Education Assistant

AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, Related Facilities, Commercial Members, Conservation Partners and Society Partners may post free unlimited online job listings as a member benefit. Non‑members can purchase job listings. How to post a job

Interested in a career in AZA‑accredited zoos and aquariums? Learn more about types of zoo and aquarium jobs and relevant education programs in our career center.

16 years and older; 18+ preferred

Daytime, weekday, weekend, evening, and holiday availability preferred. 6 - 30 hours per week.

Education Assistants rotate through various locations in the Buffalo Zoo, interacting with guests in fun, educational experiences - such as interpretive talks in front of animal habitats and public encounters with education animal ambassadors (reptiles, insects, birds, small mammals);
Heritage Farm and Goat Island animal contact areas; mini show experiences; and other education projects.

• Schedule 6 - 30 hours per week.
• Must be able to work weekdays, weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings.
• Must be able to maintain a friendly and positive attitude toward guests and coworkers.
• Basic knowledge of animals and related conservation initiatives is a plus.

• Must support Buffalo Zoo’s Vision, Mission and Core Values.
• Successful completion of a post‑offer pre‑employment background check.
• Must understand the requirements, essential functions and duties of the position.
• Must be able to operate a computer, two‑way radio, telephone system, and software on computer, printer, etc. after training.
• Must be willing to comply with department’s Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) policies and procedures.
• Regular attendance and punctuality are essential functions of the position.
• Be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands; reach with hands and arms;
  
  stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. Use computer hardware and software for extended periods of time (repetitive motion). Sitting for long periods of time. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Employee may be exposed to a variety of weather conditions or temperatures. Work may be required both indoors and outdoors in various weather and temperature conditions, ranging from rain, wind, snow, cool to cold weather, and extreme heat and humidity. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The Buffalo Zoo is an At Will employer and all Buffalo Zoo employees are subject to employment eligibility and background security checks as well as testing for illegal substance use as allowed by law.

Accrued sick time - one (1) hour of sick time accrued for every 30 hours of work. Associates are eligible to receive up to two (2) free family passes to the Zoo annually. These associates are required to work a minimum of 30 days per season to qualify. Associates are eligible for discounts while employed at food service and gift shop.

Food service discount is 30%. Gift shop discount is 20% (on purchases of $10 or more). Discounts on Zoo events may be offered, i.e. discount on the price of a ticket to a Zoo event or free tickets.

$16 per hour. Seasonal, part-time, non-exempt position.