Conservation Educator, Bronx Zoo

Job Description

Position:
Conservation Educator, Bronx Zoo Education

Reports to:

Manager of Education Programs, Bronx Zoo

Location:

Bronx Zoo, in-person

Department:
Education

Position type: full time, Tuesday‑Saturday (Monday‑Friday during the summer)

salary: $53,500

The Conservation Educator is an integral member of the Bronx Zoo Education team supporting high‑quality STEM and nature‑based learning while advancing conservation education through the lens of Discover, Inspire & Protect. The Conservation Educator develops and delivers all types of educational programming—from field trips and scout programs to informal children and family programs and birthday parties. The ideal candidate has knowledge of informal education strategies and strong teaching skills that can be incorporated into fun and educational experiences for children, adults, and intergenerational audiences.

The Conservation Educator creates and fosters relationships within WCS in various departments to ensure the success of our programs. The position works with and provides support for some seasonal, part‑time staff, such as Conservation Camp Counselors, interns and volunteers.

• Design and teach all types of programs we offer, both in‑person and virtual, including school programs, scout programs, general audience programs, birthday parties, community events, camp, and table and lead activities at off‑site outreach events.
• Lead and support educational programs for PreK‑12 students, children, families, and adults including virtual programs, summer camps, field trips, and other general audience programs. This work will include curriculum development and communication with program participants.
• Take the lead on specific projects such as Scout Programs, leading curriculum development, coordinating logistics, collaborating with necessary WCS departments, tracking associated expenses, and scheduling and training interns and volunteers.
• Work closely with our Tractable Animal team to safely and effectively incorporate live animal demonstrations into Bronx Zoo education experiences. This includes being trained in handling our ambassador animals and working with the team to schedule animal use for programs.
• Actively participate in meetings and brainstorming sessions to help improve our education offerings.
• Provide mentorship & support for, and assist in training of, seasonal, part‑time staff and interns.
• Communicate regularly with teachers and coordinators of classes participating in Bronx Zoo education programs.
• Administrative tasks, including but not limited to, monitoring bookings, ordering & tracking materials, and organizing supplies and materials.
• Be an active and supportive team member in the education department by participating in on‑site and off‑site staff development days, team meetings, and trainings (both individual and team), and through contributing to a positive work environment.

• Bachelor's degree in science, conservation, education, or related field.
• Some experience in the development and implementation of formal or informal science or nature education programs.
• Comfortable working with animals; experience working with animals in an education setting a plus.
• Ability to work weekends as well as some holidays and evenings.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. and to perform light physical activity including occasional extended periods of time spent outdoors.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Conversational fluency in Spanish a plus.

• We value creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and building a culture where everyone is welcomed and can flourish.
• We hire great people and give them opportunities to do great work.
• We offer the opportunity for professional growth through staff development events, WCS scientist talks, workshops, or conferences. WCS Education also offers a Master’s in Biology or Teaching of Biological Sciences degree at low cost to employees accepted into the program.
• After working for 6 months, you will qualify for up to $3,200 a year for tuition reimbursement.
• We operate in a work environment that includes some weekend and holiday work. Flex time…