Education Specialist (School and Community Programs)

Buttonwood Park Zoological Society; New Bedford (MA); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Buttonwood Park Zoo seeks an Education Specialist to develop and deliver school and community education programs that promote wildlife conservation and empathy for animals. The role focuses on managing Animal Ambassador encounters and leading Conservation Awareness Days, with responsibilities across scheduling, materials, and community partnerships.

The position requires travel for programming, weekend/evening availability, and collaboration with Education staff.

Qualifications

• Ability to work with the public and communicate with all age groups.
• Strong commitment to quality education in the zoo context.
• Knowledge of wildlife, ecology, and conservation; comfortable around animals.
• Experience with teaching in informal or formal settings; zoos and related needs understood.

Responsibilities

• Present programs, tours, and Animal Ambassador encounters for a variety of groups on-site, off-site, or virtually.
• Develop, create, and evaluate educational programs, materials, and curricula.
• Maintain schedules for Conservation Awareness Days; coordinate events as Day Of lead.
• Train and support Education Docents; contribute to education department projects.
• Produce educational content for the Zoo’s social media and communications.

Skills

Public interaction

Event coordination

Teaching/education experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Education/Animal/Environmental science

Tools

Canva

MS Office Suite

Job description

The Buttonwood Park Zoo is at a pivotal time in its 130+ year history. As the 12th oldest Zoo in the country the Zoo enjoys a deep connection with the community and a long history of creating family memories that transcend generations. The Education Specialist will be joining the Zoological Society at a time of great growth and opportunity and will serve as a key member of the team.

Position Overview:

The full-time Education Specialist assists in the development and delivery of education programs that support the Zoo’s commitment to wildlife and habitat conservation and promote empathy for animals through the training and presentation of the Animal Ambassador population. This position focuses specifically on managing and delivering School and Community Programs and leading fun-filled Conservation Awareness Days.

Responsibilities Include:

• Present programs, tours, and daily Animal Ambassador encounters for groups that include, but are not limited to: Zoo visitors, school groups, scout groups, camps, special events, Zoo members, teachers, special interest groups (seniors, daycare, special needs groups, etc.) on or off Zoo grounds and virtually.
• Assist in the development, creation, and evaluation of educational programs, materials, and curriculum.
• Retain existing recurring school program partnerships while also developing additional after school opportunities and curricula. Maintain annual schedule of, create materials for, and act as Day Of coordinator for all Conservation Awareness Days.
• Carry out training, relationship building, transportation, and presentation of the Animal Ambassador population to maximize animal welfare and guest engagement and learning.
• Provide thorough, accurate, and complete record keeping of Animal Ambassador use, Science on a Sphere use, BioFact use, and guest data, and well as any additional records as requested by the Animal Care team.
• Assist in creating and facilitating Education Department contributions to Zoo events and programs.
• Provide educational content for the Zoo’s social media pages and other communications.
• Assist in the training and support of Education Docents.
• Contribute to the maintenance and improvement of the BPZOO’s play areas, including opening and closing the Charlie’s Nature Play area every day.
• Assist in scheduling school programs, field trips, and Animal Ambassador encounters through Altru, Outlook, or delegated systems, as needed.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Ability to work closely with the public and communicate with all age groups, and deal with public in a courteous and respectful manner, regardless of the situation.
• Strong commitment to quality education in the Zoo world.
• Knowledge of and passion for wildlife, ecology, and conservation. Must be comfortable working in close proximity to wild & domestic animals in a zoo setting.
• Good working knowledge of animal behavior and experience with operant conditioning training.
• Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills. Must be comfortable using MS Office Suite and willing to learn skills in other software, including Canva.
• Must be available to work flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and evenings.
• Willingness to travel for programming, in most cases driving the Society-owned Zoomobile.
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty in various disciplines.
• Has a development and growth mindset.
• Creative team player.
• Work attitude focused on positive professionalism and integrity.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Driver’s license and personal vehicle
• Previous animal handling experience in a professional setting (i.e. zoo, nature center, pet store, etc.)
• Previous teaching experience in an informal setting (i.e. zoo, museum, nature center, camp, etc.) or formal setting (i.e. school) as well as a working knowledge of zoos and their needs
• Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized school with a major in Education, Animal or Environmental science, or related fields strongly preferred
• Bilingual candidates strongly encouraged to apply

Please note that other appropriate, professional tasks and responsibilities may be assigned at the discretion of the Director of Education. The Education Specialist position is a benefited, at-will position of the Buttonwood Park Zoological Society with compensation starting at $18 per hour.