Education Program Specialist

The Buffalo Zoo; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plan

403B retirement plan

Paid time off

Sick time

Job summary

The Buffalo Zoo is seeking a full-time Education Program Specialist who will design, develop, administer, facilitate, and evaluate education curriculum for diverse audiences inside the Zoo and in the community to support conservation and education missions.

This role oversees flagship programs like Camps and Life Science Career Lab, ensuring curricula meet New York standards and align with the Zoo's strategic education plans, with a focus on hands-on learning and youth engagement.

Qualifications

• College degree required in zoo-related science and/or education.
• 6+ months teaching experience preferred.
• Experience in curriculum writing and program development is essential.
• Ability to engage a wide range of audiences.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, implement, and evaluate educational content for Zoo programs for audiences of all ages in a variety of on- and offsite settings.
• Coordinate and oversee Camps (as outlined), Life Science Career Lab (as outlined), early childhood programs, and homeschool programs.
• Update and evaluate curricula annually, ensuring alignment with NY State standards and Zoo education plans.

Skills

Writing

Organization

Communication

Grant writing

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in zoo-related science and/or education

Associates degree and equivalent experience

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Buffalo. Education Program Specialist. Buffalo Zoo. Full Time.

The Buffalo Zoo is seeking a full-time Education Program Specialist who will play a vital role in the Education Department. The Education Program Specialist designs, develops, administers, facilitates, and evaluates Zoo education curriculum, resources, and program strategies for a variety of audiences within the Zoo and the community to support the Zoos conservation and education missions.

Here is a summary of two key programs this position will oversee:

• Life Science Career Lab strengthens self-efficacy in marginalized youth (ages 14-18) through connections to individuals in the field, job readiness skill-practice, and creation of a personalized career pathway.
• Buffalo Zoo Camps help hundreds of animal-loving youths (ages 4-12) find their community each year. Our learner centered program provides opportunities for campers to meet animal ambassadors, explore the campus, and engage in hands-on activities to strengthen their relationship with wildlife and each other.

For more information about the Buffalo Zoo, please visit our website by using the following link: http://www.buffalozoo.org

Compensation And Benefits

This is a full-time, non-exempt hourly position. Salary range is $19.00-21.00 per hour (commensurate with experience). Full-Time benefits available include health plan, HSA/HRA, FSA, life insurance, long term disability, dental, vision, 403B retirement plan, annual leave time, holiday time, and sick time. Benefits are available the month following the successful completion and passing of an introductory probation period review at 60 days of work (sick time available upon hire).

Essential Functions

• Primary accountability for specific functions and results. The list of essential functions is not exhaustive and may be supplemented or changed as necessary.
• Plans, organizes, implements, and evaluates educational content for Zoo programs for audiences of all ages in a variety of on and offsite settings. Examples of programs this position coordinates include: Camps (outlined above), Life Science Career Lab (outlined above), early childhood programs, and/or homeschool programs.
• Updates and evaluates all assigned programs and curricula at the minimum annually (some programs may require more frequent review), creating new programs and education initiatives when appropriate; ensures that Zoo programs and curriculum meet State of New York academic standards and national science benchmarks when applicable and align with the Zoos strategic and education plans.

Position Qualifications

To perform at a proficient level and be fully qualified, the candidate would be expected to have:

Education/Experience

• This position requires a college degree (i.e. Bachelors degree in zoo-related science and/or education and/or Associates degree and equivalent experience).
• Minimum 6-months teaching experience preferred and a background in biology, zoology, or life science is desired.
• Both paid and unpaid experience are considered.
• Curriculum writing, technical and organizational skills are essential. Must have the ability to engage a wide range of audiences.
• Animal handling experience preferred.

Special Skills

• Well developed writing, organizational and communication skills.
• Grant writing and management experience helpful.
• Ability to supervise in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale is desired.
• Working knowledge of personal computers and software applications preferred.