Group and Family Programs Lead Educator (Full Time)

Kansas City Zoo; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Kansas City Zoo is seeking a GROUP & FAMILY PROGRAMS LEAD EDUCATOR (FULL TIME) to lead overnight, camp, and family programs within Conservation/Education. The role supervises participants, organizes materials, and supports curriculum development with a focus on safety and engagement.

The position requires 2-3 years of professional education experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to work weekends and evenings. Starting pay is $21 per hour, with growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years professional education or teaching experience required, with zoo/aquarium/museum experience desirable.
• Experience coordinating camps, tours and other fee-based programs desirable.
• Knowledge of classroom management techniques and teaching aids desirable.
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office and audio-visual equipment required.

Responsibilities

• Assists in development and enhancement of Group & Family programs, including resource gathering, organization and administrative support.
• Delivers conservation and educational programs using developed lessons, hands-on activities, and events while ensuring participant safety.
• Facilitates and supervises overnights with participants and coordinates with Zoo security staff.
• Collaborates with Scout Leaders and aids badge/journey completion.
• Promotes the Zoo & Aquarium’s programs and events.

Skills

Teaching experience

Program coordination

Public speaking

Microsoft Office

Verbal communication

Written communication

Education

High School diploma or GED

Course work in education or biological sciences

Tools

Audio-visual equipment

Job description

GROUP & FAMILY PROGRAMS LEAD EDUCATOR (FULL TIME)

DEPARTMENT

Conservation/Education

CLASSIFICATION

Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO

Group & Family Programs Supervisor

DIRECT REPORTS

N/A

STARTING PAY

$21

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Under general direction, the Group & Family Programs Lead Educator delivers a variety of programs, including overnights, camps, and family and adult programs, while supervising participants. This position organizes and maintains all materials associated with the programs, aids with curriculum and program development, and performs administrative and coordination duties related to programs.

POSITION DUTIES & ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Duties

Assists Conservation & Education supervisors in the development and enhancement of Group & Family programs, including:

• Resource gathering, organization and maintenance.
• Administrative support, including maintenance of files and records.
• Program coordination and support.
• Assisting with parent and participant communication.
• Working to consistently improve knowledge of science education techniques and content.
• Observing and providing peer assistance for colleagues, as well as mentoring and supervising program assistants.
• Assisting with facilitating and implementing the mission, strategic plan, and core values of the Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium.

60%

Delivers various conservation and educational programs, including:

• Utilizes developed lessons, hands‑on activities, night/morning hikes, and games to create a comprehensive experience for program participants.
• Responsible for the safety and wellbeing of program participants.
• Facilitates and supervises overnights with program participants either indoors or outdoors, while effectively communicating with Zoo security staff.
• Collaborates with Scout Leaders and aids in badge/journey completion.
• Thinks critically to address challenges, consistently makes decisions that champion safety, integrity, and professionalism in all contexts, without direct oversight.

30%

Assists in the promotion of the Zoo & Aquarium’s programs and events.

10%

*This position may at times be requested to perform other duties or special projects as assigned, which are in the best interest of the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium.

*All employees must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily and, upon request, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• EDUCATION & FORMAL TRAINING:
  • High School diploma or GED, preferred.
  • Course work in education, biological sciences, or related field, desired.
• EXPERIENCE:
  • 2-3 years professional education or teaching experience required, with previous zoo, aquarium or museum related experienced desired.
  • Previous experience coordinating camps, tours and other fee‑based programs desired.
  • Experience managing and/or working with volunteers desired.
  • Knowledge of classroom management techniques and skills using teaching aids, including animals, biofacts, artifacts and library resources, desired.
  • Knowledge of conservation/biological/environmental teaching programs and interpretation.
  • Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office and audio‑visual equipment, required.
  • Strong presentation, verbal, and written communication skills.
• OTHER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must have valid driver’s license.
  • Can move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without assistance. Assistance depending upon task.
  • Must be willing to become CPR/First-Aid certified.
  • Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays and overnight/evening hours, in all weather extremes.
  • Must pass a background and drug screening.