Position: Conservation Educator, Central Park Zoo Education
Reports to: Manager of Education Programs, Central Park Zoo
Location: Central Park Zoo, in-person
Department: Education
Position Type: Full time
Schedule: September – May: Wednesday-Sunday; June – September: Monday –Friday
Job Summary:
The Conservation Educator is an integral member of the Central Park Zoo Education team, supporting high-quality STEM and nature-based learning while advancing conservation education through the lens of Discover, Inspire & Protect. The Conservation Educator develops and delivers all types of educational programming—from field trips and scout programs to informal children and family programs, summer camp and birthday parties. The ideal candidate has a knowledge of informal education strategies and strong teaching skills that can be incorporated into fun and educational experiences for children, adults, and intergenerational audiences. The Conservation Educator creates and fosters relationships within WCS in various departments to ensure the success of our programs. The position works with and provides support for some seasonal, part-time staff, such as Conservation Camp Counselors, interns, and volunteers.
Responsibilities include:
• Design and teaching in-person programs based at Central Park Zoo.
• Leading and supporting educational programs for PreK-12 students, children, families, and adults including summer camps, field trips, and other general audience programs. This work will include curriculum development and communication with program participants.
• Leading weekend birthday parties for children ages 3 to 12 for up to 35 people.
• Acting as the primary contact for birthday parties both externally and internally, communicating with party clients, vendors, and other Central Park Zoo departments to organize and implement birthday parties.
• Working with the Manager of Education to create a strategy for birthday party growth and development.
• Developing and facilitating the Central Park Zoo Summer Camp Program.
• Taking the lead on projects, leading curriculum development, coordinating logistics, collaborating with necessary WCS departments, tracking associated expenses, and scheduling and training interns and volunteers.
• Working closely with our Tractable Animal team to safely and effectively incorporate live animal demonstrations into Central Park Zoo education experiences. This includes being trained in handling our ambassador animals and working with the team to schedule animal use for programs.
• Actively participating in meetings and brainstorming sessions to help improve Central Park Zoo Education offerings.
• Providing mentorship and support for, and assisting in training of, some seasonal, part-time staff and interns.
• Communicating regularly with teachers, administrators, caregivers, families, troop leaders, etc., regarding their participation in Central Park Zoo programs.
• Fulfilling administrative tasks, including, but not limited to, monitoring bookings, ordering and tracking materials, and organizing supplies and materials.
• Being an active and supportive team member in the Education Department by participating in on-site and off-site staff development days, team meetings, and training (both individual and team), and through contributing to a positive work environment.
Internal Qualification Requirements
Job Qualifications:
· Bachelor's degree in science, conservation, education, or related field.
· Some experience in the development and implementation of formal or informal science or nature education programs.
· Comfortable working with animals; experience working with animals in an education setting a plus.
· Ability to work weekends as well as some holidays and evenings.
· Ability to lift up to 20lbs and to perform light physical activity including occasional extended periods of time spent outdoors.
· Must have a valid driver’s license.
· Conversational fluency in Spanish a plus.
