The Connecticut Zoological Society
Programs Administrator (Overnight and Scouting )
The Connecticut Zoological Society, Bridgeport, Connecticut, us, 06610
Job Title:
Programs Administrator (Overnight and Scouting)
Department:
Events & Education
Reports to:
Director of Rentals and Events, Curator of Education, Associate Curator of Education
Location:
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, Bridgeport, CT
Employment Type:
Seasonal / Non-Exempt
Schedule/Hours:
Flexible schedule between Monday and Friday up to a maximum of 10hrs per week; nights and weekends required based on event schedule
Rate of Pay:
TBD
Position Summary
The Programs Administrator works directly with the Director of Rentals and Events, the Curator of Education, Associate Curator of Education, volunteers, and guests to deliver outstanding overnight programming and lead all boy and girl scout program coordination at the Zoo. This dynamic role manages both the creative and logistical sides of overnight events and scouting programs, including curriculum development, scheduling, inventory, purchasing, marketing, market research, and ensures the program remains competitive and engaging. The Programs Administrator also serves as the primary liaison to local scouting organizations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Plan overnight programming in the themed curriculum including educational games, hands-on activities, crafts, zoo tours, and animal encounters.
Continuously update and improve overnight program curriculum based on participant feedback and educational goals
Maintain and update the overnight program calendar; schedule Overnight Program Coordinators and volunteers as needed.
Prepare maintain, and take inventory of supplies and materials, order supplies in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Work with Director of Rental and Events to manage overnight contracts and participant waivers
Conduct market research on similar programs regionally to ensure competitive offerings.
Develop outreach strategies and marketing materials to promote the overnight program.
Build and maintain strong relationships with local scout groups, schools, and community organizations.
Attend scouting and community events to represent and promote the Zoo's overnight program.
Serve as the primary liaison between Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo and local scout organizations (e.g., Girl Scouts of CT and Scouting America).
Coordinate directly with scout leaders to tailor programs, meet badge requirements, and foster long-term relationships.
Solicit and analyze feedback from participants to guide program improvement.
Must be available to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and overnight shifts.
Minimum Qualifications
Education, Certifications, and Licenses:
Bachelor's degree in education, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).
Experience, Knowledge, and Skills:
Minimum 1-2 years of experience in youth programming.
Strong administrative, organizational, and time-management skills.
Proven ability to coordinate teams and lead engaging educational experiences.
Comfortable with public speaking and group facilitation, especially with children ages 4-12.
Experience with program marketing and outreach preferred.
Knowledge of scouting programs and requirements is strongly preferred.
An active scout leader in Scouting America or Girl Scouts of Connecticut preferred.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Proficient in Microsoft Office.
Valid driver's license and ability to travel to community events.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here represent those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to handle or operate tools and objects, and to reach with hands and arms. The role involves frequent standing, walking, sitting, talking, and hearing, with occasional stooping, kneeling, or crouching. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move items weighing up to 50 pounds. Visual requirements include close and distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Comfortable working indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Working Conditions and Environment
Work is performed in both a traditional office setting and an outdoor zoo environment. This role requires sharing workspace and maintaining appropriate professional appearance. The employee will frequently interact with guests of all ages and group sizes.
As the Zoo operates year-round (362 days per year), availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events is required.
Programs Administrator (Overnight and Scouting)
Department:
Events & Education
Reports to:
Director of Rentals and Events, Curator of Education, Associate Curator of Education
Location:
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, Bridgeport, CT
Employment Type:
Seasonal / Non-Exempt
Schedule/Hours:
Flexible schedule between Monday and Friday up to a maximum of 10hrs per week; nights and weekends required based on event schedule
Rate of Pay:
TBD
Position Summary
The Programs Administrator works directly with the Director of Rentals and Events, the Curator of Education, Associate Curator of Education, volunteers, and guests to deliver outstanding overnight programming and lead all boy and girl scout program coordination at the Zoo. This dynamic role manages both the creative and logistical sides of overnight events and scouting programs, including curriculum development, scheduling, inventory, purchasing, marketing, market research, and ensures the program remains competitive and engaging. The Programs Administrator also serves as the primary liaison to local scouting organizations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Plan overnight programming in the themed curriculum including educational games, hands-on activities, crafts, zoo tours, and animal encounters.
Continuously update and improve overnight program curriculum based on participant feedback and educational goals
Maintain and update the overnight program calendar; schedule Overnight Program Coordinators and volunteers as needed.
Prepare maintain, and take inventory of supplies and materials, order supplies in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Work with Director of Rental and Events to manage overnight contracts and participant waivers
Conduct market research on similar programs regionally to ensure competitive offerings.
Develop outreach strategies and marketing materials to promote the overnight program.
Build and maintain strong relationships with local scout groups, schools, and community organizations.
Attend scouting and community events to represent and promote the Zoo's overnight program.
Serve as the primary liaison between Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo and local scout organizations (e.g., Girl Scouts of CT and Scouting America).
Coordinate directly with scout leaders to tailor programs, meet badge requirements, and foster long-term relationships.
Solicit and analyze feedback from participants to guide program improvement.
Must be available to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and overnight shifts.
Minimum Qualifications
Education, Certifications, and Licenses:
Bachelor's degree in education, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).
Experience, Knowledge, and Skills:
Minimum 1-2 years of experience in youth programming.
Strong administrative, organizational, and time-management skills.
Proven ability to coordinate teams and lead engaging educational experiences.
Comfortable with public speaking and group facilitation, especially with children ages 4-12.
Experience with program marketing and outreach preferred.
Knowledge of scouting programs and requirements is strongly preferred.
An active scout leader in Scouting America or Girl Scouts of Connecticut preferred.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Proficient in Microsoft Office.
Valid driver's license and ability to travel to community events.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here represent those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to handle or operate tools and objects, and to reach with hands and arms. The role involves frequent standing, walking, sitting, talking, and hearing, with occasional stooping, kneeling, or crouching. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move items weighing up to 50 pounds. Visual requirements include close and distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Comfortable working indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Working Conditions and Environment
Work is performed in both a traditional office setting and an outdoor zoo environment. This role requires sharing workspace and maintaining appropriate professional appearance. The employee will frequently interact with guests of all ages and group sizes.
As the Zoo operates year-round (362 days per year), availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events is required.