providing training and staff development, establishing and maintaining good communication with the team, manage conflict resolution, encourage team building and collaboration

Qualifications

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Supervise the development and implementation of educational programs to be offered throughout Moody Gardens; including but not limited to the Aquarium Pyramid, the Rainforest Pyramid and the Discovery Museum.
• Manage the development and implementation of volunteer programs to be offered throughout Moody Gardens, including but not limited to programs for adult volunteers, youth volunteers and interns.
• Support and assist with the organizing and implementation of Hope Therapy events.
• Establish department goals and objectives for Education and Volunteer programs.

• Develop and supervise program development for schools and other visitors following necessary guidelines. Stay current with knowledge of the guidelines presented by the Texas State Board of Education, Boy Scouts of America and others
• Provide staff development and training programs and opportunities
• Assist with the development of interpretive graphics and interactive displays for new and traveling exhibits
• Evaluate the effectiveness of programs offered through the department
• Identify and develop partnerships with other organizations, government entities and individuals to advance Moody Gardens’ mission
• Create, administer, and maintain a department budget within the established guidelines
• Review and approve, under budgetary guidelines, Education and Volunteer purchases and capital expenditures
• Review and approve payroll for all department staff in accordance to pay schedules
• Respond to guest requests and concerns as needed in a professional and timely manner
• Support continued AZA accreditation of the institution through relevant programs and initiatives
• Attend scheduled meetings, travel to schools, area businesses, conferences, and community events as assigned and necessary
• Be cleared to work with Ambassador Animals and attend review courses as needed
• Provide positive guest experiences by initiating interactions and answering questions
• Fill in and assist with regular duties for vacant specialist or supervisor positions within the department as needed
• Lead or assist programs offered through the department as needed
• Staff interpretive stations in the Rainforest Pyramid, Aquarium Pyramid, Discovery Museum and other education programs or tours as needed
• Any and all other duties as assigned; duties are subject to change as management deems necessary to best serve the needs of Moody Gardens

EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• BA or BS degree in Biology (or other life science), Education or Environmental Education; advanced degree preferred
• Seven years or greater professional experience in informal/formal science, nature or environmental education in a zoo, aquarium, museum or related facility
• Five years or greater supervisory experience, including a proven track record for effective employee relations, budget management, program development and evaluation; grant writing experience preferred

REQUIRED SKILLS:

Position requires frequent contact with Moody Gardens’ staff from executive management to front-line employees. Contact with local, regional, and state education leaders, including university staff.

• Must be accurate, timely and discrete
• Excellent presentation and organizational skills
• Ability to delegate responsibilities as appropriate
• Able to work well under pressure, delegate as needed, and be flexible, resourceful, well-organized and cooperative
• Must be comfortable performing multi-faceted projects in conjunction with day-to-day activities
• Should display a participative management style and be a strong advocate of the team concept
• Should be able to establish professional credibility and be decisive

• Should recognize and support the organization’s preferences and priorities, and be able to balance business priorities

• Strong written, verbal and public speaking communication skills
• Excellent customer service skills
• Proficiency with computer word processing, spreadsheets and databases
• Ability to handle multiple projects with competing deadlines
• Flexibility with scheduling; including Holidays and weekends
• Professional appearance
• Ability to work around and with animals
• Valid Texas state driver’s license

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Sufficient endurance to spend long periods of time (25% or more) in a stationary position conducting programs or staffing exhibit areas
• Sufficient mobility to spend long periods of time (25% or more) traversing on tour or conducting programs
• Ability to tolerate multiple climate change exposures throughout work habitat environments which include high humidity, heat, cold and outdoor conditions on a repetitive rotating schedule
• Ability to maneuver up to 50 pounds