Zoo Apprenticeship Program (Zap)

Salary: $17.04 Hourly Location : Oregon Zoo, OR Job Type: Variable Hour Job Number: 2024-2510-Zoo Department: Oregon Zoo - OZ Opening Date: 10/15/2024 Closing Date: 12/23/2024 5:00 PM Pacific Position Summary We are only accepting applications from current high school students ages of 14-17 who live in Multnomah, Washington, or Clackamas County with an emphasis on low-income youth and youth of color.
For more information, please visit https://www.oregonzoo.org/zap.
Thank you for your interest in applying to be a Zoo Apprentice with ZAP This application form may take up to 30 minutes to complete and includes the following pages: Information about the ZAP team and the job.
Your Contact Information Your School/Organization Information Your Background Information (Optional) Your Employment and Volunteer History Your Required Open-Ended Application Questions Your Applicant Commitment ABOUT THE ZAP TEAM The Zoo Apprenticeship Program, or ZAP, is a grant-funded, multi-year, paid apprenticeship program for a diverse cohort of youth 15 and older.
The ZAP experience includes educational programming, career exploration, community outreach, and connections to nature and wildlife.
ZAP supports the exchange of knowledge and wisdom within communities and fosters connections through youth-led zoo experiences, collaborative projects, and conservation actions.
Each year 10 new youth are hired.
Each cohort will participate year-round for three summers (two school years) with an opportunity to extend.
Most of the time required will be in the summer, with consistent hours throughout the year.
ABOUT THE JOB Oregon Zoo ZAP (Zoo Apprenticeship Program) is a multi-year paid internship opportunity for high school youth who show an excitement for working with community while learning about wildlife and conservation.
Each year, approximately 10 new youth are hired.
ZAP members create and provide programming on zoo grounds for community-based organizations (primarily through ZAP led tours), explore zoo careers through informational sessions and job shadows, explore local natural areas, and learn about animals, the outdoors, and conservation.
During the first year ZAP members earn $17.04/hour.
The hourly amount is raised with each year of service.
The ZAP program is flexible but asks that participants work approximately 10 hours per month during the school year, and approximately 20 hours per week during the summer.
Job Skills, Experience, and Training ZAP members develop job skills including problem-solving, adaptability, empathy, time management, public speaking, team building, peer mentoring, and leadership.
ZAP members also learn about animal wellbeing, conservation, and diversity and inclusion work at the zoo.
Community Engagement ZAP members help develop and deliver programming for community organizations.
This includes leading zoo tours customized for people from those local, community-based organizations.
ZAP members learn about the community-based organizations, have an opportunity to meet with some of the staff and leaders of these organizations, and lead groups from these organizations on zoo visits including facilitating games or activities with children.
Career Exploration Through ZAP, youth are exposed to the various jobs that keep the zoo running, including animal keepers, educators, horticulture/landscaping, marketing and more, with the opportunity to do job shadows in some areas.
In their second school year (and 3rd summer) they may have the opportunity to be placed in a department within the zoo to learn the intricacies of a career they are curious about.
Animals and Outdoors ZAP youth will spend time exploring the Pacific Northwest and learning about the outdoor activities and natural areas available in our own backyard.
This ranges from collaborating with animal areas on zoo grounds to kayaking in a local lake.
Spending time with animals and nature is a foundation of the ZAP program.
There is no experience required for these activities.
The zoo will also provide gear and transportation from the zoo to recreation sites.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work.
This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities.
Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region.
Metro's goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.
TO QUALIFY 15-17 years of age (must be at least 15 by March 1, 2025) In high school for the 2024-2025 school year Willing to make a commitment for 3 summers and 2 school years Eligible to work in the U.S Live in Clark, Multnomah, Washington, or Clackamas County.
Attend Training Days (subject to change with notice; 2025 spring season dates listed below): Orientation on an evening week of 2/24 Sat.
3/8/24 9am-4pm, Sat.
3/15/24 9am-4pm, Sat.
4/12/24 9am-4pm, and Sat.
4/26/24 9am-4pm, Attend ZAP Monthly Meetings Days will be given in advance (usually 2nd Saturday 12:30-3p) Attend School year session A minimum of 10 hours, primarily weekends (some evenings, or days during school breaks) Attend Summer session July and August, 2-3 shifts per week (approximately 12-20 hours per week) Additional periodic meetings, trainings and special events scheduled throughout the year PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS We are especially looking for candidates who: Fluently speak more than one languages.
Are eligible for Federal Free or Reduced Lunch or meet the income eligibility for other social service programs such as WIC, SNAP, Oregon Health Plan, Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8 Oregon), etc.
Show an excitement for working with community members of all ages (Pre-K youth and families to multilingual retired adults) Are curious and motivated to learn about wildlife and conservation Are comfortable getting dirty and working hard Are looking to grow their interest and experiences in Science or Conservation field Attends a school we partner with: Jefferson, Roosevelt, McDaniel, Parkrose, David Douglas, Hillsboro High School, Aloha High School APPLICATION PROCESS Application due Monday, December 23nd, 2024;by 5pm.
Complete and submit the application online .
This application may take a minimum of 30 minutes to complete due to the required open-ended questions.
Tip: Make sure you read and answer ALL parts of the question Tip: It is recommended that you write the answers in a separate document before submitting the application.
For a paper application or other accommodations , please contact zaporegonzoo.org Application Review and Interview Process A panel of current ZAP members and staff will review all application materials.
You will be contacted by the second week of January.
If you are selected for the 1st round interview stage, group interviews will be conducted in January (27th or 28th).
If you are selected for the 2nd (final) round interview stage, individual interviews follow in February (10th or 11th.)
Important Hiring Dates Application Deadline: Monday, December 23rd, 2024, by 5pm Interview s: January (25th or 26th) and second round individual in February (8th or 9th) Position starts: Beginning of March 2025 INCOMPLETE OR LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
Email zaporegonzoo.org or call 503-220-2790 if you have any questions.
Good luck Additional Information Equal employment opportunity All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law.
Accommodation Metro will gladly provide a reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this recruitment process.
Please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.
Veterans' preference Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions.
If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.
Pay equity at Metro No matter who you are or where you work at Metro, you deserve to be paid fairly for the work you do.Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics.
has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act.
Online applications Metro accepts job applications online.
If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.
How to Apply For tips on how to apply and more information on what the application process looks like, visit Metro's page.
Government Jobs For assistance with your account or to reset your password please visit GovernmentJobs page.
As part of the Metro family, you play a vital role in serving the people of the greater Portland region.
This is a variable hour position with no guarantee of hours.
The position is eligible for these benefits: Paid sick leave Paid parental leave Full contribution to Oregon PERS retirement if eligible and qualified.
No-cost TriMet Hop Pass Employee Assistance Program Metro also offers a variety of perks for all employees, including free admission to the Oregon Zoo (including ZooLights), Oxbow and Blue Lake Regional Parks, membership discount at Lloyd Athletic Club, credit union eligibility and more.
Employees also receive access to financial wellness and legal consultation services, as well as first-time home buying and ownership counseling.
Some variable hour positions are represented by a union and have additional benefits.
01 Have you discussed this job opportunity with your legal guardian(s), parent(s), or caregiver(s)?
Yes No 02 Are we able to use your preferred name and pronouns when contacting you at home?
Yes No 03 SCHOOL/ORGANIZATION INFORMATIONAre you attending school?
Yes No 04 School Name 05 Grade Level in School Freshman (9th grade) Sophomore (10th grade) Junior (11th grade) Senior (12th grade) Other 06 If your grade level wasn't listed in the options above and you selected "other", type your grade here.
07 Are you involved in any organizations that serve youth?
Select all that apply.
Adelante Mujeres APANO AYCO (African Youth & Community Organization) Bienestar Big Brother/Big Sister Boys & Girls Club CAIRO Oregon Central Cultural CPAH (Community Partners for Affordable Housing) ELSO Greater Than Hacienda CDC IRCO (Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization) Latino Network NAYA (Native American Youth and Family Center) Neighborhood House Oregon Zoo Volunteer People of Color Outdoors POIC Rose CDC SEI (Self Enhancement Inc) Youth Empowerment Project None of the above 08 Do you speak a language other than English at home?
Yes No No, I do not speak another language at home, but can conversationally speak another language.
09 What other language(s) can you speak?
10 Have you or your household received any of the following services?
Free or reduced lunch SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) food benefits (which is sometimes referred to as EBT) Regularly accessed a food bank WIC, OHP (Oregon Health Plan), or Medicaid Income restricted housing (such as Housing Voucher Program/Section 8 housing) or other housing support services for houselessness Foster care or transition services (through DHS) Other None of the above 11 If you answered "other" to the question; Have you or your household received any of the following services?
In the space below add in the other service your family has been provided.
12 ZAP members provide educational presentations for children and adults, do hands-on conservation field work, learn about local government and community organizations, and more.
What excites you about being a Zoo Apprentice and why?
13 When was a time you had to adapt or adjust to a change in your life/school/daily routine/schedule?
How did this affect you?
14 APPLICANT COMMITMENT STATEMENTThe application information is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.
I understand that if hired, ZAP participation requires that I commit to the following.Please check each box to confirm you are committing to the following: Saturday trainings in spring 2024 (Sat.
3/8/24 9am-4pm, Sat.
3/15/24 9am-4pm, Sat.
4/12/24 9am-4pm, and Sat.
4/26/24 9am-4pm) Required ZAP Monthly Meetings (days will be given in advance and are usually 2nd Saturday 12:30-3p) School year session: Minimum 10 hours per month, typically weekend shifts.
Hours may increase in second school year for year-round zoo placements.
Summer session: July and August, 2-3 shifts per week (approximately 12-20 hours per week) Required Question