Youth Engagement Assistant Coordinator, Queens Zoo

Job DescriptionAbout Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)WCS stands for wildlife and wild places. As the world’s premier wildlife conservation organization, WCS has a long track record of achieving innovative, impactful results at scale. We run field programs spanning 60 countries and the entire ocean. We build on a unique foundation: Our reach is global; we discover through best-in-class science; we protect through work on the ground with local and indigenous people; we inspire through our world-class zoos, aquarium, and education programs; and we leverage our resources through partnerships and powerful policy influence. Our more than 4,000 diverse, passionately committed team members in New York City and around the world work collectively to achieve our conservation mission.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 volunteer and 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 and an online audience. You will build a more diverse, inclusive 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. Your regular schedule will be Wednesday- Sunday; this schedule could vary slightly depending on the time of year.Under the direction of the Coordinator of Volunteers and Visitor Engagement you will:• Recruit, select, and train youth ages 14 – 24 for the zoo’s volunteer Discovery Guide program, and interns for new Youth Environmental Advocate program.• Support in the design, creation, development, and execution of an interactive and engaging educational experience for youth interns & volunteers as well as for in-park visitors.• Play a key role in the day-to-day oversight and support of youth including leading meetings, providing supervision, giving feedback, and ensuring key deadlines are met.• Serve as the main facilitator and supervisor for the Discovery Guide volunteer and Discovery Guide Leader Internship, which includes more than 150 youth annually.• Serve as the main facilitator and supervisor for the Youth Environmental Advocates, an advocacy-focused internship program based out of the Queens Zoo.• Create and maintain weekly schedules and track requirements and metrics such as training status, attendance, and performance.• Create a warm, welcoming, and fun environment for youth.• Support the building of partnerships with local schools and community-based organizations (CBOs) in Queens.• Play a key role in training, overseeing, and supporting youth who are serving as ambassadors for WCS at local or national stakeholder meetings.• Work with the Youth Development team to plan and facilitate the WCS Youth JIVE (Job, Internship, & Volunteering Expo) and other recruitment and hiring events.• Create and deliver ongoing trainings and workshops for youth volunteers, interns and Youth Environmental Advocates.• Serve as a mentor and respected advisor to youth.• Support the Education Department and Adult Volunteer program as needed.Qualification RequirementsMinimum Qualifications:• High School diploma or GED.• One-year experience working with, or mentoring youth, ages 14-24.• Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to facilitate trainings for 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.• 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 Bronx Zoo and other WCS parks.WCS is an equal opportunity employer, and the organization complies with all employment and labor laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in hiring and ensures that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the recruitment process. We are dedicated to hiring and engaging a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value. The organization provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. The organization does not discriminate for employment based on gender, race/ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, caste, genetic information or any other covered status or characteristic protected by laws and regulations/and similar categories.It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that we do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based upon a person’s membership in one of these protected categories in areas such as recruitment, selection, job assignment, supervision, training, promotions, job grading, transfers, termination, compensation, benefits, educational opportunities, WCS sponsored recreational activities and facilities.The organization complies with the spirit and intent of relevant local laws and WCS’s employment policies.Note that the salary offer will reflect the selected candidate’s individual experiences, skills and qualifications, internal equity, work location and country of work.EOE/AA/M/F/Vets/DisabledSalary Range$23.00