Conservation Education Lead — Hands-On Programs & Impact

Fort Wayne Zoo; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Life Insurance

Long-Term Disability Insurance

403b Plan

403b Matching

Employee Assistance Program

Paid Days Off

Paid Holidays

Paid Health & Wellness Days

Paid Parental Leave

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance (optional)

Pet Insurance (optional)

Staff Membership (free)

Concessions and retail discounts

Development opportunities

Appreciation programs

Job summary

Fort Wayne Zoo is accepting applications for a full-time Conservation Educator to join our team. The position involves delivering hands-on educational programming to audiences of all ages during the school year and Zoo season, supervising staff, and coordinating daily operations for a seasonal education program.

The educator will help develop curricula, train volunteers, support guest experiences, and promote conservation messaging while upholding the Zoo's values.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Two years of experience teaching or program planning in an informal learning setting is required.
• Valid driver’s license is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in education, biology, life science, or related field is preferred.
• Previous experience in a zoo and/or aquarium setting is preferred.
• Certified Interpreter Guide (CIG) is preferred; certified through the National Association of Interpretation or another equitable organization

Responsibilities

• Delivers hands-on educational programs to school groups, family groups, staff, volunteers, and other audiences at the Zoo and off-site in Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan.
• Promotes mission-based storytelling and conservation education to school groups, family groups, staff, and volunteers.
• Introduces program audiences to a variety of program animals in a safe and respectful manner.
• Trains and maintains behavior records to meet wellbeing standards of program animals.
• Develops curricula and implements new educational techniques to align with the Zoo’s objectives.
• Coordinates and/or supports daily operations and supervision for a specific Zoo season education program.
• Assists in program schedules and coordinates cross-departmental activities.
• Promotes the Zoo as a science and conservation leader in the education community.
• Represents the Zoo with positive guest service and teamwork.
• Maintains records of program outcomes.
• Supports diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging initiatives.
• Assists with special projects and helps other team members as needed.

Skills

Education delivery

Program planning

Public speaking

Team supervision

Education

High school diploma or GED

Two years of teaching/program planning experience

Bachelor’s degree in education/biology/life science or related field

Certified Interpreter Guide (CIG)

Driver's license

Zoo or aquarium experience preferred

Job description

Fort Wayne Zoo is accepting applications for a full-time Conservation Educator to join our team. The position involves delivering hands-on educational programming to audiences of all ages during the school year and Zoo season, supervising staff, and coordinating daily operations for a seasonal education program.

The educator will help develop curricula, train volunteers, support guest experiences, and promote conservation messaging while upholding the Zoo's values.