Adjunct Conservation Educator

Job Description

WCS stands for wildlife and wild places. As the world’s premier wildlife conservation organization, WCS has a long track record of achieving innovative, impactful results  run field programs spanning 60 countries and the entire ocean. We build on a unique foundation:
Our reach is global; we discover through best‑in‑class science; we protect through work on the ground with local and indigenous people; we inspire through our world‑class zoos, aquarium, and education programs; and we leverage our resources through partnerships and powerful policy influence. Our more than 4,000 diverse, passionately committed team members in New York City and around the world work collectively to achieve our conservation mission.

Job Title: Adjunct Conservation Educator
Reports To: Manager of Education
Location: Prospect Park Zoo
Job Type: Part‑Time
Department: PPZ Education
Schedule: Wednesday – Saturday, maximum of 28 hours per week
Pay Rate: $23 per hour

The Adjunct Conservation Educator’s primary focus will be coordinating and hosting birthday party programming and providing instruction for off‑site early childhood programs. In addition, the adjunct instructor will assist with general audience programs and school programs as needed. The adjunct educator will assist full‑time staff in instruction, oversight of programs, re‑working activities to fit unique learning styles of students, and helping to maintain a lively learning environment throughout the year.

The adjunct conservation educator will work with a wide variety of audiences including toddlers, youth, teens, adults, scouts, school groups, and families. Schedule will be Wednesday – Saturday with some flexibility required to accommodate camps, evening events, or other general audience programs.

• Coordinate and teach birthday party events
• Assist with running After‑Camp during the camp season
• Assist with early childhood programming
• Train in the proper handling and presentation protocols of the Prospect Park Zoo’s tractable animal collection under the supervision of the Curator of Education

• High School diploma or GED
• One‑year prior teaching experience in an education field
• Ability to work within a highly team‑oriented environment
• Excellent verbal communication skills to help interpret science concepts in both a classroom setting and at zoo exhibits
• Reliable, flexible and accountable
• Weekend availability is required

• Recent college graduate or graduate student
• One year teaching experience at an informal science institution
• Experience and knowledge of writing curriculum and an understanding of best practices for informal science education, with an understanding of inquiry, nature play, and audience‑centered facilitation techniques
• Educational background in ecology, environmental science or education preferred
• Bilingual/Spanish speaker is a plus

• We value creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and building a culture where everyone is welcomed and can flourish
• As PT staff, you will receive access to Bronx Zoo and other WCS parks

• Use of keyboard, 10‑key, mouse and telephone; handwriting; sitting; standing; crouching; kneeling; bending; walking; stair climbing; minimal driving; lifting up to 50 lbs

• Work indoors, closely with others or alone, exposure to excess noise, operating power tools and equipment, and use of sharp tools and equipment

We value team members and community partners from all backgrounds and cultures with different skills, abilities, and perspectives. We ensure that everyone has an opportunity to fully contribute to our mission.

WCS is an equal‑opportunity employer, and the organization complies with all employment and labor laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in hiring and ensures that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the recruitment process. We are dedicated to hiring and engaging in a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and looking for future team members who share that same value.

The organization provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. The organization does not discriminate for employment based on gender, race/ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, caste, genetic information or any other covered status or characteristic protected by laws and regulations.