Education Specialist
General Description
The Education Specialist advances the Zoo’s mission by designing and delivering engaging, mission-driven educational experiences that connect diverse audiences to wildlife conservation, environmental stewardship and animal well-being. Working collaboratively across the Education Department, this position supports programming for youth and families, schools and teachers, adult learners, volunteers and community audiences, ensuring learning experiences are accessible, relevant and impactful. Through formal and informal learning experiences, the specialist fosters curiosity, empathy and a sense of responsibility toward all living things. The Education Specialist facilitates interactive programs in a variety of settings, including classrooms, community spaces, digital platforms and in the Zoo. By applying best practices in teaching, interpretation and audience engagement, the specialist creates meaningful opportunities for participants to explore, learn and take action. The specialist also contributes to program development, evaluation and continuous improvement efforts, helping ensure educational experiences are inclusive, joyful and aligned with the Zoo’s educational and strategic goals.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
- Deliver high-quality educational programs for diverse audiences, including youth, families, schools, teachers, teens, adults, volunteers, graduate students and community groups.
- Facilitate camps, early learner programs, overnight experiences, school programs, teacher professional development, humane education initiatives, adult learning programs, teen leadership programs and visitor learning experiences.
- Create inclusive, engaging and memorable learning experiences using a variety of instructional and interpretive techniques.
- Integrate conservation, environmental stewardship, animal well-being and humane education principles into all educational programming.
- Support the implementation of teen volunteer, teen internship, volunteer training and graduate education programs through instruction, mentorship and participant engagement.
- Assist with the development, preparation, evaluation and continuous improvement of educational programs, curricula, activities and instructional materials.
- Facilitate learning experiences that align with state and national academic standards, educational best practices and the Detroit Zoological Society's mission and goals.
- Maintain positive relationships with program participants, volunteers, community partners and colleagues to support successful program delivery.
- Represent the Detroit Zoological Society at educational programs, outreach events, community engagements and special events.
- Collect participant feedback and evaluation data and communicate observations to support program assessment and improvement.
- Maintain current knowledge of conservation, animal well-being, humane education, environmental stewardship, educational best practices, safety procedures and applicable standards.
- Assist with program logistics, preparation of materials and supplies, recordkeeping and participant communications.
- Operate a motor vehicle for programs and events and assist with special projects and other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Completion of an associate's degree or equivalent certificate program in general science, education, zoology, biology, or other closely related field OR completion of a high school diploma or GED and two years of experience in an informal or formal learning institution.
Minimum of one (1) year of experience delivering engaging learning experiences.
- Knowledge of K–12 education, adult learning, curriculum implementation, and alignment with applicable educational standards.
- Skill in facilitating engaging, inclusive and learner-centered educational programs for diverse audiences, including youth, families, schools, teachers, teens, adults, volunteers, graduate students and community groups.
- Skill in applying a variety of instructional, interpretive and classroom management techniques to support meaningful learning experiences.
- Skill in building positive relationships with participants, volunteers, educators, community partners and colleagues.
- Ability to integrate conservation, environmental stewardship, animal well-being and humane education concepts into educational experiences.
- Ability to organize materials, manage program logistics, and balance multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
- Ability to collect and document participant feedback, support program evaluation efforts, and contribute to continuous improvement.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to support educational programs, special events and organizational initiatives.
- Ability to represent the Detroit Zoological Society professionally and positively in educational, community and public settings.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays as needed, and operate a motor vehicle for programs and events.
Working Conditions
This position requires the ability to perform moderate physical effort on a daily basis, such as walking, bending, stooping, lifting, and standing for extended periods, as well as the use of a computer and telephone. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Physical Requirements
Regular work schedule will include weekends, evenings and early mornings. This position may require overnight business travel. The work environment is generally comfortable and some work is indoors although the position may require work outdoors with exposure to seasonal weather conditions for programs, special events, tours, or other activities.
Just as we value and celebrate biodiversity, the DZS celebrates the diversity of our human community. We are committed to ensuring that our programs and facilities are fully accessible to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace for all.
