Overnight Education Programmer

Natural and Cultural Resources; North Carolina; On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Zoo has an exciting opportunity to join our team as an Overnight Education Programmer. This role delivers engaging programs for community groups, Zoo experiences, and guests on-site and at off-site locations up to 100 miles from the Zoo.

The incumbent will use live animals and biofacts to tailor programs, transport animals safely, and engage overnight guests, with opportunities to support conservation education and animal welfare initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in natural science required.
• Two years of experience in development and presentation of natural science interpretive and educational programs.
• CPR/First Aid certification preferred; ability to handle live animals recommended.

Responsibilities

• Present and evaluate non-formal education programs for community groups, Zoo experiences, and overnight guests.
• Use live animals and biofacts to tailor programs to diverse audiences.
• Safely transport live animals throughout the Zoo and supervise overnight guests.

Skills

Public speaking

First Aid/CPR

Animal handling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in natural science

Job description

Agency Dept of Natural and Cultural Resources Division Job Classification 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.

Description of Work

The North Carolina Zoo has an exciting opportunity to join our team. We are seeking a dynamic, efficient, and enthusiastic individual to serve as an Overnight Education Programmer. The primary role of this position is to deliver engaging programs for community groups, Zoo experiences, and Zoo guests both on‑site and at off‑site locations up to 100 miles from the Zoo. The secondary role is to connect guests with the Zoo’s conservation and animal welfare initiatives through their assigned Investigation Stations.

• Present and evaluate non‑formal education programs for community groups, Zoo experiences, Zoo guests, and overnight guests as part of a collaborative team.
• Use live animals and biofacts to tailor programs to the needs and interests of diverse audiences.
• Safely transport live animals and biofacts throughout the Zoo, ensuring proper handling, accountability, and adherence to safety protocols.
• Staff Investigation Stations to support the Zoo’s mission in conservation and animal welfare.
• Engage and educate guests during their overnight experiences.
• Supervise overnight guests and ensure their safety while on Zoo grounds.
• Assist with CES department programming needs as assigned.
• Maintain a working knowledge of all relevant policies and procedures.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Recruitment Range: $17.00 per hour

To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must provide the information on the application form. Any information omitted from the application form, listed as general statements, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit. Candidates meet the minimum qualifications of this position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. Vacancy specific knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) and/or management preferences are not required.

• Management Prefers Experience handling animal ambassador as part of educational programming
• First Aid and CPR certification

Position & Physical Requirements

Must be available to work a diverse work schedule with most hours falling between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Saturday-Friday or overnights (3:30 pm to 10:00 am) as an Overnight Educator (Fridays & Saturdays), from March – mid-November. Will work weekends, holidays, and after hour/early morning special events. Knowledge of basic natural sciences such as: zoology, biology, or ecology. Knowledge of basic educational and interpretive techniques. Must have public speaking experience with the ability to correctly answer questions and patiently explain difficult material. Experience working with all ages and being able to provide age-appropriate programs. Strong communication, decision-making, and organizational skills with ability to work effectively in a team setting and alone. Strong problem-solving skills and ability to take initiative and work independently. Must possess physical ability to stand and walk for long periods of time as well as lift/carry large boxes in varying weather conditions. Ability to train and handle animal ambassadors such as, snakes, turtles, lizards, tarantulas, cockroaches, millipedes, salamanders, and frogs/toads. Must meet DNCR Fleet Safety Guidelines and have ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license issued from within the United States or be able to obtain one within 90 days of employment. Ability to drive a 17-passenger bus on Zoo grounds.

Location

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

WE ARE RECRUITING FOR MULTIPLE VACANCIES. DNCR does not engage in dual employment for temporary positions; if you are currently employed with another State agency, State university, or the NC National Guard and intend to remain employed with that entity, you may not be considered for temporary work with DNCR.

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.

• Bachelor’s degree in a natural science program from an appropriately accredited institution
• And Two years of experience in the development and presentation of natural science interpretive and educational programs
• Or An equivalent combination of education and 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.

Division Description

The North Carolina Zoological Park exists for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of all our citizens and visitors. The mission of the zoo is to conserve and protect representative examples of natural beauty, endangered and threatened plant and animal species, and ecological features of the continents it represents.

Learn about the NC ZOO: https://www.nczoo.org

Supplemental and Contact Information

The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) selects applicants for employment based on required education and experience and job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age (40 or older), disability, National Guard or veteran status, genetic information, political affiliation or political influence.

We are an Employment First state, ensuring that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to succeed in the state government workplace.

• 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.

Application Process

Be sure to complete the application in its entirety. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application. Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information.

Answers to Supplemental Questions are not a substitute for providing all relevant information within the body of your application.

To receive credit for the supplemental questions, you must provide supporting information within the "Work Experience" section of the application, to support your answers.

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application. The hiring process may take several weeks. Be sure to complete the application in full. Applicants are unable to submit more than one application to an individual posting. Only one application received prior to the closing date will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by 11:59:59 PM on the night prior to the closing date.

Degree/College Credit Verification Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts, and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Visit www.studentaid.gov to learn more.

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.

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).

Contact Information

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

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.

State Application Resources/Frequently Asked Questions

Valuing Education and Experience The State of North Carolina values the knowledge and experience of our jobseekers and current state employees. Approximately 91 percent of state job classifications allow experience to be substituted for education or do not require a post‑secondary degree. Learn more about how you may qualify for a position through education or directly related experience, or a combination of both, with the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide.

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