Job Description
Job Title: Youth Engagement Assistant Coordinator
Reports To: Coordinator of Volunteers and Visitor Engagement
Location: Queens Zoo
Job Type: Part-Time
Department: Education
Schedule: Wednesday - Sunday
August - October: approx 35 hours per week (Sunday- Thursday)
Nov-March: approx 24 hours per week - some flexibility in terms of scheduling
but candidate must be available on Thursdays until 7:30 PM
April- July: approx 35 hours per week (Wednesday - Sunday) *Thursdays until
7:30 PM through early June
Pay Rate: $23 per hour
Who We Are
WCS saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education,
and inspiring people to value nature. To achieve this, we harness the power of our Global
Conservation Program in nearly 60 nations, in all the world’s oceans, and our five wildlife parks
in New York City - Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and New
York Aquarium - visited by 4 million people annually. We combine our expertise in the field,
zoos, and aquarium to achieve our conservation mission.
WCS Education is a pioneer in zoo-based learning, inspiring over 1.5 million people each year
across New York City. Since 1929, we have been at the forefront of science education, fostering
the next generation of conservation advocates by creating meaningful connections to wildlife
and nature. We provide innovative, high-quality learning experiences that empower individuals
to care for and protect the natural world.
The Opportunity
You will work for the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) as a valued team member of the
Education Division. You will recruit, train, and oversee youth ages 14-24, serving in our
volunteer Discovery Guide program and Discovery Guide Leader Intern positions at the Queens
Zoo. You will also recruit, train, and oversee high school students, serving in our Youth
Environmental Advocate Intern positions at the Queens Zoo. You will develop these youth by
helping them to learn and acquire job skills, to explore career opportunities, and to share the
mission of the Wildlife Conservation Society with zoo visitors. You will build a community of
youth who value wildlife and wild places, are scientifically literate, and are mobilized for
conservation change. You will gain valuable management and coordination experience in the
field of informal science education, interpretation, and youth development.
You are adaptable, organized, and enjoy working and mentoring youth. You are able to tactfully
and effectively handle a wide variety of situations including, but not limited to, program
coordination, implementation, deadlines and customer service challenges. You are a confident
problem-solver who thrives working in both a team environment and independently. You are
outgoing, and are willing to interpret science concepts in both a classroom setting, as well as
with the public at zoo exhibits.
Internal Qualification Requirements
Under the direction of the Coordinator of Volunteers and Visitor Engagement you will:
● Recruit, select, and train primarily high school aged youth for the zoo’s volunteer
Discovery Guide program, Discovery Guide Leader internship and Youth Environmental
Advocate internship.
● Play a key role in the day-to-day oversight and support of youth including leading
meetings, providing supervision, and giving feedback for up to 150 youth annually.
● Support in the design, creation, development, and execution of an interactive and
engaging educational experience for youth including creating and delivering ongoing
training and workshops for youth volunteers and interns.
● Create and maintain weekly schedules and track requirements and metrics such as
training status, attendance, and performance.
● Create a warm, welcoming, and fun environment as well as serve as a mentor and
respected advisor to youth.
● Participate in our community of practice with fellow Youth Engagement Assistant
Coordinators, Youth Development, and Live interpretation teams to share best practices
and network across all 5 parks (supporting more than 500 youth).
● Support the Youth Development & Queens Zoo teams at recruitment and outreach
events, including the WCS Youth JIVE Expo and more.
Minimum Qualifications
● Currently in pursuit of a bachelor's degree or equivalent in Education, Youth
Development, Animal Science, Environmental Science, Biology, or similar.
● One-year experience working with, or mentoring youth, ages 14-24.
● Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to facilitate training for
large groups of youth.
● Ability to work within a highly team-oriented environment.
● Reliable, flexible and accountable.
● Weekend availability is required.
Preferred Qualifications
● Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Education, Youth Development, Animal Science,
Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, etc.
● Demonstrated experience working with, coaching, or mentoring youth, ages 14-24.
● Bilingual in English and Spanish.
Workplace Conditions and Environment
● We value team members and community partners from all backgrounds and cultures
with different skills, abilities, and perspectives.
● We ensure that everyone has an opportunity to fully contribute to our mission.
● Ability to lift up to 20 lbs. and to perform light physical activity.
● Ability to work outside during various weather conditions.
● This position requires a Wednesday-Sunday schedule for most of the year; candidates
must be available to work both Saturdays and Sundays.
Benefits and Perks
● We value creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and building a culture
where everyone is welcomed and can flourish.
● As part time staff, you will receive access to all WCS parks (Bronx Zoo, New York
Aquarium, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and Prospect Park Zoo).
