Overnight Education Programmer

Zoo Educator (S)

Agency:
North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR)

Grade: NC06

Compensation: $17.00 per hour

The North Carolina Zoo is looking for an Overnight Education Programmer to deliver engaging programs for community groups, Zoo experiences, and guests both onsite and at off‑site locations up to 100 miles from the Zoo. The primary responsibility is to design and deliver educational experiences, and the secondary responsibility is to connect guests with the Zoo’s conservation and animal welfare initiatives through Investigation Stations.

• Present and evaluate non‑formal education programs for community groups, Zoo experiences, Zoo guests, and overnight guests as part of a collaborative team.
• Use live animals and biofacts to tailor programs to the needs and interests of diverse audiences.
• Safely transport live animals and biofacts throughout the Zoo, ensuring proper handling, accountability, and adherence to safety protocols.
• Staff Investigation Stations to support the Zoo’s mission in conservation and animal welfare.
• Engage and educate guests during their overnight experiences.
• Supervise overnight guests and ensure their safety while on Zoo grounds.
• Assist with CES department programming needs as assigned.
• Maintain a working knowledge of all relevant policies and procedures.

• Must be available to work a diverse work schedule with most hours falling between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Saturday‑Friday or overnights (3:30 pm to 10:00 am) as an Overnight Educator (Fridays & Saturdays), from March – mid‑November. Will work weekends, holidays, and after‑hour/early‑morning special events.
• Knowledge of basic natural sciences such as zoology, biology, or ecology.
• Knowledge of basic educational and interpretive techniques.
• Must have public speaking experience with the ability to correctly answer questions and patiently explain difficult material.
• Experience working with all ages and being able to provide age‑appropriate programs.
• Strong communication, decision‑making, and organizational skills with ability to work effectively in a team setting and alone.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to take initiative and work independently.
• Must possess physical ability to stand and walk for long periods of time as well as lift/carry large boxes in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to train and handle animal ambassadors such as snakes, turtles, lizards, tarantulas, cockroaches, millipedes, salamanders, and frogs/toads.
• Must meet DNCR Fleet Safety Guidelines and have ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license issued from within the United States or be able to obtain one within 90 days of employment.
• Ability to drive a 17‑passenger bus on Zoo grounds.

• Bachelor’s degree in a natural science program from an accredited institution.
• Two years of experience in the development and presentation of natural science interpretive and educational programs.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable if it satisfies the minimum requirement.

• Experience handling animal ambassadors as part of educational programming.
• First Aid and CPR certification.

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.