Adjunct Conservation Educator
Department: Education
Employment Type: Part-time
Grade Level: Hourly
Pay Rate: $23.00
Reports To: Manager of Education Programs
Schedule: 28-32 hours a week; Friday-Monday, 9am-5pm,
Who We Are
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a global organization that envisions a world where wildlife thrives in healthy lands and seas, valued by societies that embrace and benefit from the diversity and integrity of life on earth. We actively save wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature.
The WCS Education Department works across our five parks: Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo,
Prospect Park Zoo, and New York Aquarium. Our mission is to inspire a diverse and inclusive movement of
conservation advocates by sparking connection with animals and nature, enhancing scientific literacy through
hands-on investigation, and engaging constituents in stewardship and action to conserve wildlife and wild
places.
WCS is proud to be an equal opportunity employment workplace dedicated to pursuing and hiring a diverse
workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work and learning environment and look for future
team members who share that same value.
The Opportunity
The New York Aquarium Education Department is seeking an enthusiastic, creative and committed individual to hire as an Adjunct Conservation Educator to lead educational programs including birthday parties, summer camp, and school and family programs. Our Educators play a key role in the WCS mission by developing programs that engage audiences of all ages from across the city and bringing marine biology and environmental education directly to communities where people live and learn. Together with staff, you will teach exciting science content, welcome students with diverse interests, abilities, and backgrounds, and maintain a lively learning environment.
You have experience leading fun activities with children and adults, an enthusiasm for learning, and an interest in wildlife and/or conservation. You are creative, energetic, dependable, capable of taking initiative, and enjoy working as part of a team. Most importantly, you are committed to fostering a supportive environment for children and adults from all walks of life. You have excellent communication skills and are comfortable interacting with guests of all ages and backgrounds. You are a confident problem solver, and you are comfortable working both in a team and independently. You can thrive in a busy, fast-paced environment and be adept at juggling many projects at once by utilizing your strong organizational skills.
Responsibilities
As an Adjunct Conservation Educator (ACE), you will:
- Work on-site at the New York Aquarium. This is not a remote work opportunity.
- Lead birthday parties that are fun and engaging while also having educational value
- Communicate with birthday party families through email and phone calls
- Help prepare and carry out all the birthday party components, including signage, gift bags, and activities
- Assist with general maintenance and upkeep of party areas and supplies and clean-up after each party
- Supervise and interact with children ranging in age from 4-17 years-old
- Assist with other education programs and events as needed, including school programs, children’s programs, and summer camp
- Train on handling protocols of marine invertebrates for use in programs
- Inspire learners from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds with a love of wildlife and science
- Foster an inclusive learning environment for all visitors
- Additional responsibilities as required
Internal Qualification RequirementsMinimum Qualifications
One year prior experience working with children and/or students
Previous experience working in customer service or education field
Ability to work within a highly team-oriented environment, as well as independently
Excellent verbal communication skills to help interpret science concepts in a classroom, party, and outdoor setting
Reliable, flexible, and accountable
Must be able to work weekends
Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time
Ability to lift and carry up to 25lbs
Interest in wildlife or conservation
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in science or education
One year teaching experience at an informal science institution, including a camp program
Bilingual/Spanish speaker a plus
