Seasonal Caretaker & Educator

Seasonal Caretaker & Educator

General Description: The Zoo Montana Seasonal Caretaker and Educator position is designed to provide emerging individuals with hands‑on experience and valuable knowledge related to the zoological and conservation fields. The position is a hybrid role between Zoo Montana’s Education Department and Animal Care Department. Activities include implementation of educational ambassador programs, summer camp instruction, and ambassador animal care, training, and handling.

Ambassador animals include small mammals, insects, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. This is a career‑strengthening step for those considering employment in an AZA‑accredited zoological or conservation‑oriented facility. Housing is not provided;
Zoo Montana can aid in finding affordable housing options.

• Serve as a public‑facing educator for a variety of programs, including early childhood education, local outreach, and zoo‑wide events.
• Deliver programs for schools, daycares, adult groups, and other audiences.
• Deliver on‑site programs such as school group tours, preschool, amphitheater programs, and/or conservation holiday events.
• Serve as a foundational staff member in summer camp instruction and operation.
• Prepare diets and provide daily care to the ambassador animals of Zoo Montana.
• Participate in choice‑based training to ambassador animals as assigned.
• Adhere to Zoo Montana’s Ambassador Animal handling protocols.
• Engage in conservation‑focused interpretation with guests of Zoo Montana.
• Help maintain a clean and safe work environment within Zoo Montana.
• Embrace other opportunities to contribute to Zoo Montana’s mission as assigned.

• Must be a student or recent graduate of a college or university pursuing a career in natural, biological, or animal sciences.
• Must have a desire to learn professional animal care techniques.
• Must be able to work on weekends, holidays, and flexible hours as well as various evening hours.
• Must be willing to utilize technology within educational programming including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office, video conferencing technology, and more.
• Must want to develop interpretation skills, be comfortable with public speaking, and be able to improvise when needed.
• Must be responsible, prompt, adaptable, and detail oriented.
• Must have excellent communication skills and ability to work in a team environment.
• Must be willing to handle animals of all species and backgrounds.
• Must be able to work with adults and children of various backgrounds.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.
• Must be comfortable supervising children for an extended period of time.
• Must be able to withstand typical Montana climate.

Interest in zoological education or animal care is a priority. Any experience in animal handling, educational program development/delivery, or public speaking is a plus. Applicant must possess both strong team and individual work skills. Experience using Microsoft Office programs, Canva, and Adobe Suite is preferred.

$11.25/hour

Please send the following documents to education:

• Resume.
• Cover letter.
• List and contact information for three references.