Wildlife Educator

Kate on Conservation; Saratoga (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Kate on Conservation in Saratoga, CA seeks a Wildlife Educator to design and deliver programs engaging the community, teaching about native plants and wildlife, and promoting compassionate interactions. Based at the Wildlife Care Center, you will supervise volunteers, coordinate camps, track program metrics, and collaborate with other departments to expand outreach.

A Bachelor's degree and experience in education, plus teaching credentials preferred, are required or considered; California

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university or equivalent combination of education and related work experience.
• Experience in education, teaching, or similar field.
• Broad knowledge of animal care and welfare issues.
• Work experience with youth and the skill to manage a classroom.
• Work or volunteer experience with diverse audiences preferred.

Responsibilities

• Schedule and deliver presentations on native plants, wildlife rehabilitation, and conservation for K-12 students and the public.
• Maintain and update youth education programs and materials about respectful wildlife interactions.
• Develop new programs and supporting materials as time allows.
• Lead tours of the Interpretive Learning Path at the Saratoga shelter.
• Assist with Summer and Winter Animal Camp at Burlingame shelter.
• Research local summer camps and coordinate presentations.
• Collaborate with other departments to support educational programming.
• Track participation and report metrics to the Education Supervisor.
• Purchase supplies and monitor program expenses.
• Train, schedule, and supervise Wildlife Education volunteers.
• Respond empathetically when sensitive topics arise.
• Stay informed about humane education practices through networking and development.

Skills

Animal care

Wildlife knowledge

Classroom management

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Education/Teaching experience

Job description

The Wildlife Educator is based primarily at our Wildlife Care Center in Saratoga and designs and delivers educational programs that engage the community, build understanding of native plants and wildlife, and encourage responsible, compassionate interactions with wildlife and respect for native plants. The Educator carries out this work under the supervision of the Education Supervisor, who reviews program content for accuracy and consistency with PHS/SPCA standards and evaluates program effectiveness.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties and responsibilities are essential to the position. Specific duties may change as programs evolve, and other duties may be assigned.

• Schedule and deliver presentations on native plants, wildlife rehabilitation, and conservation for K-12 students at Santa Clara County schools, community youth groups, and the general public.

• Maintain and update existing youth education programs, curriculum, lesson plans, and educational materials about respectful interactions with wildlife, the role of native plants and habitats in supporting wildlife, and wildlife rehabilitation and release.

• Develop new programs, projects, and supporting materials as priorities and available work time allow.

• Lead educational tours of the Interpretive Learning Path at the Saratoga shelter.

• Assist the Education Supervisor with Summer Animal Camp and Winter Animal Camp at the Burlingame shelter.

• Research local summer camps, contact them to identify presentation opportunities, and coordinate with participating camps to prepare for and deliver presentations.

• Collaborate with other departments as needed to support educational programming.

• Track participation and other program metrics and share this information with the Education Supervisor.

• Purchase supplies and monitor expenses for assigned programs.

• Train, schedule, and supervise Wildlife Education volunteers.

• Respond with empathy when sensitive topics arise.

• Keep informed about current humane education practices through occasional networking and professional development, as time allows.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Directly supervises Wildlife Education volunteers. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include recruiting, interviewing, and training volunteers; scheduling shifts; assigning and directing tasks; appraising volunteer performance; recognizing and addressing performance concerns; and resolving conflicts.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Good working knowledge of animal breeds, nutrition, general care, training, and related information. Knowledge, appreciation, and respect for animals, including birds, reptiles, rodents, and small animals. Ability to work with and handle animals. Highly motivated toward the welfare and humane treatment of all animals. Upon hire, will need to pass a background check. Must be available to work irregular hours, shifts, weekends, and holidays.

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university or equivalent combination of education and related work experience. Experience in education, teaching, or similar field. Broad knowledge of animal care and welfare issues. Work experience with youth and the skill to manage a classroom. Work or volunteer experience with diverse audiences preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Teaching credential preferred. Completion of Pediatric First Aid & CPR or ability to take course. Possess a valid California driver's license with clean driving record, to be insured by PHS insurance, and access to personal transportation.