Informal Educator-Classroom and Overnight Programs
Collaborate with a passionate Zoo Crew in San Antonio
Choosing where to grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it’s equally important you know that the place you choose to work at will support and guide you. With a diversity of passionate people, San Antonio Zoo is a place where you can collaborate with others securing a future for wildlife.
The Impact You’ll Make in this Role
Join a team charged with inspiring guests to secure a future for wildlife through mission-based zoo programs! Informal Educators are enthusiastic ambassadors responsible for conducting fun and educational programs that inspire people to love, engage, act for, and protect animals and the places they live. Programs include, but are not limited to, school classroom presentations, day and evening tours, overnights, day camps and various adult and family programs and self-guided tours. Informal Educators carefully convey conservation messages and zoo stories in a relatable way that is appropriate for participants.
As an Informal Educator for Classroom Zoo Programs & Overnights, you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative and diverse people in San Antonio. Here, you will make an impact by:
- Deliver engaging, inspiring, accurate and creative programming to a diverse range of zoo guests during child only, adult only and family-oriented programing.
- Lead, support and interpret age-appropriate presentations, activities, games and zoo tours.
- Become knowledgeable about program topics, effective delivery methods, and group management.
- Effectively communicate and model appropriate conservation messages and zoo initiatives to participants.
- Become proficient in small animal handling and presentations, in accordance with established protocols.
- Monitor location, safety and wellbeing of all participants attending the program.
- Become familiar with and maintain current knowledge and status of the zoo’s plants, animals, operations and conservation initiatives.
- Attend and complete all San Antonio Zoo scheduled meetings, training, and professional development opportunities, as required.
- Take responsibility for program material set-up and clean up (e.g. arranging furniture, prepping craft supplies, food items).
- Upholds all company policies as outlined in the Zoo Standard Operating Procedures, SA Zoo Team Member Handbook, and Code of Business Conduct.
- Scheduling for this position is flexible; availability to work a minimum of 2 scheduled programs per month required. Scheduling is posted ~2 weeks prior and prompt availability communication is essential.
- Consistently exhibit an attitude of service inside and outside of the zoo, showing hospitality to all.
- Be fully committed to the mission of San Antonio Zoo to create awareness that inspires action to care for the wild world we steward and animals we protect.
Other Responsibilities:
- Performs other work-related duties as required and assigned.
Your Skills and Expertise
To set you up for success in this role from day one, the San Antonio Zoo recommends the following skills/qualifications:
- Strong communication skills. Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely with team members, volunteers, zoo and program guests, parents, etc.. Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
- Strong organizational and group management skills.
- Strong desire to work with children K-12, as well as adult and family groups.
- Ability to work well with a diverse team of staff and volunteers, as well as individually, with limited direction.
- Ability and flexibility to accommodate last minute program and schedule changes with a positive and supportive attitude.
- Experience leading group programs e.g. camps, scouts, classroom presentations, children’s programs.
- Basic knowledge of biology, zoology, and the ability to organize, plan, collaborate and implement educational presentations.
- At least two years of college coursework in life sciences, zoology, education, environmental interpretation, or equivalent experience preferred.
- Knowledge and experience in conservation education or science is preferred.
- Ability and desire to deliver year-round outdoor programing.
- Ability to speak and understand Spanish helpful.
- Successful candidates must complete a pre-employment National Sex Offender Search, Criminal Background Check, and Drug Screen.
- Informal Educators are required to be available to work a minimum of 2 programs per month.
- We enjoy year-round operation for all staff, must be available day, nights, weekends, and occasional special after-hour assignments.
The San Antonio Zoo is an equal opportunity employer. San Antonio Zoo will not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.
