Coordinator, Zoo School

Calgary Zoo; Calgary; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading conservation organization as a full-time permanent Coordinator for the Zoo School. You'll inspire future conservationists through engaging educational programs, manage logistics and budgets, and collaborate with teachers and community partners. This role offers a unique opportunity to work in a dynamic environment while contributing to wildlife conservation efforts.

Benefits

Competitive compensation

Flexible benefits plan

Employer matching RRSP program

Discounts on food and merchandise

Fun work environment

Qualifications

• At least 4 years of experience in environmental education and teaching.
• Valid Standard First Aid and Class 5 Driver’s License required.

Responsibilities

• Customize and deliver programming for Zoo School.
• Co-manage the Zoo School budget and track expenses.
• Conduct professional development for teachers.

Skills

Organizational Skills

Communication

Public Speaking

Natural History Knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in education

Job description

Take the next step in your career by joining the team at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo and grow your experience at one of the most unique sites in Calgary! The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is seeking a full-time permanent Coordinator, Zoo School to help us connect with and inspire the next generation of conservationists!

The Zoo School Coordinator team is responsible for all aspects of the Zoo School program including teacher selection, program coordination and logistics, budget management, donor and partner relations, and promotion of the Zoo School concept to the broader educational community. The coordinator delivers engaging programs that can be conveyed in multiple formats: in-person at the Zoo, virtually and offsite in classrooms and community spaces. Beyond the school year, the Zoo School Coordinator will support the Conservation Education department to offer a variety of educational programming including summer camps. The Zoo School Coordinator also provides training for new staff and in-house professional development for staff in the Conservation Education Department.

Our Purpose | We act for wildlife; saving species and inspiring people to join us.

Our Core Values | Drive impact, nurture connection, cultivate hope, and be bold.

Contract Start: August 2025

What you will do:

• Customize and deliver programming to students participating in Zoo School and facilitate all aspects of their week in collaboration with the other Zoo School Coordinator
• Conduct professional development and in-service for teachers
• Solicit, collect and evaluate teacher applications for bookings in Zoo School; prepare annual delivery schedule
• Complete an annual report of Zoo School activities for program donors and partners
• Administer the bussing schedule and contract for Zoo School
• Mentor volunteers to work with Zoo School classes
• Co-manage the Zoo School budget, track expenses, and complete purchase requests and purchase orders as part of the Zoo School Coordinator team as necessary. Contribute to annual budget forecasts as needed.
• Liaise with program partners such as the Calgary Board of Education, Calgary Catholic School Division and the Campus Calgary Open Minds Program
• Host student teachers when opportunities arise
• Attend conferences, publish articles and generally promote the Zoo’s involvement in Zoo School
• Share professional development learning with education staff
• Oversee daily up-keep of the Zoo School Classroom during the school year, complete biannual safety inspections, and coordinate any maintenance needs
• Deliver school programs seasonally and summer camps as needed
• Update and develop new program resources that reflect current educational practices
• Maintain and manage Zoo School supply inventory
  
  

What you will bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in education is required
• At least 4 years of combined experience which may include experience in interpretation and environmental education; experience teaching in formal and non-formal environments; and experience collaborating with teachers in a consultative role
• Valid Standard First Aid is required
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s License is required
• Familiarity with the field of teaching and learning, current trends and issues in education
• Keen interest and knowledge in natural history and conservation
• Excellent organizational skills, written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent public speaking skills and the ability to develop rapport and engage children and adults in an entertaining and educational manner;
• Ability to work under minimal supervision within defined guidelines
  
  

Additional Requirements:

• This position will require submission of a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search
  
  

Working Conditions:

• Mobility in all weather conditions to be able to move around zoo grounds and to community engagement as needed
• Ability to lift light loads (up to 30lbs), pull a wagon of resources around Zoo Grounds, set up and take down tables and chairs
• Some desk and computer work
  
  

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is an outdoor facility and all staff working at the zoo must be comfortable working in a large variety of outdoor conditions. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo follows the advice of Environment Canada when responding to temperature and air quality issues.

What the Zoo Offers:

• Competitive compensation, vacation and flex days entitlement
• Flexible benefits plan, including a health spending account
• Employer matching RRSP program
• Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise
• Participation in the Staff Pass Benefit plan
• A fun, rewarding work environment and the opportunity to work in a park full of wild animals
  
  

Are you ready to join one of Canada’s leaders in wildlife conservation? If this position suits your skills, experience and personal attributes, we want to talk to you.

Apply by doing the following

• Watch this video about the conservation work being done at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J1VH1MBXm0)
• Submit your resume with a cover letter via our online application system.
• Fill in the application questions:
• If hired, when would you be available to start?
• Do you have any upcoming time-off requirements we should be aware of?
• Do you have a valid First Aid Certificate?
• Do you have a valid Class 5 Driver's License?
• Briefly describe your experience in interpretation and/or environmental education.
• Briefly describe your experience in formal and/or non-formal education settings.
• Briefly describe your experience in collaborating with teachers in a consultative role.
  

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

If this position is a fit for you, we encourage you to apply with a resume and cover letter online by May 30, 2025 at 4pm MST.

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo strives to cultivate a workplace in which everyone feels welcome and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. As a conservation organization, we respect and value the diversity of all life and come together as individuals and teammates to achieve the organization’s mission and vision. We recognize the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and work to advance our culture to ensure diverse viewpoints are heard and everyone has an equitable chance to succeed and thrive.

All candidates are thanked for their applications and advised that only those selected for interviews will be contacted.