Reid Park Zoological Society is seeking a full time Conservation Education Coordinator. Bachelor's degree in the biological sciences, education, or related field preferred OR equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. A basic understanding of a zoo’s role in protecting wildlife and encouraging conservation is required. Experience in developing informal educational programs and leadership experience is required. Applicant must be available to work a flexible schedule that includes shifting their schedule to work frequent evening shifts including weekends and some holidays. This position is open until filled.

Reid Park Zoo’s mission is to connect people with animals, inspiring the protection of wild animals and wild places. Be a part of a vibrant, growing organization as Reid Park Zoo continues to support local and global conservation and the highest standards in animal care while providing educational opportunities and family fun.  

No phone calls or visits please.  This position is open until filled.  We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.  We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff by creating an inclusive environment. 

Pay Range: $17.65 to $20.64 per hour. 

Benefits: This is a fully benefited position, including group medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; paid holiday, vacation, and sick time; retirement plan; zoo membership; employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement, and discounts on concession and gift shop purchases. 

No phone calls or visits, please.  We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.  We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff.

Reports to: Director of Conservation Education

Overview: Responsible for developing, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating daily educational programs and assisting with zoo-wide education and conservation messaging.

General Duties: 

• Demonstrates and models the core values of the Reid Park Zoological Society (RPZS or the Zoo)
• Perform duties in accordance with RPZS policies and procedures
• Provide excellent customer service as a component of all job duties
• Follows Zoo safety protocols and procedures

Responsibilities:

• Develop, coordinate, implement, and evaluate daily educational programs, camps, and activities for special events to enhance Reid Park Zoo’s mission and key education and conservation goals
• Assist the Director of Education and Conservation in the development and delivery of zoo-wide education and conservation messages
• Assist in training part-time staff and volunteers in handling animal ambassadors
• Assist in training part-time education staff on departmental protocol regarding programming, work one-on-one during programs to further part-time educator skills for all programs, including behind-the-scenes tours
• May recruit, train, and supervise volunteers and interns to present nature play or other departmental volunteer opportunities
• Assist the Director of Education and Conservation in monitoring the quality of education programs and assess that programs remain inclusive for all learners
• Development of marketing and conservation materials for social media, adopt an animal program, member newsletter, and other materials as requested by the Marketing Department under the direction of the Director of Education and Conservation
• Lead trainer for animal ambassadors, coordinate training goals with animal care staff, and access animal welfare throughout education programming
• Promote RPZ education and conservation mission through active engagement in committees within the local Arizona region and AZA community including the CEC and SAFE programs
• Instruct engaging, inclusive interpretive education programs, presentations, and tours on/off-site during regular operating hours and after-hours as needed to engage all learners     
• Communicate clearly with supervisors before and after programs
• Assists as needed at special events (evenings, weekends, holidays) 
• Complete trainings as required: These may include but are not limited to animal handling, safety, CPR/ First Aid, DEAI, and zoonotic disease training   
• Be able to perform those tasks that are essential to the job, with or without reasonable accommodation

Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities:

Education requirements

•  Bachelor's degree in the biological sciences, education, or related field preferred OR equivalent combination of education and experience 

Experience requirements

• Basic understanding of a zoo’s role in protecting wildlife and encouraging conservation
• 1 year of experience in the development and presentation of education programs or related area
• 1 year of leadership experience in either a volunteer role or paid experience

Job Requirements

• A valid, current, unrestricted driver license
• Successfully complete pre-hire background check and pre-employment drug screen (we do not test for THC)
• Comply with quarterly random drug testing if selected
• Proof of negative TB test within immediate past 12 months, OR, complete a pre-hire TB test (company paid) to be renewed annually
• Participates in emergency drills
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to maintain positive, constructive relationships, at all levels, with a diverse population of staff, guests, vendors and the public
• Assertive, energetic, and enjoy working in a fast paced, public/guest attraction focused environment
• Ability to take direction, constructive feedback, act or change direction as needed
• Regular physical attendance at work
• Reliable and able to work to a schedule
• Must be able to work a flexible work schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays

Physical requirements

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds often
• Bend, stoop, kneel, reach frequently
• Stand and walk for long periods of time
• Repetitious motions with hands
• Must be able to work outside in either cold or hot weather conditions the majority of the time

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree
• Additional years of relevant experience
• AZA Zoo experience strongly preferred
• Fluently bilingual (Spanish / ASL)

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Reid Park Zoological Society to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the HR Dept.

JOB CODE: 8742EDU