CPZ Youth Engagement Assistant Coordinator

Job Title: CPZ Youth Engagement Assistant Coordinator 
Location: Central Park Zoo  

Department: EDUCATION 
Reports to: Coordinator Volunteers 

Type: Temporary/Seasonal 
Rate: $ 23 

Schedule: Spring (March-mid-June): 24-32 hrs/week Saturday, Sunday, and 1-2 weekdays + Memorial Day (position will start at 3 days per week and increase to 4); Summer (Mid-June-Labor Day): 5 days/week Wednesday-Sunday + July 4 and Labor Day. Possibility that the position will continue into the Fall.  

POSITION SUMMARY 
You will work part-time for the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) as a valued team member of the Education Division. You will engage with and oversee youth ages 14-24, serving in volunteer, intern, and part-time positions. 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 thousands of zoo/aquarium visitors. 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 experience in the field of informal science education and interpretation. 
 
WHO WE ARE 
WCS saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature. To achieve this, we harness the power of our Global Conservation Program in nearly 60 nations, in all the world’s oceans, and our five wildlife parks in New York City - Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and New York Aquarium - visited by 4 million people annually. We combine our expertise in the field, zoos, and aquarium to achieve our conservation mission. 

WCS Education is a pioneer in zoo-based learning, inspiring over 1.5 million people each year across New York City. Since 1929, we have been at the forefront of science education, fostering the next generation of conservation advocates by creating meaningful connections to wildlife and nature. We provide innovative, high-quality learning experiences that empower individuals to care for and protect the natural world. 
 
YOUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES 
 

You will work collaboratively with the Youth Development and Live Interpretation teams to: 

• Work on-site at the Central Park Zoo. This position is fully in person. 

• Recruit, select, and train more than 100 youth volunteers, interns, and part-time employees.  

• 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 internship & volunteer programs including leading meetings, providing supervision, and giving feedback. 

• Create and maintain weekly schedules and track requirements such as training status, attendance, and performance 

• Serve as a mentor and respected advisor to youth and create a warm, welcoming, and fun environment. 

• Form a community of practice with fellow Youth Engagement Assistant Coordinators, Youth Development, and Live interpretation teams to share best practices and network across all 5 parks (supporting more than 500 youth). 

• Support the Education Department and Adult Volunteer program as needed 

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