ZOO EDUCATION SPECIALIST III




ZOO EDUCATION SPECIALIST

The Education Specialist III will develop and implement school and scout oriented educational programs and interactive experiences, ensuring that Zoo patrons have an enjoyable, educational, and safe experience. The Specialist will conduct programs in both traditional and nontraditional classrooms, both indoors and outdoors, and will interact with audiences of all ages. The Specialist will assist with development and implementation of new experiential education initiatives, and with coordination of the ambassador animal and docent programs. The chosen applicant will gain hands-on experience and professional growth in environmental education and interpretation, program development, project management, animal handling, volunteer coordination, customer service, and facilities operations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Program coordination -

  • Coordinates & conducts educational programs and interactive experiences to engage youth and youth education partners, including…
    • Public, private, or home schools
    • After school & daycares
    • Boy or Girl Scouts
    • Youth leaders and educators
  • Researches, develops curriculum, prepares materials, and conducts programs that will specifically meet school state academic standards & scout badge requirements.
  • Coordinates with the Education Program Coordinator to request, assign, and confirm adequate staff, volunteers, and ambassador animals for programming.
  • Seeks to expand community partnerships and engage with youth-focused organizations and events, specifically regional schools and scout groups.
  • Provides continuing education opportunities to teachers, scout leaders, environmental educators, and other youth education partners.
  • Develops extension curriculum and loaning materials that complement our programs and can be taught by youth educators and leaders.
  • Assists with general Education Department tasks as needed.

Volunteer Coordination -
Assists in scheduling and preparing volunteers to deliver programming.
Assists with training, monitoring, and certifying volunteers.
Other duties as assigned.

POSITION CRITERIA:
Education/Experience/Knowledge/Skills -
• Must be 18 years of age and have a valid driver license.
• A minimum of two years college study in education, or an environmental or biological science is required. An understanding of natural resources and environmental concerns is essential.
• Experience in a formal education setting and curriculum or lesson plan development is preferred.
• Must be able to communicate effectively and professionally with staff, volunteers, and the public.
• Ability to observe, communicate and connect with people to allow adaptation of education techniques to suit the audience, particularly those with young children.
• Knowledge, resourcefulness, and creativity to research and prepare appropriate educational curriculum and materials.
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively as part of a team.
• Flexibility to serve as needed based on educational and operational demands.
• Demonstrates self-motivation, ambition, and enthusiasm in work ethic.
• Demonstrates integrity, dependability, and professionalism in personal conduct.
• Ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, and Publisher.
• Ability to use office equipment including computer, fax, phone and two-way radio.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment -
• Must be willing to work up to 29 hours per week, especially during peak visitor seasons.
• Must be flexible and available to work some evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Involves activity indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Must be able to stand, walk on uneven terrain, and remain on feet for extended periods of time.
• Able to move moderate to heavy items (up to 50 pounds)


Position : 3111970

Code : 1-14

Type : INTERNAL & EXTERNAL

Location : MESKER PARK ZOO

Posting Start : 01/19/2026

Posting End : 12/31/9999