Educator I

Virginia-Zoological-Society-; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

The Virginia Zoo in Norfolk, VA seeks an Educator to lead and support school, homeschool, scout, and camp programs. You will set up, facilitate, and clean up activities, adapt curricula to participants, and ensure safety while working with animal ambassadors and materials.

Ideal candidates have strong communication, organization, and customer service skills, with a high school diploma and enthusiasm for wildlife education. This role offers consistent part-time hours and community impact.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Bachelor’s degree or college courses in Education or Natural Science is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct Zoo educational programs including school, homeschool, camp, scout, and group programs.
• Follow assigned curriculum and adapt presentations to participant needs.
• Assist with preparation, setup, execution and cleanup of educational programs.
• Maintain current animal handling certification and work with animal ambassadors as needed.
• Assist Animal Ambassador Team with animal husbandry and related duties.
• Document scheduling, tracking, and program-related activities.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Interpersonal skills

Customer service

Organizational skills

Time management

Microsoft Office proficiency

Ability to work under pressure

Education

High school diploma

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

Educators at the Virginia Zoo are responsible for the set-up, facilitation, and clean-up of all educational programing. 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.
• Follow assigned curriculum and adapt presentation methods to the needs of participants.
• Assist with the preparation, setup, execution and cleanup of Zoo educational programs.
• 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

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 or college courses completed in a relevant field (Education or Natural Science)
• Related experience preferred but not required

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 mile.
• 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.
• Occasional evening, weekend, or holiday work for programs or operational needs.

Special Requirements

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

Schedule Requirements

This position is scheduled to work approximately 32 hours per week, typically Tuesday through Friday. The schedule may vary based on operational needs. Occasional evening, weekend, and holiday hours may be required to support programs, special events, and other organizational activities.

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.