Maryland Zoo is an EEO Employer - M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran Status
General Summary
The Educator is part of the Conservation Education Department of the Maryland
Zoo. They are responsible for developing and delivering engaging educational
programs for diverse audiences, both in person and virtually. This position
creates meaningful experiences that inspire conservation action and align
directly with the mission of The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. The Educator
maintains appropriate animal handling skills for program delivery and ensures
all presentations are effective, inclusive, and aligned with Zoo values in
conservation, sustainability, education, and Diversity, Equity, Accessibility,
and Inclusion (DEAI). Additionally, the Educator will support the Zoo’s mission
to save wildlife and protect wild places and contribute to its environmental,
social, governance sustainability, conservation, education, and DEAI goals.
This position includes regularly scheduled weekend and
weekday duties, as well as limited supervisory responsibilities in the absence
of a manager.
Essential Functions
Program Delivery and Development
- Present educational programs using biofacts,
artifacts, live animals, and hands-on activities for audiences of all ages,
both on-grounds and off-site, in person and virtually.
- Support the development and enhancement of education
program content for a variety of audiences including children, families,
adults, and individuals with special needs.
- Collaborate with other Zoo departments to design and
deliver educational content for Zoo events and special programs.
- Manage all aspects of program delivery, including
set-up, presentation, and clean-up.
- Maintain competency with technology such as
microphones, cameras, webinar platforms, tablets, and related presentation
tools.
- Maintain appropriate animal handling level and
first-aid certification per Zoo Animal Handling Guidelines.
- Assist with program administration, recordkeeping, and
materials management.
- Support and provide guidance to Zoo volunteers;
supervise as needed in the absence of a manager.
- Regularly deliver educational programming for 4–6
hours per day, including weekends.
- Ensure all programs are engaging, safe, and
mission-driven.
Communication and Collaboration
- Communicate professionally and effectively with
participants, Zoo staff, and volunteers.
- Participate in ongoing professional development to
enhance content knowledge, teaching techniques, and conservation communication
skills.
- Work collaboratively with the Zoo’s marketing
department to promote programs and educational initiatives.
- Build and maintain professional connections with peer
organizations to remain current on trends in informal science and conservation
education.
- Deliver outstanding customer service to all Zoo guests
and partners.
Leadership and Resource Management
- Serve as the acting education manager as needed.
- Support the management of education resources and
supplies.
- Demonstrate teamwork and collaboration across Zoo
departments.
Minimum Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Environmental Science,
Education, or a related field required.
Salary
- Salary is
based on education and years of relevant experience.
Experience/Training
- Teaching and/or public speaking experience required.
- Curriculum development experience in informal
education preferred.
- Animal handling experience preferred (training provided).
- Proficiency with Google and Microsoft Office programs.
- STEM background preferred.
Desirable Traits
- Strong oral communication and presentation skills.
- Self-motivated, organized, and detail-oriented.
- Passionate about conservation and education.
Equipment
- Must be able to operate various equipment including
computer, telephone, scanner, copier, two-way radio, golf cart, vehicle, hand
tools, and program-related materials.
Working Conditions
- Standing (up to 8 hours per day), walking (up to 6
hours per day), and sitting (up to 8 hours per day).
- Ability to walk large areas of the Zoo as needed.
- Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force to
lift, push, pull, carry, or otherwise move objects.
- Ability to use all senses to monitor animal health and
behavior.
- Must be able to work for extended periods in outdoor
environments throughout all seasons and weather conditions, including heat,
humidity, cold, rain, and snow.
- Regular contact with plants and animals, with
potential exposure to bites, stings, and scrapes.
- Ability to travel locally and within the state as
needed.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including
weekends, evenings, holidays, and special events.
- Ability to safely operate a golf cart and vans with
appropriate license.
- Must successfully pass a background check and maintain
a clean driving record.
Benefits
- We offer an excellent benefits package including 24
days of Paid Time Off (PTO), Sick and Safe Leave, and 2 paid holidays.
- Eligible for medical, dental, vision, short- and
long-term disability and life insurance.
- 401(k) with employer match.
Disclaimer
The statements above are intended to describe the
general nature and level of work being performed by employees in this
classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all
responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to
revise the job description or assign additional duties as necessary to meet
operational needs.
Please visit our careers page to see more job opportunities.
