Zoo Education Programs Leader

Socket.dev; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Virginia Zoo in Norfolk, VA seeks an Education Specialist to support the Mission Engagement department by teaching and developing formal educational programs aligned with local education standards. This role covers school, homeschool, Scout, camp, and group programs across on-site and off-site settings.

Responsibilities include program delivery, curriculum development, staff training, and program evaluation, with collaboration across Educators and Animal Ambassador teams.

Qualifications

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Responsibilities

• Conduct Zoo educational programs that include on-site and off-site school, homeschool, camp, scout, and group programs.
• Assist with the preparation, setup, execution and cleanup of Zoo educational programs.
• Support the development of curriculum, training of staff and volunteers, and evaluation of all Zoo education programs.
• Aid in growing the Zoo’s education programs by reviewing and revising existing programs and proposing new programs.
• Facilitate communication between Virginia Zoo and contacts for current and future programs.
• Support the evaluation and supervision of staff and volunteers’ execution of education programs.
• Help develop learning resources for teachers and students related to education programs.
• Coordinate relevant projects and tasks for Educators ensuring deadlines are met.
• Follow all protocols set by the Animal Ambassador team to safely and independently handle and transport animal ambassadors.
• Maintain current animal handling certification through on-going practice and training with animal ambassadors.
• Safely and independently handle Animal Ambassadors for education programs including school, homeschool, scout, camp, and group programs.
• Assist Animal Ambassador Team with animal husbandry as needed, including, but not limited to, cleaning habitats, preparing diets, feeding animals, and cleaning transports.
• Effectively follow policies and procedures related to programing, including scheduling, tracking, and documentation.
• Remain up to date on information regarding zoo animals and conservation using Mission Engagement department resources to effectively deliver programs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Interpersonal skills

Customer service

Organization

Time management

MS Office proficiency

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree in Education or Natural Science

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The Virginia Zoo in Norfolk, VA seeks an Education Specialist to support the Mission Engagement department by teaching and developing formal educational programs aligned with local education standards. This role covers school, homeschool, Scout, camp, and group programs across on-site and off-site settings.

Responsibilities include program delivery, curriculum development, staff training, and program evaluation, with collaboration across Educators and Animal Ambassador teams.