Adjunct Conservation Educator, Central Park Zoo

About the role

The Adjunct Conservation Educator will support the implementation of two internship programs—Project TRUE (Teens Researching Urban Ecology) and the Emerging Leaders in Conservation Solutions Internship (ELCSI)—providing coordination, mentorship, instruction, and support to both high school and undergraduate/trade school students.

Project TRUE (Teens Researching Urban Ecology) – May–September: a 21‑week research mentoring program for rising high school juniors and seniors from the Bronx, providing hands‑on urban ecology research experiences and mentorship from undergraduate students and STEM professionals. The Adjunct Educator will assist with implementation and coordination, collaborating with the Project TRUE leadership team to support and co‑mentor undergraduate and high school students as they develop and conduct authentic research projects at the Bronx Zoo. The Educator will support planning and facilitation of science and mentorship curriculum, guide students through research project development, data collection and analysis, and help students synthesize and communicate their findings.

Emerging Leaders in Climate Solutions Internship (ELCSI) – September–April: a new internship opportunity for undergraduate and trade school students who are not pursuing STEM fields but are interested in exploring how climate solutions can be incorporated into their future careers. The program provides foundational knowledge of climate science and climate change through hands‑on learning and field experiences that introduce interns to a range of careers connected to climate solutions. As the primary point of contact for ELCS, the Adjunct Educator will lead the day‑to‑day implementation and coordination of the internship, serving as a facilitator, mentor, and instructor for a cohort of 15–20 interns. The Adjunct Educator will coordinate field experiences, develop and facilitate learning activities aligned with program objectives and outcomes, and provide guidance and support as interns develop their culminating projects and reports.

Across both programs, the Adjunct Educator will foster meaningful learning experiences, provide mentorship, and help inspire the next generation of conservation and environmental professionals.

Location: Bronx Zoo & Central Park Zoo; Job Type: Part time; Department: BZ‑Education & CPZ Education.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an educator, mentor, and facilitator for high school, undergraduate, and trade school participants, sharing knowledge and enthusiasm for urban ecology, climate science, conservation, and scientific research.
• Assist with the development, adaptation, and facilitation of science research and mentorship curriculum, including lessons and hands‑on activities. (Project TRUE)
• Guide students through authentic research projects, including experimental design, field methods, data collection and analysis, synthesis of findings, and development of research posters and abstracts. (Project TRUE