Zoo New England's mission is to inspire people to protect and sustain the natural world for future generations by creating fun and engaging experiences that integrate wildlife and conservation programs, research, and education. The Biologist Educator bridges the conservation and education initiatives of ZNE’s field conservation programs, conveying our science-based conservation message to classrooms, school groups, and adult volunteers. The Biologist Educator is also involved with all aspects of our local rare species field conservation projects.
This is the perfect position for a current college student or recent graduate looking to gain a wide array of experience in both field conservation practices and environmental education and communication skills.
Duties & Responsibilities
Teaching and Education
- Conduct classroom sessions and field trips with participating schools using established curriculum and presentation materials, particularly leading school groups on turtle release field trips
- Engage all program participants in developing an understanding and awareness of local conservation issues
- Assist with volunteer events and other ZNE conservation-related programs, on the zoo campuses and in the field
Field Conservation
- Participate in on-going ZNE field conservation work, including but not limited to checking traps, radio-tracking turtles, conducting site assessments and monitoring target species populations.
Hours, Location and Term of Appointment
Hours: Usually 8:00am-4:00pm M-F, 40 hours/week. In June the Biologist Educator participates in turtle nesting surveys which may require evening or weekend work.
Location: Our Conservation Department office is in Acton, MA, but the technician will work at several field sites, primarily Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in Concord, MA.
Term: Funding available for 400 hours (10 weeks). Exact hours and start date are negotiable, but you MUST be available for full-time work starting May 11, with part-time availability (8-16 hrs/week) starting in April.
Wage: $20.00/hour
Working Conditions
- Frequent exposure and close contact with a variety of animals including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and insects, including direct handling of large snapping turtles and other potentially injurious wildlife, as well as exposure to ticks, mosquitos, and other biting arthropods
- Frequent field work in difficult natural conditions, including wetlands, streams, and brush thickets
- Work in uneven terrain with exposure to varying and challenging weather conditions
- Frequent need to bend, stoop, kneel, reach and lift
Minimum Job Requirements
- Enthusiasm and ability to teach environmental education to students of all ages on a daily basis
- Excellent interpersonal and public-speaking skills
- Knowledge of and interest in the native flora and fauna of New England
- Ability to work independently
- Must pass a background check with no convictions related to animal welfare or child safety.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to lawfully drive in Massachusetts
Preferred Job Requirements
- Experience working with school-aged children
- Experience with field conservation of reptiles and amphibians
- Ability to identify common native plants, especially of wetland environments
- Available to start working on a limited basis (8-16 hrs/week) throughout the month of April
