On-Call Conservation Educator

Reid Park Zoological Society; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid sick time

Retirement plan

Zoo membership

Employee assistance program

Discounts on concession and gift shop

Job summary

Reid Park Zoo in Tucson, AZ seeks an on-call Conservation Educator to deliver engaging educational programs, tours, and outreach while upholding the Zoo’s conservation messaging. This role emphasizes guest service, safety, and collaboration with the Conservation Education Supervisor.

Ideal candidates will have strong communication skills, reliability for evening/weekend shifts, and a valid driver license. The position is on-site with a focus on community education and conservation impact.

Qualifications

• Excellent verbal and written communication are required.
• Ability to engage diverse audiences in an educational setting.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Driver license and background check prerequisites are required.

Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging educational programs for guests and youth.
• Prepare for, deliver, and clean up established programs.
• Provide excellent guest service and follow Zoo procedures.
• Lead tours and assist with special events and outreach.

Skills

Public speaking

Interpersonal skills

Presentation skills

Customer service

Attention to detail

Reliable attendance

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

Explore a career with Reid Park Zoo!We are seeking a on-call Conservation Educator!

With a mission centered in conservation, the Zoo is Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participates in over 50 Species Survival Plans for threatened and endangered species. Reid Park Zoo cares for over 200 exotic animal species from around the world, maintains a state-of-the-art elephant program, a cutting-edge veterinary clinic that serves as a teaching hospital for the University of Arizona veterinary program, and is a leader in the Monarch and Songbird Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) programs. With more than 600,000 visits annually, the Zoo is in the midst of an exciting expansion project, Pathway to Asia, that will add four acres to its campus, bringing new species such as red panda, Komodo dragon and Lar gibbons, as well as a breeding facility for critically-endangered Malayan tigers when it opens in 2026.

Reid Park Zoo’s mission is to connect people with animals, inspiring the protection of wild animals and wild places. Be a part of a vibrant, growing organization as Reid Park Zoo continues to support local and global conservation and the highest standards in animal care while providing educational opportunities and family fun.

No phone calls or visits please. This position is open until filled. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff by creating an inclusive environment.

Pay

$17.65 per hour

Benefits:

This position is not eligible for health and welfare, vacation or holiday pay. Benefits of this position include paid sick time, retirement plan, zoo membership, employee assistance program, and discounts on concession and gift shop purchases.

You are

dependable, reliable, detail-oriented,committed to animal well-being, and have a passion for wild animals and wild places!

Job Overview:

On-Call Educators deliver safe, engaging educational programs that advance the Zoo’s education and conservation messaging. This role focuses on preparing for, delivering, and cleaning up established programs while providing excellent guest service and following Zoo procedures

Reports to:

Conservation Education Supervisor

General Duties

• Demonstrates and models the core values of the Reid Park Zoological Society (RPZS or the Zoo)
• Perform duties in accordance with RPZS policies and procedures
• Provide excellent customer and guest service as a component of all job duties
• Follows Zoo safety protocols and procedures
• Prepare for and deliver engaging, inclusive educational programs, presentations, tours, camps, outreach programs, and special events for audiences of all ages
• Follow established curricula, learning objectives, and program procedures
• Lead tours into behind-the-scenes areas when assigned and appropriately trained
• Drive a Zoo-provided vehicle for off-site programming as needed
• Handle animal ambassadors after completing required training and demonstrating competency
• Follow animal-handling and safety protocols, assess animal welfare during programming, and promptly report concerns
• Participate in required training and emergency drills
• Model the Zoo’s core values and promote its mission and conservation goals
• Communicate with supervisors before and after programs and provide constructive feedback on program implementation, guest needs, and operational concerns
• Assist with special events, volunteer activities, and other departmental projects as assigned
• Complete required training and perform other reasonable duties as assigned
• Regularly (at least weekly) check work email for important departmental updates

Minimum Required Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

• Strong communication, public speaking, presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
• Ability to follow instructions, accept feedback, and adapt to changing priorities
• Reliable attendance and availability to work evenings and weekends
• A valid, current, unrestricted driver license
• Successfully complete pre-hire background check and pre-employment drug screen (we do not test for THC)
• Proof of negative TB test within immediate past 12 months, OR, complete a pre-hire TB test (company paid) to be renewed annually
• 2026 or newer COVID-19 Booster
• Comply with periodic random drug testing if selected
• Participates in emergency drills
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to maintain positive, constructive relationships, at all levels, with a diverse population of staff, guests, volunteers, vendors and the public
• Politely assertive, energetic, and enjoy working in a fast paced, public/guest attraction focused environment

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors in hot, cold, and changing weather conditions for extended periods, particularly during summer camp
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds frequently, stand or walk for extended periods, and lead groups over uneven terrain

Preferred Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

• Additional years of experience in conservation education, education and/or child education
• Experience working in an AZA accredited facility or other park or public attraction strongly preferred
• Bilingual (any language including ASL)

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. It is intended to give a reasonable idea of what might be required.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Reid Park Zoological Society to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, don't hesitate to get in touch with the Human Resources Dept.