Adjunct Conservation Educator

Wildlife Conservation Society; New York (NY); On-site; USD 26,139 - 37,229; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Bronx Zoo access and other WCS parks

Diversity and inclusive workplace

Job summary

Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Bronx Zoo is seeking an Adjunct Conservation Educator to teach school programs for PreK-12 audiences and lead family, scout, and community activities on site in the Bronx. The role supports a lively learning environment and collaborates with a team of educators.

Responsibilities include preparing materials, adapting activities for diverse learners, and training in animal handling protocols under supervision.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED.
• One-year prior teaching experience.
• Ability to work within a highly team-oriented environment, as well as independently.
• Excellent verbal communication skills to help interpret science concepts in online settings, classroom settings and at zoo exhibits.
• Reliable, flexible and accountable.
• Weekend availability is required.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 25lbs and spend long periods of time outdoors.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Teach a variety of school programs, with a primary focus on PreK-12 grade audiences, as well as other programs including, but not limited to, family programs, scout programs, school break and summer camps.
• Supervise and interact with children ranging in age from 2-17 years old
• Maintain a fun and lively learning environment
• Prepare and organize materials for programs
• Collaborate on developing curriculum for programs
• Train in the proper handling and presentation protocols of the Bronx Zoo’s tractable animal collection under the supervision of the Tractable Animal Team
• Attend regular staff meetings and participate in staff development
• Perform all related tasks and duties as assigned Comply with all policies and procedures as presented by WCS and the WCS Education Department, including health and safety policies

Skills

Teaching experience

Verbal communication

Team-oriented

Reliability

Weekend availability

Driver's license

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Adjunct Conservation Educator
Reports To: Program Coordinator
Location: Bronx
Job Type: Permanent Part Time
Department: Education
Job Description: Location: Bronx Zoo
Start Date: September 2026
Schedule: School Year (Sept-May): Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat, 8:30am-4:30pm (~30 hours/week)
Summer (June-August): Monday through Friday 8:00am-4:00pm (~38 hours/week)
Pay Rate: $23.00 per hour

Who We Are

The WCS Education Department works across our five wildlife parks: Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and New York Aquarium. Our mission is to inspire a diverse and inclusive movement of conservation advocates by sparking connection with animals and nature, enhancing scientific literacy through hands-on investigation, and engaging constituents in stewardship and action to conserve wildlife and wild places.
WCS is proud to be an equal opportunity employment workplace dedicated to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work and learning environment and look for future team members who share our values.

Job Overview

The Adjunct Conservation Educator (Adjunct) will focus on teaching a variety of programs for children of all ages, including school field trips and scout programs, general audience programs, community days, summer camp, and other programs as needed. The Adjunct will join a team of WCS Educators to lead programs, modify activities to fit unique learning styles of students, and maintain a lively learning environment. The Adjunct will work with a wide variety of audiences including toddlers, youth, teens, scouts, school groups, families and adults. The Adjunct will report to work on-site at the Bronx Zoo; this is not a remote work opportunity.

Responsibilities

• Teach a variety of school programs, with a primary focus on PreK-12 grade audiences, as well as other programs including, but not limited to, family programs, scout programs, school break and summer camps.
• Supervise and interact with children ranging in age from 2-17 years old
• Maintain a fun and lively learning environment
• Prepare and organize materials for programs
• Collaborate on developing curriculum for programs
• Train in the proper handling and presentation protocols of the Bronx Zoo’s tractable animal collection under the supervision of the Tractable Animal Team
• Attend regular staff meetings and participate in staff development
• Perform all related tasks and duties as assigned Comply with all policies and procedures as presented by WCS and the WCS Education Department, including health and safety policies

Qualification Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED
• One-year prior teaching experience
• Ability to work within a highly team-oriented environment, as well as independently
• Excellent verbal communication skills to help interpret science concepts in online settings, classroom settings and at zoo exhibits
• Reliable, flexible and accountable
• Weekend availability is required
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 25lbs and spend long periods of time outdoors
• Must possess a valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications

• Educational background in ecology, environmental science or education
• Some experience handling or working with animals
• Bilingual/Spanish speaker is a plus

Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes YOU, then YOU are highly encouraged to apply.

Workplace Environment

We value team members and community partners from all backgrounds and cultures with different skills, abilities, and perspectives.

We ensure that everyone has an opportunity to fully contribute to our mission.

Benefits and Perks

• We value creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and building a culture where everyone is welcomed and can flourish.
• As PT staff, you will receive access to Bronx Zoo and other WCS parks
• It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that we do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based upon a person’s membership in one of these protected categories in areas such as recruitment, selection, job assignment, supervision, training, promotions, promotions, job grading, transfers, termination, compensation, benefits, educational opportunities, WCS sponsored recreational activities and facilities. The organization complies with the spirit and intent of relevant local laws and WCS’s employment policies.
• Note that the salary offer will reflect the selected candidate’s individual experiences, skills and qualifications, internal equity, work location and country of work. Salary Range $23.00/hr

Equal Employment Opportunity Disclaimer

WCS is an equal opportunity employer, and the organization complies with all employment and labor laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in hiring and ensures that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the recruitment process. We are dedicated to hiring and engaging in a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and looking for future team members who share that same value. The organization provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. The organization does not discriminate for employment based on gender, race/ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, caste, genetic information or any other covered status or characteristic protected by laws and regulations/and similar categories.
It is everyone's responsibility to ensure that we do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based upon a person’s membership in one of these protected categories in areas such as recruitment, selection, job assignment, supervision, training, promotions, promotions, job grading, transfers, termination, compensation, benefits, educational opportunities, WCS sponsored recreational activities and facilities. The organization complies with the spirit and intent of relevant local laws and WCS’s employment policies.