Year-Round Employment Opportunities

Rate of Pay: $20/hr

Position Description: This position supports the marketing department with the creation and editing the zoo’s member magazine, posters, flyers, invitations, booklets, brochures, large-scale displays, signage, print and online advertising, email marketing and web/digital media support. Must be able to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment and work collaboratively as part of a team. This a 40-hour per week, temporary hourly position.

Essential Job Duties:

• Create attractive and compelling visual communication design collateral for both print and digital media as assigned by the marketing director
• Assist with digital media content coordination and implementation as required

Skills Required:

• Proficiency in Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop and Premier Pro
• 3 + years of recent experience in graphic design and visual communication for both print and social media
• Strong communication skills
• Strong color, design, and layout skills
• Full understanding of basic printing specifications
• Ability to successfully juggle simultaneous projects

Desired Training and Experience:

• Proficiency and experience designing for: email, online/digital display ads, websites, social media spaces
• Bachelor's degree in graphic design or communication graphics or equivalent experience, minimum 5 years on-the-job experience
• Must possess a valid NYS driver’s license and maintain automobile insurance.

To Apply: Please submit cover letter and resume via email to [email protected].

Rate of Pay: $20.67/hr

Job Description:  Responsible for all aspects of onsite programs including curriculum development, budget oversight, registration, promotion, implementation, and evaluation. Also assists Education Program and Conservation manager by functioning as front-line contact for Zoo Camp. This includes camp staff hiring and training, registration, program development, implementation, budget compliance, promotion, evaluation and ensuring compliance/licensing with Onondaga County Health Department. Programs currently include summer camp, one day camps, school break camps, Kids’ Night Out, family programs, wild beginnings and others as needed. Serves as an educator, carrying a schedule of classes throughout the year for education programing for all ages. Regular, full time non- exempt position; Employment pending criminal and driver history records; Promotes the zoo and its mission. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develops curriculum for camps and classes
• In the absence of the Education and Conservation Program Manager, serves as Zoo Camp Director
• Functions as Zoo Camp Coordinator by:       
  • Facilitating daily operations of camp such as overseeing daily schedules, checks ratios, oversees check in/out and before/after care, assists with supervision of campers and fills in for activities as needed
  • Supervises behind the scenes opportunities
  • Works with Education and Conservation Program Manager to ensure medical safety of children
  • Serves as back up counselor in the event of an emergency
  • Works with Education and Conservation Program Manager with evaluation of Camp Instructors’ performance
• Serves as regular program instructor for all education programming
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Attends regular staff meetings, including Education Staff, All-Staff and Friends of the Zoo meetings
• Required to work a flexible schedule during the week as needed. Can include evenings and weekend days as needed.
• Required to work and drive in a variety of weather conditions

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, zoology, biology, environmental science or a related field.
• Minimum of two years experience working in an educational capacity in a school, zoo, aquarium, nature center or similar organization.
• Experience with Special Education preferred.
• A minimum of four years zoo camp counselor experience.
• Previous supervisory experience preferred.
• Knowledge of NYS Learning Standards and the Common Core Learning Standards.
• Red Cross certification in CPR for the Professional Rescuer and Responding to Emergencies.

• Ability to demonstrate and communicate scientific and conservation messages in a lively, engaging manner to diverse audiences.

• Excellent public speaking, organizational, record keeping skills and writing skills.
• Ability to be self-directed, flexible, work as a team player, achieve established goals and maintain accurate records.
• Proficient with computer programs, including Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
• Must have a valid NYS Driver’s License, reliable transportation and a registered and insured vehicle.

To Apply: Please submit cover letter and resume via email to [email protected].

Rate of Pay: $20/hr

Position Description: Responsible for writing and updating content for the Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park and Friends of the Zoo. Writes engaging content for zoo websites, blogs, newsletters and promotional materials and news releases to accurately promote the zoo and its mission; ensures that all zoo external communications are accurate and timely.

Essential Job Functions: 

• Ensures written communications are consistent and aligned with the brand and mission the Rosamond Gifford Zoo and the Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo.
• Drafts compelling and engaging written materials and/or content for a variety of communication vehicles such as press releases and media-related requests, presentations, blogs, zoo websites and print publications such as the annual report, member magazine and brochures. Writes and proofs promotional copy and materials; researches information on featured animals, zoo programs and initiatives as needed.
• Under the supervision of the Marketing and Communications Director, updates the annual communications calendar to include press releases and opportunities for coverage, education programming and events. Prioritizes communications activities with year-round perspective. Consults with Marketing and Communications to ensure strategies, meet goals and messaging priorities.
• Collaborates with all departments including Development, Education, Animal Collection Managers and Curator, to identify new storytelling topics and messaging opportunities for external communications. Consults with Marketing, Zoo and Friends leadership to ensure these meet organizational goals and messaging.
• Assists with internal communications to keep staff informed; reviews and assists departments with external constituent communications to ensure accuracy.
• Tracks, collects and reports digital news, newspaper and magazine articles promoting the zoo.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism or Communications, with a minimum of five years of public relations or communication experience, or any equivalent combination, which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office programs, especially Word, Excel and Power Point.
• Familiarity with website content management systems (CMS).

• Strong writing, editing, proofreading skills are essential, including the ability to present concepts verbally.
• Must possess excellent organizational and planning skills.
• Must be able to handle interruptions and juggle day-to-day activities.
• Superior project management and time management skills.
• A wide degree of creativity and the ability to recognize and seize an opportunity.
• Self-starter with a positive and processional approach that can collaborate with others, but also take direction.
• Able to gracefully navigate a complex organization that has a multi-layer approval process.
• Ability to travel within and outside CNY as needed.

To Apply: Please submit cover letter and resume via email to [email protected].