Education Specialist

The Education Specialist advances the Zoo’s mission by designing and delivering engaging, mission-driven educational experiences that connect diverse audiences to wildlife conservation, environmentalstewardshipand animal well-being. Working collaboratively across the Education Department, this position supports programming for youth and families, schools and teachers, adult learners,volunteers and community audiences, ensuring learning experiences are accessible,relevant and impactful. Through formal and informal learning experiences, the specialist fosters curiosity,empathy and a sense of responsibility toward all living things.

The Education Specialistfacilitatesinteractive programs in a variety of settings, including classrooms, community spaces, digitalplatformsand in the Zoo. By applying best practices in teaching, interpretation and audience engagement, the specialist creates meaningful opportunities for participants to explore,learnandtake action. The specialist also contributes to program development,evaluation and continuous improvement efforts, helping ensure educational experiences are inclusive,joyfuland aligned with the Zoo’s educational and strategic goals.

• Deliver high-quality educational programs for diverse audiences, including youth, families, schools, teachers, teens, adults, volunteers, graduatestudentsand community groups.
• Facilitate camps, early learner programs, overnight experiences, school programs, teacher professional development,humane education initiatives, adult learning programs, teen leadershipprogramsand visitor learning experiences.
• Create inclusive,engaging and memorable learning experiences using a variety of instructional and interpretive techniques.
• Integrate conservation, environmental stewardship, animal well-beingand humane education principles into all educational programming.
• Support the implementation of teen volunteer, teen internship, volunteertrainingand graduate education programs through instruction,mentorship and participant engagement.
• Assist with the development, preparation,evaluation and continuous improvement of educational programs, curricula,activities and instructional materials.
• Facilitate learning experiences that align with state and national academic standards, educational best practices andthe Detroit Zoological Society'smission and goals.
• Maintain positive relationships with program participants, volunteers, communitypartnersand colleagues to support successful program delivery.
• Represent the Detroit Zoological Society at educational programs, outreach events, communityengagementsandspecial events.
• Collect participant feedback and evaluation data and communicate observations to support program assessment and improvement.
• Maintain current knowledge of conservation, animal well-being,humane education, environmental stewardship, educational best practices, safetyproceduresand applicable standards.
• Assist with program logistics, preparation of materials and supplies,recordkeeping and participant communications.
• Operate a motor vehicle for programs and events andassistwith special projects and other duties as assigned.

Completion of an associate's degree or equivalent certificate program in general science, education, zoology, biology, or other closely related field OR completion of a high school diploma or GED and two years of experience in an informal or formal learning institution.

Minimum of one (1) yearofexperience delivering engaging learning experiences.

• Knowledge of K-12 education, adult learning, curriculum implementation, and alignment with applicable educational standards.
• Skill infacilitatingengaging,inclusive and learner-centered educational programs for diverse audiences, including youth, families, schools, teachers, teens, adults, volunteers, graduatestudentsand community groups.
• Skill in applying a variety of instructional, interpretive and classroom management techniques to support meaningful learning experiences.
• Skill in building positive relationships with participants, volunteers, educators, communitypartnersand colleagues.
• Ability to integrate conservation, environmental stewardship, animal well-beingand humane education concepts into educational experiences.
• Ability to organize materials, manage program logistics, and balance multiple priorities whilemaintainingattention to detail.
• Ability to collect and document participant feedback, support program evaluation efforts, and contribute to continuous…