Early Childhood and Afterschool Coordinator

Natural and Cultural Resources; Asheboro (NC); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Zoo is seeking an Early Childhood and Afterschool Coordinator to research, design, coordinate, deliver, and evaluate Pre-K–2 educational programs, including onsite and offsite experiences and summer camps, with an emphasis on STEM learning.

The role trains staff, partners with schools and community organizations, and coordinates program logistics, while supporting ambassador animal programming and conservation initiatives. Hybrid telework is available; located in Asheboro, NC.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Environmental Education, Biology, Wildlife Science, Natural Resources, or a closely related field.
• Experience designing curriculum and instructional resources aligned with state or national education standards, including STEM and inquiry-based learning.
• Experience working with children in preschool – 2nd grade (4 - 8 years old).
• Experience supervising, mentoring, or training staff, interns, volunteers, or educators, with demonstrated leadership and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and partnership‑building skills, with experience collaborating with schools, community organizations, and multidisciplinary teams to plan, implement, and evaluate educational programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead the research, development, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of early childhood (Pre‑K–2) educational programs, including onsite and offsite school programs, self‑guided learning experiences, afterschool programming, virtual learning opportunities, and summer library and preschool camps.
• Coordinate educational partnerships and program logistics by scheduling school and afterschool programs, supporting homeschool events, maintaining educational offerings in state and regional databases, collaborating with schools and community organizations, and incorporating feedback from the Teacher Advisory Council to continuously improve programs and resources.
• Support ambassador animal programming by training, handling, presenting, and assisting with the care, behavioral observation, and welfare of education animals while ensuring positive learning experiences for students and guests.
• Supervise, mentor, and train seasonal staff, fellows, interns, and volunteers by developing training materials, coaching educators, evaluating performance, scheduling staff, serving as Educator on Duty, and ensuring safe, engaging, and high‑quality educational programming.
• Promote and support the Zoo’s education and conservation mission by collaborating with Zoo departments, developing promotional and digital content, assisting with Conservation, Education, and Science (CES) initiatives, and creating programs that inspire conservation action through place‑based learning and evidence‑based educational practices.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Education, Environmental Education, Biology, Wildlife Science, Natural Resources, or a closely related field

Job description

Agency Dept of Natural and Cultural Resources Division Zoological Park Job Classification Title Zoo Educator (S) Position Number 65044219 Grade NC06

About Us The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) enriches people’s lives through education and stewardship of North Carolina’s natural and cultural resources. DNCR manages over 100 locations across the state, including historic sites, museums, state parks, trails, aquariums, the North Carolina Zoo, the Library of North Carolina, the State Archives, the North Carolina Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the North Carolina Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. These programs and places unite North Carolinians, create a shared identity, and provide common ground. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov. We encourage you to apply to become a part of our team.

Description of Work Join the North Carolina Zoo during an exciting period of growth as we prepare for the opening of Asia! The North Carolina Zoo is seeking to hire an Early Childhood and Afterschool Coordinator. This role researches, designs, coordinates, delivers, and evaluates the North Carolina Zoo's early childhood (Pre-K–2) school programs, including onsite and offsite experiences, self-guided learning, afterschool programs, and support for summer library programs and Pre-K camps. It includes developing standards-aligned curricula, instructional resources, and teaching strategies that support the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction's Standard Course of Study and the educational goals of schools and afterschool organizations, with an emphasis on STEM education.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research, development, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of early childhood (Pre‑K–2) educational programs, including onsite and offsite school programs, self‑guided learning experiences, afterschool programming, virtual learning opportunities, and summer library and preschool camps. Develop standards‑aligned curriculum, instructional resources, and conservation education experiences that support the North Carolina Standard Course of Study and promote STEM learning.
• Coordinate educational partnerships and program logistics by scheduling school and afterschool programs, supporting homeschool events, maintaining educational offerings in state and regional databases, collaborating with schools and community organizations, and incorporating feedback from the Teacher Advisory Council to continuously improve programs and resources.
• Support ambassador animal programming by training, handling, presenting, and assisting with the care, behavioral observation, and welfare of education animals while ensuring positive learning experiences for students and guests.
• Supervise, mentor, and train seasonal staff, fellows, interns, and volunteers by developing training materials, coaching educators, evaluating performance, scheduling staff, serving as Educator on Duty, and ensuring safe, engaging, and high‑quality educational programming.
• Promote and support the Zoo’s education and conservation mission by collaborating with Zoo departments, developing promotional and digital content, assisting with Conservation, Education, and Science (CES) initiatives, and creating programs that inspire conservation action through place‑based learning and evidence‑based educational practices.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences Please note: Job postings close at 11:59:59 p.m. the night before the listed Posting End Date above. Recruitment Range: $35,596 - $48,945 To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must provide the information on the application form. Any information omitted from the application form, listed as general statements, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit.

Candidates meet the minimum qualifications of this position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. Vacancy specific knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) and/or management preferences are not required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Environmental Education, Biology, Wildlife Science, Natural Resources, or a closely related field.
• Experience designing curriculum and instructional resources aligned with state or national education standards, including STEM and inquiry-based learning.
• Experience working with children in preschool – 2nd grade (4 - 8 years old), Experience supervising, mentoring, or training staff, interns, volunteers, or educators, with demonstrated leadership and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and partnership‑building skills, with experience collaborating with schools, community organizations, and multidisciplinary teams to plan, implement, and evaluate educational programs.

Position/Physical Requirements Work schedule: Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm Must be able to work weekends, holidays and after regular work shifts. This position is deemed eligible for hybrid telework under DNCR’s Telework Policy.

This position is located at: 4401 Zoo Parkway Asheboro, NC 27205

Minimum Education and Experience Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details. Bachelor's degree in a natural science program from an appropriately accredited institution AND two years of experience in the development and presentation of natural science interpretive and educational programs; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Division Description The North Carolina Zoo exists for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of all our citizens and guests. The North Carolina Zoo mission is to protect wildlife and wild places and inspire people to join in conserving the natural world. This mission encompasses both domestic and international efforts, focusing on wildlife conservation, habitat preservation and promoting environmental stewardship. Learn more about the North Carolina Zoo: https://nczoo.org.

The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) selects applicants for employment based on required education and experience and job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age (40 or older), disability, National Guard or veteran status, genetic information, political affiliation, or political influence. We are an Employment First state, ensuring that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to succeed in the state government workplace. DNCR supports pay equity for women, establish paid parental leave for birth, adoption, and foster care, and implement fair chance policies. Join a team that welcomes, values, respects and supports all members of our work community.

We participate in E-Verify (Employment Eligibility Verification System). Employment Eligibility It is the policy of the State of North Carolina and DNCR that all employees provide proof of employment eligibility (immigration and naturalization) on the first day of employment.