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Nature Preschool Teacher at the Minnesota Zoo (Child Care Center Asst)

Posted: February 16, 2023 by MAEE Administration

Category: Minnesota Zoological Garden

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Nature Preschool Teacher at the Minnesota Zoo (Child Care Center Asst)
Job Type
  • Full Time
Organization Minnesota Zoo
Job Description

Working Title: Child Care Center Asst
Job Class: Child Care Center Assistant
Agency: Minnesota Zoological Garden

  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 01/13/2023
  • Closing Date: 01/27/2023
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Zoological Garden / Zoological Gardens-AFSCME
  • Division/Unit: Education / Nature Preschool
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  • Days of Work: Monday - Friday
  • Travel Required: No
  • Salary Range: $18.16 - $24.34 / hourly; $37,918 - $50,821 / annually
  • Classified Status: Classified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 - Technical/AFSCME
  • Work Area: Nature Preschool
  • FLSA Status: Nonexempt
  • Telework Eligible: No
  • Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

Job Summary

This position is responsible for teaching nature-based preschool to meet the developmental needs of young children and aligns with the mission of the Minnesota Zoo.  The incumbent will provide daily instruction for preschool participants ages 3+, prepare daily lesson plans, assess students' progress, and communicate with parents.

This is a year-round full-time position, as the incumbent will assist with Zoo Camp during the summer months.  The schedule is primarily Monday through Friday during the day however, there may be 2 to 3 weekends/nights required per year for things such as conferences and open houses.

Responsibilities include:

  • Lead instruction for group of preschoolers to ensure a high-quality inclusive learning environment that meets the unique needs of diverse early learners.
  • Prepare for programs to create a safe, inviting, and high-quality early childhood learning environment for participants.
  • Assist in delivery of summer educational programming as directed so that educational goals, deadlines, and revenue is met.
  • Perform other duties as assigned to ensure the smooth functioning of the department and maintain the reputation of the organization as a viable business partner.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Education or related field OR equivalent paid or unpaid experience hours as a teacher, assistant teacher, aide, or student intern in a public or non-public school serving children 12 years of age or younger, in a licensed childcare center, or hours worked as the license holder of a licensed family childcare home.
  • Experience teaching children 3-5 years old, in a preschool/school setting.
  • Experience creating daily/weekly lesson plans and implementing them for success.
  • Knowledge of children's physical, emotional, and developmental patterns and needs and the ability to implement and share that knowledge.
  • Ability to assess student learning and development and communicate progress to families.
  • Culturally competent interpersonal skills sufficient to promote an inclusive work and learning environment that meets the diverse needs of ethnic, cultural, socioeconomic, and linguistic backgrounds and physical and mental abilities.
  • Oral and written communication skills sufficient to represent the zoo when communicating with families.
  • Computer skills using business software applications such as Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams.
  • Current First Aid/CPR (including child) certification or willingness to obtain within 6 months.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood or Elementary Education.
  • Minnesota teaching license for early childhood or elementary.
  • Experience with Emergent, Reggio, Inquiry Learning, Play-based, or similar educational pedagogies.
  • Experience working in a nature preschool setting or preschool with significant time spent outdoors.
  • Experience with environmental education, including working at a Zoo, nature center, or other similar nature-based organization.
  • Experience working with work sampling assessment or with similar inquiry-based curriculum and assessment.
  • Awareness of, sensitivity towards, and empathy with animals, their needs and their purpose on the earth sufficient to promote the Zoo's mission and Animal Welfare principles.

Physical Requirements

  • Flexible availability including weekdays, evenings, and weekends as necessary.
  • Ability to work outside in a variety of weather conditions and temperatures in all Minnesota seasons.
  • Ability or willingness to handle a variety of animals including amphibians, mammals, invertebrates, and reptiles.
  • Ability to lift and move up to fifty pounds and set up equipment.
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time and walk long distances on uneven terrain.
  • Ability to carry and use two-way portable radios to communicate with all Zoo staff.
  • Ability to sit at a desk and operate a computer for 6-8 hours per day.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of the following:

  • Employment verification checks, criminal background checks, child protection check (including DHS check), and motor vehicle records check.

Application Details

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers .

If you have questions about the position, contact Matt Olinger at matt.olinger@state.mn.us .

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Matt Olinger at matt.olinger@state.mn.us .

About Minnesota Zoological Garden

Created by the State of Minnesota, the Minnesota Zoo opened in 1978 with a mission to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. Cutting-edge exhibits provide exciting experiences with animals and their habitats introducing guests to species from around the globe. Education programs engage audiences at the Zoo, throughout the region, and around the world. Conservation programs protect endangered species and preserve critical ecosystems.

Why Work for Us

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

  • 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
  • 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
  • 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
  • 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

  • Public pension plan
  • Training and professional development
  • Paid vacation and sick leave
  • 11 paid holidays each year
  • Paid parental leave
  • Low-cost medical and dental coverage
  • Prescription drug coverage
  • Vision coverage
  • Wellness programs and resources
  • Employer paid life insurance
  • Short-term and long-term disability
  • Health care spending and savings accounts
  • Dependent care spending account
  • Tax-deferred compensation
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.


AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and indicate what assistance is needed.

Location Minnesota Zoo
Expires 2023-01-27
Link https://mnzoo.org/us/job-opportunities/
MAEE Partner Minnesota Zoological Garden
Nature Preschool Teacher at the Minnesota Zoo (Child Care Center Asst)
  • Full Time
Minnesota Zoo
Location: Minnesota Zoo
Expires: 2023-01-27
Link: https://mnzoo.org/us/job-opportunities/
MAEE Partner: Minnesota Zoological Garden
Job Description:

Working Title: Child Care Center Asst
Job Class: Child Care Center Assistant
Agency: Minnesota Zoological Garden

  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 01/13/2023
  • Closing Date: 01/27/2023
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Zoological Garden / Zoological Gardens-AFSCME
  • Division/Unit: Education / Nature Preschool
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  • Days of Work: Monday - Friday
  • Travel Required: No
  • Salary Range: $18.16 - $24.34 / hourly; $37,918 - $50,821 / annually
  • Classified Status: Classified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 - Technical/AFSCME
  • Work Area: Nature Preschool
  • FLSA Status: Nonexempt
  • Telework Eligible: No
  • Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

Job Summary

This position is responsible for teaching nature-based preschool to meet the developmental needs of young children and aligns with the mission of the Minnesota Zoo.  The incumbent will provide daily instruction for preschool participants ages 3+, prepare daily lesson plans, assess students' progress, and communicate with parents.

This is a year-round full-time position, as the incumbent will assist with Zoo Camp during the summer months.  The schedule is primarily Monday through Friday during the day however, there may be 2 to 3 weekends/nights required per year for things such as conferences and open houses.

Responsibilities include:

  • Lead instruction for group of preschoolers to ensure a high-quality inclusive learning environment that meets the unique needs of diverse early learners.
  • Prepare for programs to create a safe, inviting, and high-quality early childhood learning environment for participants.
  • Assist in delivery of summer educational programming as directed so that educational goals, deadlines, and revenue is met.
  • Perform other duties as assigned to ensure the smooth functioning of the department and maintain the reputation of the organization as a viable business partner.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Education or related field OR equivalent paid or unpaid experience hours as a teacher, assistant teacher, aide, or student intern in a public or non-public school serving children 12 years of age or younger, in a licensed childcare center, or hours worked as the license holder of a licensed family childcare home.
  • Experience teaching children 3-5 years old, in a preschool/school setting.
  • Experience creating daily/weekly lesson plans and implementing them for success.
  • Knowledge of children's physical, emotional, and developmental patterns and needs and the ability to implement and share that knowledge.
  • Ability to assess student learning and development and communicate progress to families.
  • Culturally competent interpersonal skills sufficient to promote an inclusive work and learning environment that meets the diverse needs of ethnic, cultural, socioeconomic, and linguistic backgrounds and physical and mental abilities.
  • Oral and written communication skills sufficient to represent the zoo when communicating with families.
  • Computer skills using business software applications such as Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams.
  • Current First Aid/CPR (including child) certification or willingness to obtain within 6 months.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood or Elementary Education.
  • Minnesota teaching license for early childhood or elementary.
  • Experience with Emergent, Reggio, Inquiry Learning, Play-based, or similar educational pedagogies.
  • Experience working in a nature preschool setting or preschool with significant time spent outdoors.
  • Experience with environmental education, including working at a Zoo, nature center, or other similar nature-based organization.
  • Experience working with work sampling assessment or with similar inquiry-based curriculum and assessment.
  • Awareness of, sensitivity towards, and empathy with animals, their needs and their purpose on the earth sufficient to promote the Zoo's mission and Animal Welfare principles.

Physical Requirements

  • Flexible availability including weekdays, evenings, and weekends as necessary.
  • Ability to work outside in a variety of weather conditions and temperatures in all Minnesota seasons.
  • Ability or willingness to handle a variety of animals including amphibians, mammals, invertebrates, and reptiles.
  • Ability to lift and move up to fifty pounds and set up equipment.
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time and walk long distances on uneven terrain.
  • Ability to carry and use two-way portable radios to communicate with all Zoo staff.
  • Ability to sit at a desk and operate a computer for 6-8 hours per day.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of the following:

  • Employment verification checks, criminal background checks, child protection check (including DHS check), and motor vehicle records check.

Application Details

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers .

If you have questions about the position, contact Matt Olinger at matt.olinger@state.mn.us .

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Matt Olinger at matt.olinger@state.mn.us .

About Minnesota Zoological Garden

Created by the State of Minnesota, the Minnesota Zoo opened in 1978 with a mission to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. Cutting-edge exhibits provide exciting experiences with animals and their habitats introducing guests to species from around the globe. Education programs engage audiences at the Zoo, throughout the region, and around the world. Conservation programs protect endangered species and preserve critical ecosystems.

Why Work for Us

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

  • 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
  • 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
  • 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
  • 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

  • Public pension plan
  • Training and professional development
  • Paid vacation and sick leave
  • 11 paid holidays each year
  • Paid parental leave
  • Low-cost medical and dental coverage
  • Prescription drug coverage
  • Vision coverage
  • Wellness programs and resources
  • Employer paid life insurance
  • Short-term and long-term disability
  • Health care spending and savings accounts
  • Dependent care spending account
  • Tax-deferred compensation
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.


AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and indicate what assistance is needed.

  • Resource entry form
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