Education Specialist I

Socket.dev; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Virginia Zoo in Norfolk, VA seeks an Education Specialist to support the Mission Engagement department by teaching and developing formal educational programs aligned with local education standards. This role covers school, homeschool, Scout, camp, and group programs across on-site and off-site settings.

Responsibilities include program delivery, curriculum development, staff training, and program evaluation, with collaboration across Educators and Animal Ambassador teams.

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.

Responsibilities

• Conduct Zoo educational programs that include on-site 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 growing the Zoo’s education programs by reviewing and revising existing programs and proposing new programs.
• 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.
• 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 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.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Interpersonal skills

Customer service

Organization

Time management

MS Office proficiency

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.

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.