In July 2001, Chicago Zoological Society embarked on creating a revolutionary zoo experience for families. The result is Hamill Family Play Zoo, an interactive play adventure filled with animals, plants, and people that engages children and families helping to develop caring attitudes towards the natural world. The Play Zoo lets children touch animals, paint murals, plant gardens, discover insects and so much more. It is an amazingly fun way to connect with nature. With approximately 300 individual animals representing 58 species, children also have an opportunity to connect with a variety of animals in a unique setting.

The Senior Coordinator, Play Programs (Bilingual) is responsible for assuring that the daily operations and activities of the Hamill Family Play Zoo and its programs are carried out in a manner that provides exceptional guest experiences, a quality workplace for both paid and volunteer staff, and are in alignment with the CZS goals and learning strategy. This includes the overseeing of the daily operations of play programs, settings, and experiences in the Hamill Family Play Zoo and plays a key role in training and supervision of seasonal crew members.

As Senior Coordinator, Play Programs (Bilingual), you will utilize your team leadership skills in providing daily floor coordination by ensuring scheduled staff and/or volunteers are present. This includes responsibility for daily staff schedule adjustments (in the absence of the Manager, NatureStart Programs); covering break periods for staff as needed; circulating on the main floor throughout day to ensure guest and staff needs are met; providing guidance to volunteers and YVC as directed and needed; and, serving as the primary point of contact for all staff members when Manager, NatureStart Programs and/or Supervisor, NatureStart Programs is not on duty. Drawing upon your excellent customer service skills, you will answer calls and handle situations regarding guest issues, lost children, first aid, lost and found items and building needs as well as be the point of contact for emergency procedures (i.e. severe weather) on duty days. Your good organization skills and detail orientation will be used as you will be responsible for maintaining daily notes. The Senior Coordinator, Play Programs (Bilingual) is also responsible for daily opening/closing of the building, care and cleaning of equipment, Society property, play program materials, and play settings including but not limited to: daily set-up, inventory, and proper use of all equipment and property. Drawing upon your excellent play facilitation skills, you will be responsible for facilitating play with children including holding live animals, in both indoor and outdoor settings, as assigned. You will make use of your prior experience creating and developing play programs and developmentally appropriate learning experiences for children and their families at the Hamill Family Play Zoo, for the CET department subscription programs, Chicago Zoological Society Special Events, trainings and other events as requested by the Manager. You will draw upon your team leadership skills and effective communication skills to conduct training and supervising seasonal staff members and/or volunteers providing coaching/mentoring as appropriate. The Senior Coordinator, Play Programs (Bilingual) provides back-up to Supervisor, NatureStart Programs for training of Good Works volunteers and will attend meetings and training sessions as assigned.

Position Requirements and Specifications
The requirements for the position include the following:

• Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts, Science, Fine Arts, Drama, Early Childhood Education, Environmental Education, or other directly related field or equivalent combination of training and/or experience required.
  
• Basic computer literacy with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook required.
  
• Minimum two years experience in any of the following areas required: facilitation of play, art, drama, music, or other creative activities; working with and/or supervising adult and youth volunteers; and/or early childhood education or other educational and/or recreational experience with children. Creativity and imagination essential for this position.
  
• Minimum of two years relevant experience in the planning, development, management, facilitation, or evaluation of activities for children, aged birth-middle school, or families.
  
• Minimum of two years experience in a zoo, aquarium, museum, nature center, art studio environment, or early childhood setting required.
  
• Prior experience working with the public effectively in both high and low visitor attendance conditions required.
  
• Demonstrated team leadership skills. Ability to work effectively with a multi-disciplinary team.
  
• Ability to communicate effectively with others, both verbally and in writing, including but not limited to children of diverse background and their caregivers.
  
• Good planning and organizational skills essential; must be detail oriented.
  
• Ability to effectively handle emergent issues, work effectively under pressure and handle emergency situations calmly, and deal with all levels of staff in a tactful and professional manner.
  
• Must be flexible and able to adjust to changing circumstances.
  
• Requires ability to accept constructive criticism, openness to feedback, and guidance on team leadership skills.
  
• Excellent play facilitation skills.
  
• Excellent customer service/interpersonal skills.
  
• Must be able to read, write and speak the English language proficiently.
  
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency required.
  
• Experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
  
• Valid driver's license required for Illinois residents within 90 days of hires; valid out-of-state license required for out-of-state residents.

The desirable/preferred qualifications include the following:

• Prior work experience working directly with individuals who have physical and/or intellectual disabilities a plus.

Additional Information
The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer - Minorities / Women / Veterans / Disabled.