Seasonal – Program Assistant

The City of Manhattan, Kansas is hiring a Seasonal Program Assistant for Sunset Zoo, offering $16.00/hour. Responsibilities include delivering educational programs, managing classroom environments, ensuring safety, and assisting with facility rentals and special events. Applicants need a high school diploma and experience with children. The position requires on-site work from Monday to Friday during specified hours and emphasizes diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Description:

(Seasonal, Non-Exempt)

Starting Salary Wage: $16.00/hour

Closing Date: Open Until Filled (applications reviewed as received)

Workdays/Shifts and Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. or 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. or 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

How to apply: Using the “apply” button on this page, please complete the required online application. For general questions about the position, contact Parks and Recreation at 785-587-2757.

The City of Manhattan values diversity and draws strength from the diversity of the team. The City is committed to providing opportunities for all employees to succeed by creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. The City is always seeking qualified Minority, Veteran, Women and Disabled applicants to fill available employment vacancies. The City of Manhattan is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Program Assistant is responsible for furthering Sunset Zoo’s mission of inspiring conservation of the natural world by assisting the Education Department through the delivery of high quality, education programs. Education programs include but are not limited to summer camps, day camps, guided tours, interactive distance learning programs, exclusive zoo experiences, birthday parties, on-grounds guest activities, and off-site education programs. Program Assistants also support Sunset Zoo’s marketing department by assisting with setup, clean-up, and supervision of facility rentals, and provides various support for special events.

Job Duties
• Delivers high-quality, education programs as directed by the Curator of Education and Education Supervisors.
• Manages classroom environments.
• Follows licensing regulations required by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to operate camp programs at Sunset Zoo.
• Maintains open communication with program participants and parents of participants enrolled in education programs.
• Maintains the safety and wellbeing of ambassador animals during programs.
• Establishes and maintains cooperative professional working relationships with others, individually and in a team environment.
• Ensures first aid kits are stocked and readily available.
• Performs minor first aid for injuries that may occur during education programs or at the Zoo.
• Safely operates motor vehicles and utilize required PPE to safely perform the duties of a Program Assistant.
• Provides setup, clean-up, and supervises facility rentals.
• Provides excellent customer service while assisting Sunset Zoo further its mission of inspiring conservation of the natural world.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Required Education and Experience
• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Three (3) months experience working with school-age children/youth.

Preferred Education and Experience
• Fifteen (15) hours of college credit in an animal/wildlife, environmental/conservation, natural resources, education, psychology, or sociology related courses.
• Six (6) months experience working with school-age children/youth.
• First Aid/CPR certification.

Physical Demands/Work Environment
• Work performed at indoor and outdoor facilities throughout Sunset Zoo and surrounding spaces.
• Work is performed in a potentially noisy environment.
• Employee must have the ability to stand, walk across various terrains, sit, use hands, handle, feel, speak, hear, climb stairs, push, pull, or lift up to 50 pounds.

Other Information
• This is a seasonal position and, as such, is not covered by KPERS.
• Current availability is for leading summer camps that will start May 27, 2025.
• Hours will be Monday-Friday, up 40 hours per week.
• Outside training and classes are required and begin on May 1st.
• In-person training will be held on both weekday evenings and Saturdays beginning May 10th.
• Applicants must pass a KBI fingerprint background check.
• Applicants must pass drug test.