Camp Educator – Night & Day Zoo Programs

The Phoenix Zoo; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 22,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

The Phoenix Zoo in Phoenix, AZ invites applications for the part-time Instructor I position in the Learning and Engagement department. This role supports the Arizona Center for Nature Conservation and conducts Night Camps, Day Camps, and Zoo events, with optional Level I animal handling during camp programs.

The incumbent will present educational programs using animals, plants, and media, following curricula, while ensuring high-quality guest experiences and safety.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Friendly, responsible, and enthusiastic.
• Maintains a positive and respectful attitude with guests and teammates.
• Good listening skills and open to giving/receiving feedback to help the team grow.
• Can effectively and respectfully communicate with a diverse audience and teammates (including all age levels, cultures, neurodiversity, and level of abilities).
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including overnights, evenings, weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
• Excellent time management and guest service skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Interest in learning, understanding, and communicating science and conservation concepts and messages to Zoo guests.
• Able to give and receive constructive feedback with a growth mindset and solution-oriented approach.
• Experience working with children in an educational setting (formal or informal) preferred.
• Experience working in a camp setting or zoo/aquarium setting preferred.
• Excellent public speaking and presentation skills preferred.
• Ability to evaluate an audience and tailor the program to provide information and entertainment at an appropriate level preferred.
• Existing knowledge about education, geology, ecology, conservation and/or biology preferred.
• Ability to perform all duties in an outdoor environment even during extremes of weather.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds; regularly bend, crouch, and kneel; stand and walk for extended periods of time; work in both indoor and outdoor environments in extreme weather conditions.
• Possession of valid driver's license.
• Ability to pass pre-employment background check, drug test, DMV check, clear annual TB test, and obtain a Food Handler’s License within 1 month of hire date.

Responsibilities

• Provide quality guest service to all Zoo guests by maintaining a WILD (friendly, helpful, positive, and professional) working attitude and appearance.
• Present and facilitate scheduled programs about the natural world utilizing a variety of animals, plants and media or other props.
• Follow an established curriculum and schedule in order to provide high quality guest experiences to audiences of all ages and sizes.
• Serve food to program guests in camps.
• Attend scheduled meetings and training for all department team members to become familiar with experiences, logistics and responsibilities.
• Check e-mail at least once a week and respond in a timely manner when appropriate.
• As an optional responsibility, certify on presentation protocol for Level I animal handling in order to present live ambassador animals during camp programs.
• As a secondary responsibility, assist Program Supervisors and the Formal Learning & Engagement Manager as needed in the development of education programs.

Skills

Friendly attitude

Responsible

Enthusiastic

Excellent public speaking

Adaptability

Teamwork

Time management

Public presentation skills

Outdoor/field work

Customer service

Communication with diverse audiences

Ability to lift 30 pounds

Interpersonal skills

General science communication

Problem solving

Flexibility with shifts

Background check readiness

Driver's license

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

The Phoenix Zoo in Phoenix, AZ invites applications for the part-time Instructor I position in the Learning and Engagement department. This role supports the Arizona Center for Nature Conservation and conducts Night Camps, Day Camps, and Zoo events, with optional Level I animal handling during camp programs.

The incumbent will present educational programs using animals, plants, and media, following curricula, while ensuring high-quality guest experiences and safety.