Applications are being accepted for a full-time Conservation Educator to join the Fort Wayne Zoo team.
This is a full-time position requiring availability for a 40-hour work week year-round. Full-time benefits include Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance, 403b Plan, 403b Matching, Employee Assistance Program, Paid Days Off, Paid Holidays, Paid Health & Wellness Days, and Paid Parental Leave as well as optional Dental, Vision, Life, and Pet Insurance Programs. All team members receive Team Member Perks such as a free Staff Membership, concessions and retail discounts, development opportunities, and appreciation programs.

Application Deadline: July 15, 2026

The Conservation Educator enthusiastically delivers hands-on educational programming to audiences of all ages during the school year and Zoo season. This position provides direct supervision of team members and coordination of daily operations for a Zoo season education program and ensures all education objectives are met and also assists the Education Managers in special programing. This position also strives to embody the Zoo’s values at all times, contributes to positive guest experiences, and performs other duties as required.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Delivers engaging, educational programs to school groups, family groups, staff, volunteers, and other audiences both at the Zoo and off-site at various locations in Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan.
Promotes mission-based storytelling and conservation education to school groups, family groups, staff, and volunteers at the Zoo and off-site programs.
Introduces program audiences to a variety of program animals in a safe and respectful manner.
Regularly trains and keeps accurate behavior records in order to maintain wellbeing standards of program animals.
Assists the Conservation Education Manager by developing curricula and implementing new educational techniques as directed to ensure all programs align with the Zoo’s educational objectives and mission.
Coordinates and/or supports daily operations and supervision for a specific Zoo season education program.
Assists in program schedules and coordinates cross departmental activities.
Promotes the Zoo as a science and conservation leader to the education community.
Serves as a team player in the Education Department by supporting the department’s goals.
Represents the Zoo in a positive manner by maintaining a positive attitude and delivering exceptional guest service.
Maintains records of program outcomes.
Supports the Zoo’s commitment to continued growth of diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and belonging for team members, volunteers, guests, and supporters.
Assists with special projects and helps other team members as needed.
Actively contributes to positive guest experiences.

Supervisory Responsibilities

In partnership with People Services and department leadership, assists in determining staffing needs; interviews, hires, and orients department team members; prepares and administers regular evaluations; conducts coaching, disciplinary, and termination conferences for team members and volunteers assigned to specific Zoo season programs.
Provides support and supervision to team members.

Education and Experience
To perform this job successfully, an individual must have the following education and/or experience.

High school diploma or GED is required.
Two years of experience teaching or program planning in an informal learning setting is required.
Valid driver’s license is required.
Bachelor’s degree in education, biology, life science, or related field is preferred.
Previous experience in a zoo and/or aquarium setting is preferred.
Certified Interpreter Guide (CIG) is preferred; certified through the National Association of Interpretation or another equitable organization.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Ability to convey accurate scientific information in a meaningful way to children and adults.
Ability to use a variety of interpretive techniques to convey information and transfer knowledge.
Ability to motivate and persuade audiences to take conservation actions in their own backyard.
Ability to safely handle, transport, and train small animals in a program setting, following set usage guidelines and protocols.
Excellent presentation and motivational skills for a variety of audiences.
Strong interest in zoo education and conservation with knowledge of wildlife and natural history.
Ability to professionally and effectively communicate with others through written correspondence.
Ability to troubleshoot, analyze situations, and make sound business decisions.
Ability to make independent decisions and manage time effectively.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office software.
Strong organizational skills.
Knowledge of general office procedures and practices.
Knowledge of correct grammar and sentence structure.
Ability to work a highly flexible schedule as required to successfully perform the requirements and functions of the position, including required weekend, evening, holiday, and irregular hours.
Ability to handle confidential information.
Ability to understand and follow all safety regulations.
Ability to track and manage multiple tasks and priorities.
Ability to arrive at work when scheduled and maintain a positive attendance record.
Ability to serve as a goodwill ambassador, in every respect and at all times, for the Fort Wayne Zoological Society and the Fort Wayne Zoo in contacts with guests, partners, and the community.
Ability to deal tactfully and politely with guest questions and misbehavior.
Excellent communication skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships with team members, volunteers, partners, and the community.

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Ability to safely handle, transport, and train small animals in a program setting, following set guidelines and protocols.
Ability to drive long distances without assistance.
Ability to operate office equipment, including computers, copiers, fax machines, and phones.
Ability to professionally and appropriately interact and communicate with others, both in person and through phone, email, and written correspondence.
Ability to properly lift and carry items up to 25 pounds.
Ability to stand and sit for periods of time and to move intermittently throughout the workday.
Ability to perform focused work with close attention to detail.
Ability to work both indoors and outdoors, with exposure to extreme temperatures and inclement weather conditions; the environment may include wet, icy, or muddy conditions.
This position may include exposure to hazardous materials, fumes/odors, dirt, and dust; potentially dangerous or venomous animals; zoonotic diseases; noxious native plants; and native biting insects and arthropods.

This description is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.

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Conservation Educator