Daytime Educator; Level I or II

Daytime Educator (Levels I and II available dependent upon years of experience and education)

Job Purpose:

A Daytime Educator advances the mission of Zoo Atlanta by creating experiences that engage, educate and energize program participants to action. These individuals teach day programs both at the Zoo and in the community, facilitating learning for groups of all ages using interactive, STEM‑based curriculum that showcases Zoo Atlanta’s work to conserve wildlife and wild places; how to protect our environment;

and how every person can make a difference in these areas.

Educator II’s will also train to become approved animal handlers and facilitate Program Animal Ambassador experiences as part of educational programming.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Deliver high‑quality programming as part of all Zoo Atlanta’s daytime educational experiences (Field Trip programs, Zoo Mobiles, Scout Programs, Professional Learning programs, Home School Academy, School Break Safari Camp, Special Events, and Tours).
• Show willingness to cross‑train on additional education programs such as Night Crawler Overnights, Kids Night Out, and Adventure Cubs.
• Commit to learning and mastering all content and skills needed to provide quality programming to Zoo program participants and guests.
• Provide excellent customer service to all Zoo guests, including parents, teachers, chaperones, and students.
• Prepare and dismantle program materials.
• Report program needs to supervisor as necessary.
• Know and follow all emergency procedures and protocols.
• Maintain a positive and encouraging attitude toward co‑workers and guests.
• Assist with and/or lead on‑grounds programming and projects as needed.
• Attend all Zoo Atlanta mandatory training (e.g., customer service training) as well as team meetings and workshops.
• Complete various additional duties as assigned.
• For Educator II: provide animal ambassador experiences when appropriate, ensuring the safety of all guests and animals during those experiences.
• For Educator II: attend mandatory Animal Handler Training on September 13 and September 20 and pass all assessments.

Qualifications:

• Educator I: minimum 6 months experience with interpretation, formal or informal education in a zoological, museum, camp, school, non‑profit, or related setting.
• Educator II: minimum 1 year of experience with interpretation, formal or informal.
• Experience working with children and families.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Excellent oral communication skills.
• Appreciation for environmental education and commitment to conservation and animal welfare.
• Professional dress, appearance, and conduct.
• Comfortable working around animals, including snakes, other reptiles, mammals, amphibians, and invertebrates.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and the Internet.
• Ability to drive the Zoo Atlanta outreach van.
• Willingness to obtain CPR and First Aid certification.
• Valid Georgia driver’s license.
• Pass background and TB check.
• Conversational Spanish bilingualism preferred but not required.

Education:

• Educator I: associate’s degree or two years of college education majoring in Education, Communication, Interpretation, Biology, Zoology, Environmental Education, or a related field.
• Educator II: bachelor’s degree majoring in Education, Communication, Interpretation, Biology, Zoology, Environmental Education, or a related field.

Schedule / Availability Requirements:

• Low season (August–February): 3 weekdays per week.
• High season (March–July): 4 weekdays per week.
• Year‑round: 1 weekend day each month.
• Most programs run Monday‑Friday, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., with the possibility of weekend, early‑morning, and late‑afternoon programs.
• Schedule varies according to program bookings; hours are not guaranteed.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift, carry, or pull 40 pounds.
• Willingness to work outside in inclement weather.

Miscellaneous: This job description is not intended to be all‑inclusive. Therefore, the employee may be required to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor or other management. The company reserves the right to revise or change job duties as business requirements dictate. It is mutually agreed that this job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Zoo Atlanta is an EEO and provides a Smoke‑free and Drug‑free Work Environment.