Zoo Educator - School & Youth Programing

John Ball Zoo; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 25,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan option

Short-term disability

Long-term disability

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Dental & Vision for employee & family

Job summary

John Ball Zoo seeks a dedicated Zoo Educator to lead school and community programs onsite and offsite. You will develop curriculum, collaborate with teachers and partners, and create teaching materials aligned with state standards and the zoo’s conservation message.

You will work with ambassador animals, train seasonal staff, and help schedule programs for diverse groups from pre-K to university levels, including after‑hours events as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Biology, Botany, Ecology, Environmental Science, Science Education or closely related field.
• Experience in interpretations, classroom teaching, educational outreach experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience preferred
• Teaching certification preferred
• Previous experience handling animals for education programs preferred
• Affinity for the mission and values of John Ball Zoo
• Ability to interact positively with a wide array of individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communications skills and presentation delivery ability
• Familiarity with Michigan science standards and Next Generation Science Standards

Responsibilities

• Develop and facilitate education programs for diverse school groups onsite and offsite.
• Collaborate with schools, teachers, and community partners to align programs with curriculum standards.
• Create supplemental materials for teachers and conduct program evaluation.
• Coordinate scheduling with schools and teachers and train seasonal educators and volunteers.

Skills

Educational outreach

Interpreting concepts

Diverse audience communication

Animal education programs

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Zoology/ Biology/ Botany/ Ecology/ Environmental Science/ Science Education

Teaching certification preferred

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Job description

Zoo Educator – School & Youth Programs

The Zoo Educator will facilitate school and community programs onsite and offsite to increase public awareness of age‑appropriate concepts in ecology, zoology, conservation, and environmental sciences. These programs include Zoo Lab, Zoo Camp, and STEM programs. The Zoo Educator works with zoo staff, classroom teachers, and community partners to implement programs for diverse school groups from grades pre‑K – university that align with state curriculum standards, John Ball Zoo’s mission, and the Zoo’s conservation messaging. The role includes curriculum development including programming on Zoo grounds and in classrooms, creation of supplemental materials for teachers, and program evaluation.

The Zoo Educator will facilitate school and community programs onsite and offsite to increase public awareness of age‑appropriate concepts in ecology, zoology, conservation, and environmental sciences. These programs include Zoo Lab, Zoo Camp, and STEM programs. The Zoo Educator works with zoo staff, classroom teachers, and community partners to implement programs for diverse school groups from grades pre‑K – university that align with state curriculum standards, John Ball Zoo’s mission, and the Zoo’s conservation messaging. The role includes curriculum development including programming on Zoo grounds and in classrooms, creation of supplemental materials for teachers, and program evaluation.

This position’s pay range: $17.82 - $20.96

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A ZOO EDUCATOR AT JBZ

The Zoo Educator collaborates with schools and community groups to develop and facilitate education programs for diverse school groups from grades pre‑K – 12, some college programs, and adult/community groups. The Zoo Educator effectively communicates the Zoo’s role in local and global conservation of species within and outside the Zoo by communicating with students of all age levels, demonstrating good listening skills, friendliness, enthusiasm, patience, and humor; answering student questions with age‑appropriate information, and encouraging ongoing curiosity about animals and conservation. The Zoo Educator works with ambassador animals to highlight conservation education initiatives, identifies and communicates animal behavior to the Ambassador Animal Coordinator, and upholds animal welfare standards. They assist in development and/or re‑design of programs, as well as training seasonal educators and volunteers. The Zoo Educator also coordinates some scheduling with individual schools/teachers.

Qualifications For a Zoo Educator At Jbz

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Zoology, Biology, Botany, Ecology, Environmental Science, Science Education or closely related field
• Experience in interpretations, classroom teaching, educational outreach experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience preferred
• Teaching certification preferred
• Previous experience handling animals for education programs preferred
• Affinity for the mission and values of John Ball Zoo
• Ability to interact positively with a wide array of individuals from diverse cultural and socio‑economic backgrounds
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communications skills and presentation delivery ability
• Ability to prioritize and show flexibility with daily responsibilities
• Strong value of service to others, organization skills, and detail orientation
• Ability to think creatively and have a growth mindset
• High level of computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel
• Familiarity with Michigan science standards and Next Generation Science Standards
• Possession of a valid MI Driver’s license and a good driving record required
• Ability to work evenings as needed and weekends regularly as required per the operating calendar and program schedules

Who We Are

At John Ball Zoo, our mission is to inspire our community to be actively engaged in the conservation of wildlife and our natural environment. John Ball Zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1983 which assures excellent animal care and a dedication to conservation. As one of the top attractions in Grand Rapids, we welcome over 700,000 guests each year who are able to experience over 2,000 animals of over 230 species that represent the beautiful wildlife living in our world! We are passionate about our mission focused on education and conservation but know that our 400+ employees guided by our core values accomplish this mission.

Our core values are:

• Conservation
• Education
• Community
• Celebrate
• Compassion

Benefits At Jbz

We offer incredibly competitive benefits. This includes FREE:

• Medical plan option
• Short-term disability
• Long-term disability
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Dental & Vision for employee & family
• 12 Full weeks of parental leave

Additional Benefits

We offer 9 days of personal time, generous vacation time and 11 paid Holidays each year. We offer a 7% employer contribution to your 401K, zoo discounts, employee-only zoo experiences, tuition reimbursement, additional medical benefits to meet you and your family's needs, and a FREE Zoo membership for you and your family.

John Ball Zoo is a drug free facility under federal regulations