Kidzone Play Leader

Natural and Cultural Resources; North Carolina; On-site; USD 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pay equity

Parental leave

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) seeks a Zoo Educator to engage visitors through age-appropriate programming and to assist with animal ambassadors at the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro.

This role requires flexible scheduling, outdoor work, and the ability to lift up to 25 pounds, with strong public speaking and interpretive skills. Training in educational techniques is preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children and tailoring education to age or grade level.
• Public speaking experience and ability to explain material clearly.
• Knowledge of basic educational and interpretive techniques.

Responsibilities

• Work with diverse age groups to deliver engaging educational programs.
• Present information clearly and answer questions from visitors.
• Maintain safety and supervise animal ambassadors during programs.
• Collaborate with team to plan and implement exhibits and activities.

Skills

Public speaking

Education outreach

Customer service

Communication

Job description

Job Title

Zoo Educator (S) Position Number Grade NC06

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) takes care of the things that people love about North Carolina. DNCR manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. The Department’s vision is to be the leader in using the state's natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational, and economic future of North Carolina. Everyone is welcome. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov. We encourage you to apply to become a part of our team!

Recruitment Range

Recruitment Range: $15.00 per hour

Location

This position is located at: 4401 Zoo Parkway Asheboro, NC 27205

Key Responsibilities

• Must be available to work a diverse work schedule with most hours falling between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., and able to work weekends, holidays, or after‑hour/early‑morning special events.
• Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds.
• Must be able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions. (A typical day involves around 10,000 steps)
• Experience working with children and tailoring education to age or grade level.
• Must have public speaking experience with the ability to correctly answer questions and patiently explain difficult material.
• Knowledge of basic educational and interpretive techniques.
• Strong communication, decision‑making, and organizational skills with the ability to work effectively in a team setting and alone.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to take initiative and work independently.
• Willingness to train and handle animal ambassadors such as snakes, turtles, lizards, tarantulas, cockroaches, millipedes, salamanders, and frogs/toads.

Preferred Qualifications

• Management Prefers Experience handling animal ambassadors as part of educational programming
• CIG (through NAI) certification
• First Aid and CPR certification

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details. Education and/or experience in the performance of a variety of manual tasks that is directly related to the job and consistent with accepted practices of the trade equivalent to one year of experience. If there are no qualified candidates remaining in the applicant pool who meet the minimum Education and Experience or Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required for the position, the agency may consider for this position a trainee who does not meet the minimum requirements. Salary for a trainee may be set at a lower level than the classification salary range and recruitment range that is listed in the posting with the salary being adjusted up accordingly as the trainee has obtained the necessary additional education and experience to fully meet the minimum qualifications as outlined in the classification specification.

Benefits & Perks

• DNCR supports pay equity for women, establish paid parental leave for birth, adoption, and foster care, and implement fair chance policies.
• Join a team that welcomes, values, respects and supports all members of our work community.
• If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Employment Eligibility

It is the policy of the State of North Carolina and DNCR that all employees provide proof of employment eligibility (immigration and naturalization) on the first day of employment. We participate in E-Verify (Employment Eligibility Verification System).

Veteran's and National Guard Preference

Applicants seeking Veteran’s Preference must attach a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, along with the state application. Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing. Applicants who are former member of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application.

ADA Accommodations

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DNCR is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DNCR will ensure that persons with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices. We are an Employment First state, ensuring that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to succeed in the state government workplace.

Closing Date

All job postings close at 11:59pm the night before the End Date on the posting.

Contact Information

N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Division of the North Carolina Zoo 4401 Zoo Parkway Asheboro, NC 27205