Conservation Educator (Full-Time)

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

Applications are being accepted for a full-time Conservation Educator to join the Fort Wayne Zoo team.
This is a full-time position requiring availability for a 40-hour work week year-round. Full-time benefits include Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance, 403b Plan, 403b Matching, Employee Assistance Program, Paid Days Off, Paid Holidays, Paid Health & Wellness Days, and Paid Parental Leave as well as optional Dental, Vision, Life, and Pet Insurance Programs. All team members receive Team Member Perks such as a free Staff Membership, concessions and retail discounts, development opportunities, and appreciation programs.
Application Deadline: September 17, 2026
The Conservation Educator enthusiastically delivers hands‑on educational programming to audiences of all ages during the school year and Zoo season. This position provides direct supervision of team members and coordination of daily operations for a Zoo season education program and ensures all education objectives are met and also assists the Education Managers in special programing. This position also strives to embody the Zoo’s values at all times, contributes to positive guest experiences, and performs other duties as required.
Essential Functions And Responsibilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Delivers engaging, educational programs to school groups, family groups, staff, volunteers, and other audiences both at the Zoo and off‑site at various locations in Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan.
• Promotes mission‑based storytelling and conservation education to school groups, family groups, staff, and volunteers at the Zoo and off‑site programs.
• Introduces program audiences to a variety of program animals in a safe and respectful manner.
• Regularly trains and keeps accurate behavior records in order to maintain wellbeing standards of program animals.
• Assists the Conservation Education Manager by developing curricula and implementing new educational techniques as directed to ensure all programs align with the Zoo’s educational objectives and mission.
• 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 to the education community.
• Serves as a team player in the Education Department by supporting the department’s goals.
• Represents the Zoo in a positive manner by maintaining a positive attitude and delivering exceptional guest service.
• Maintains records of program outcomes.
• Supports the Zoo’s commitment to continued growth of diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and belonging for team members, volunteers, guests, and supporters.
• Assists with special projects and helps other team members as needed.
• Actively contributes to positive guest experiences.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• In partnership with People Services and department leadership, assists in determining staffing needs; interviews, hires, and orients department team members; prepares and administers regular evaluations; conducts coaching, disciplinary, and termination conferences for team members and volunteers assigned to specific Zoo season programs.
• Provides support and supervision to team members.

Education And Experience
To perform this job successfully, an individual must have the following education and/or experience. 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