Communications Specialist

Communications Specialist

Salary

$25.86 - $31.53 Hourly

Location

Garden City, KS

Job Type

Part-Time

Job Number

00687

Department

Lee Richardson Zoo

Division

Zoo Administration

Opening Date

10/26/2026

Closing Date

11/16/2026 11:59 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits

Description

The Zoo Communication Specialist oversees development of all zoo graphic material and interactive displays, and keeps content of zoo website, Channel 8, and other methods of mass communication (i.e. social media) current. Coordinates and conducts informational research related to animals for use in signage, volunteer manuals, program development, web page, and media releases. Assist Conservation Awareness team with other duties as approved. Ensures messaging and images are consistent with the Zoo's brand and mission.

Examples of Duties

• Recommend, research, create and update content for zoo website, Channel 8, and other public media. Extensive use and knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite. Use of editing software to create material for use on Zoo website, all social media sites, zoo graphics, flyers, posters, and any other graphic materials needed.
• Monitor and submit reports on website and social media traffic and trends. Coordinate with Director to create media usable on multiple platforms to increase online media presence and engage guests, virtual and physical, with appropriate conservation messaging. In coordination with Director develops and implements evaluation methods to measure impact of social media messaging.
• Assess, develop, recommend, and maintain zoo graphics and interactive displays from research and planning to fabrication of standard and interactive graphics/displays, directional signage, temporary graphics, etc. Responsible for computer assemblage of digital components including text, photos, illustrations, and backgrounds.
• Remain current with industry standards and trends; and make recommendations for expansion or upgrades in zoo graphics and interactives; and participation in mass communication avenues.
• Assist Director with budget development and oversight as assigned; work with Conservation Awareness Manager and Zoo Director to coordinate and submit requests and reports for Finnup Center projects funded by Finnup Trust.
• Participate in staff training sessions, including those for emergency preparedness, first responders, and basic firearms safety.
• Recommend and pursue grant opportunities to support activities in areas of responsibility.
• Assist with zoo needs for set-up and tear down for events and educational programming, including physical set-up of tables, chairs, displays, tents, etc.
• In coordination with Director, acquisition of supplies and materials needed for area of responsibility.
• Participate in rotation writing and submitting weekly newspaper column; and providing information to media, to Director, or appropriate team member for reports, surveys, and statistics; and responding to public inquiries regarding wildlife, with oversight from senior management.
• Assists the Director and Deputy Director in the development, maintenance, and implementation of the Zoo's Crisis Communication Plan. Acts as Zoo's media spokesperson as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Skill in teaching, public relations and (mass) communication principles and practices. Knowledge of wildlife biology, zoo management, and educational methods. Ability to coordinate a variety of work activities with excellent attention to details. Ability to communicate with City staff and officials, community organizations, and the public using a variety of communication mediums. Ability to use computers and computer technology, various software, scanning equipment; DL equipment, (including cameras, speakers, microphones, televisions, monitors, studio lights, etc.); ability to understand and communicate clearly, in English, written and verbal instructions, and to communicate well through written and verbal means with individuals/groups of all ages and abilities.

Education, Certification and Experience:

Graduation from a college or university with a four-year degree in wildlife biology, education, mass communications, graphic design, or a related field. Minimum of one-year experience in zoo or environmental education activities. Or, an Associate's degree in a relevant field with a minimum of two years' graphics experience. Valid Kansas driver's license required.

Supplemental Information

Environment:

Majority of work is performed indoors (75%) and the rest outdoors. Indoor work is performed in a controlled environment. Outdoor work is performed in all types of weather, i.e. extreme, moderate and temperate heat and cold temperatures, snow, fog, ice, rain, sleet, high and gusting winds, humid and dry conditions.

Surfaces: Carpet, tile, brick and concrete floors inside. Grass, asphalt, cement, brick, wood, dirt and sand outdoors. Subjected to allergens, fur, dust, plants, paints, etc.

Equipment/Tools Used:

Equipment: Computers, laptop computers, digital projectors, printers, slide projector, VCR, DVD, 2 way radio, copy machine, scanner, fax, calculator, multi-line telephone, digital camera, digital video camera, golf cart, utility vehicle, automobile, weather lab equipment, microscopes, video disc player, digital message repeaters, vacuum cleaner, ladder, step stool, hot glue gun, labeling machine, and laminator.

Tools: (Power) drill, screwdriver, small air compressor.

(Manual) Screwdriver, hammers, punch, pens, pencils, scissors, paint brush, wrenches, tape measure, broom, mop and mop bucket, paper cutter, mat cutter, utility knife and exacto blades.

Software and Programs:

Including but not limited to Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office 365, Outlook, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office Suite.

Physical Characteristics:

Ability to lift up to 60 lbs.; walk, sit, stand, kneel, crawl, bend, climb ladder, push, reach, hear, see, write, drive, type, and speak aloud to public audiences.

Safety Statement:

Employee is expected to use good judgment in arranging work area using proper safeguards to maximize health and safety while performing daily tasks.

This position does not qualify for benefits.

Employer City of Garden City (KS)

Address 301 N. 8th Street

Garden City, Kansas, 67846

Phone 620-276-1175

Website https://www.garden-city.org/