Program Specialist - Live Animal Labs & Exhibits

Position Information

Classification Title Public Service Paraprofessional/Professional FLSA Non-Exempt FTE 1.00 Minimum Qualifications

Requires technical knowledge in the field acquired through an apprenticeship, a 2-year degree, or professional certificate. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Bachelor's degree in Biology, Education, Environmental Education, Forestry, Natural Resources, Outdoor Education, Science, or related field.

Position Summary

The Live Animal Labs and Exhibits Program Specialist is an integral position for the Rock Eagle 4-H Center (Eatonton, GA) Environmental Education department. The person in this role would give direct instructional support to participants of the Environmental Education and Summer Camping programs, as well as adult/youth conference attendees visiting Rock Eagle 4-H Center.

The Live Animal Labs and Exhibits Program Specialist will be responsible for maintaining and developing the raptor, aquatic, lake, natural history museum and wildlife labs. These labs consist of teaching spaces, teaching materials, and live animal exhibits. Animals include reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects (including honey bees), and raptors. Responsibilities will include: weighing, feeding, cleaning tanks, and maintaining vet records and permits for all educational animals.

Additional responsibilities will include training of staff, curriculum development, maintaining teaching spaces and class materials. During the Environmental Education Season (August-May), seasonal environmental education staff members (typically 5-10 staff) would be assigned to this program area. These seasonal staff members would be trained and assigned tasks by the Live Animals and Exhibits program specialist. During the summer months the Live Animal Labs and Exhibits Program Specialist will assist with programs/other support roles for the summer camping program that could be outside of their program area.

As a member of the Rock Eagle Environmental Education team, the person in this role would also be asked to gain additional certifications/knowledge to serve user groups through the following: ACCT Level 1 or 2 instructor status, CPR/First Aid Certification (and possibly instructor status).

Daytime, weekend, and evening work are involved.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Ability to work independently as well as within a team.

• Experience and knowledge in the planning and leadership of youth education programs.

• Ability to provide programmatic and facilitation support for the environmental education program.

• Fundamental knowledge of computers and applications.

• Ability to communicate effectively with youth and adults.

• Broad knowledge of the natural environment and comfort working outdoors.

• First Aid/CPR/AED certification (or willingness to obtain)

Physical Demands

• Work in adverse physical and weather conditions.

• Walking/lifting as needed for duties.

• Driving to perform job related tasks.

Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes Is this a Position of Trust? Yes Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? Yes Does this position require a P-Card? No Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? Yes Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) No Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities

• Supervise and maintain all labs and exhibits involving live animals. This involves feeding, cleaning, water testing, and record keeping. Animals include reptiles, amphibians, birds, insects, and fish. Rock Eagle 4-H Center has multiple lab locations.

• This role involves training and supervising staff to assist with these duties.

• Maintain proper Federal and State animal permits for Rock Eagle 4-H Center.

Percentage of time 55 Duties/Responsibilities

• Assist with planning, evaluating, marketing, teaching, and implementing all programs within the environmental education program, including high and low ropes programs.

Percentage of time 15 Duties/Responsibilities

• Maintain teaching spaces, materials, and development of the Natural History Museum and other exhibit spaces across center.

Percentage of time 15 Duties/Responsibilities

• Assist with training, evaluating, and curriculum development for environmental education and summer camp staff.

Percentage of time 10 Duties/Responsibilities

• Attend trainings and conferences as necessary.

Percentage of time 5

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact

Contact Details

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name Lauren Kuschner Recruitment Contact Email lnys@uga.edu Recruitment Contact Phone

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

Optional Documents

• Resume/CV

• Cover Letter

• List of References with Contact Information

Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact University HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status.