Education Specialist I

Virginia Zoo; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The Virginia Zoo in Norfolk, VA seeks an Education Specialist to support the Mission Engagement department with expert teaching and curriculum development aligned to local standards.

You will lead school and group programs, homeschool and scout activities, and camp programs, while training staff and volunteers, and ensuring animal handling and safety protocols are followed during programs. This role emphasizes curiosity, discovery, and conservation education.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Two years’ experience in educational programs or classroom teaching.

Responsibilities

• Conduct educational programs for school, homeschool, scout, and group programs.
• Assist with preparation, setup, execution and cleanup of programs.
• Support curriculum development, staff training, and program evaluation.
• Help grow education programs by reviewing and proposing new ones.
• Coordinate communication with contacts for current and future programs.
• Maintain animal handling certification and follow safety protocols.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Customer service

Organizational skills

Time management

Microsoft Office Suite

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree in Education or Natural Science

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Mission & Values

The Virginia Zoo, founded in 1901 and located in Norfolk, Virginia, is home to more than 700 animals representing over 150 species across 53 acres of outdoor habitats, the World of Reptiles, classrooms, and guest amenities. The Zoo is committed to inspiring our community to take action to save the world's wildlife and their ecosystems. Our vision is a world where everyone values wildlife and the environment.

Description

Mission & Values

The Virginia Zoo, founded in 1901 and located in Norfolk, Virginia, is home to more than 700 animals representing over 150 species across 53 acres of outdoor habitats, the World of Reptiles, classrooms, and guest amenities. The Zoo is committed to inspiring our community to take action to save the world's wildlife and their ecosystems. Our vision is a world where everyone values wildlife and the environment.

We prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of every animal in our care. We empower our community to protect wildlife and ecosystems locally and globally. We create meaningful experiences that inspire curiosity, learning, and stewardship. We uphold ethical standards in all operations, partnerships, and interactions. We foster a welcoming environment where diverse perspectives strengthen our mission. We work together - staff, volunteers, city partners, and community to advance shared goals.

Position Summary

Education Specialists at the Virginia Zoo provide support for the Mission Engagement department with their expertise in teaching and developing formal educational programs and curriculum that aligns with the learning requirements of local educational institutions. These programs include school and group programs, homeschool programs, Scout programs, and camp programs.

Essential Duties / Responsibilities

• Conduct Zoo educational programs that include, but are not limited to, on and off-site school, homeschool, camp, scout, and group programs.
• Assist with the preparation, setup, execution and cleanup of Zoo educational programs.
• Support the development of curriculum, training of staff and volunteers, and evaluation of all Zoo education programs.
• Aid in the continued growth of the Zoo’s education programs by reviewing and revising existing programs and proposing new programs under the direction of the Education Programs Manager.
• Facilitate communication between Virginia Zoo and contacts for current and future programs.
• Support the evaluation and supervision of staff and volunteers’ execution of education programs.
• Help develop learning resources for teachers and students related to education programs.
• Coordinate relevant projects and tasks for Educators ensuring deadlines are met.
• Follow all protocols set by the Animal Ambassador team to safely and independently handle and transport animal ambassadors.
• Maintain current animal handling certification through on-going practice and training with animal ambassadors. Animal ambassadors include invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and small mammals.
• Safely and independently handle Animal Ambassadors for education programs including school, homeschool, scout, camp, and group programs.
• Assist Animal Ambassador Team with animal husbandry as needed, including, but not limited to, cleaning habitats, preparing diets, feeding animals, and cleaning transports.
• Effectively follow policies and procedures related to programing, including but not limited to scheduling, tracking, and documentation.
• Remain up to date on information regarding zoo animals and conservation using Mission Engagement department resources to effectively deliver programs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education And Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent
• At least two years related experience working with educational programs or teaching in a classroom

Minimum Qualifications

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (Education or Natural Science).
• At least 1 year experience developing curriculum for school or camp programs that align with either state standards or age-appropriate concepts.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to safely lift up to 50 pounds at times to pick up large tortoises.
• Must be able to safely pull carts of up to 75 pounds across the Zoo for distances up to a quarter miles.
• Will require walking across Zoo grounds, including uneven terrain, in all weather conditions.
• Exposure to moderate noise levels from guests, animals, and equipment.
• Proximity to animals and animal areas.
• Possible exposure to environmental allergens or cleaning agents.
• Schedule is anticipated to be Tuesday-Saturday.
• Occasional evening, weekend, or holiday work for programs or operational needs.

Special Requirements

• Valid driver's license
• Ability to pass a background check

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Virginia Zoo is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

ADA Accommodation Statement

The Virginia Zoo is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to ensure equal access to employment opportunities and the essential functions of each position. Applicants or employees who require accommodation may contact Human Resources to initiate an interactive process.