Learning Program Specialist

The purpose of the Learning Program Specialist position is to (1) develop, coordinate, deliver, and evaluate educational programs (both virtual and in-person) and digital e-learning publications and other resources for NZP  that support students, teachers, and families as part of NZP’s  “Get a Head Start with the Smithsonian” activities, (2) provide support for digital education outreach initiatives, including webcasts, videos, and other digital media for general Zoo visitors, students and teachers (both local and national) and, (3) deliver digital e-learning courses and in-person interpretive training for staff and volunteers. This is a two-year term, Trust-funded position.

This position is located at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park and Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (NZP) , with a duty station based out of the NZP Washington, DC offices. 

The purpose of the position is to (1) develop, coordinate, deliver, and evaluate educational programs (both virtual and in-person) and digital e-learning publications and other resources for NZP  that support students, teachers, and families as part of NZP’s  “Get a Head Start with the Smithsonian” activities, (2) provide support for digital education outreach initiatives, including webcasts, videos, and other digital media for general Zoo visitors, students and teachers (both local and national) and, (3) deliver digital e-learning courses and in-person interpretive training for staff and volunteers.   

This is a two-year term, Trust-funded position at the IS 09 pay scale, offered by the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week position that may require some weekend, evening, or early morning hours. This position is eligible for part-time telework, subject to organizational and departmental availability, program needs, and individual work style. 

The position requires both outdoor and office tasks, therefore the applicant must be able to work in an outdoor/park environment including walking on trails, over uneven terrain, bending, lifting, digging, and planting. The individual must be able to lift and carry at least 45 pounds and be able to work in sometimes adverse conditions that include rain, heat, insects, etc.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Education Program Coordination

• Develops, delivers, and evaluates age-appropriate and accessible in-person and virtual education experiences; including activities, programs, and products for PreK-12 students and teachers (linked to national curriculum standards and classroom curriculum), volunteers, and general zoo audiences.   
• Creates support materials (i.e. curriculum guides, instructions, data collection guides, resource materials, activity sheets, etc.) for these experiences or to extend self-directed learning and exploration.  Assists with all stages of development, including assistance with conceptualizing programs and activities, design, development, testing, and evaluation.
• Works with appropriate staff to develop and implement programming using technology, for example, webcasting, web conferencing, eLearning modules, and LMS systems. 

Training and Evaluation

• Conducts and assesses interpreter training using a blended learning model comprised of eLearning courses and onsite workshops.  Trains volunteers in interpretive techniques and provide them with enriching tools and activities for engaging Zoo visitors.   
• Collaborates with staff from science, animal care, and other departments of NZP to translate current research, collections, and initiatives into activities and materials for diverse audiences in informal settings.
• Assists with the development of evaluation plans. Administers evaluation instruments and utilizes analytic tools to summarize data and create reports that guide future program planning. 
• Provides training to volunteers, interns, and contractors for programs, ensuring that all programs are delivered with attention to scientific accuracy and effective instructional techniques.  

Program Administration

• Maintains budgets and timelines and monitors all financial requirements for assigned programs to ensure that desired objectives are met in a timely fashion and are within budget.  
• Collects and reports metrics for assigned programs.
• Performs other duties as required.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Demonstrated experience developing and delivering age-appropriate and accessible in-person and virtual education experiences, including activities, programs, and products for PreK-12 students and teachers, linked to national curriculum standards and classroom curriculum.  
• Ability to create support materials (i.e. curriculum guides, instructions, data collection guides, resource materials, activity sheets, etc.) for education experiences or to extend self-directed learning and exploration.
• Experience developing and implementing educational programming using technology, for example, webcasting, web conferencing, eLearning modules, and LMS systems. Preferred experience with Zoom webcasting and Adobe and Articulate eLearning design platforms.
•  Demonstrated skill in coordinating and producing educational programs and materials that are accurate and consistent with the NZCBI brand, address national early learning standards, and are part of a continual cycle of assessment and evaluation.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with staff from science, animal care, and other departments to translate current research, collections, and initiatives into activities and materials for diverse audiences in informal settings.
• Demonstrated skill in maintaining budgets and timelines to ensure that desired objectives are met in a timely fashion and are within budget.

To apply for this position, please include a cover letter and resume.