Conservation Educator (Full-Time)

Application Information

Applications are being accepted for a full-time Conservation Educator to join the Fort Wayne Zoo team. This is a full-time position requiring availability for a 40-hour work week year-round. Full-time benefits include Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance, 403b Plan, 403b Matching, Employee Assistance Program, Paid Days Off, Paid Holidays, Paid Health & Wellness Days, and Paid Parental Leave as well as optional Dental, Vision, Life, and Pet Insurance Programs. All team members receive Team Member Perks such as a free Staff Membership, concessions and retail discounts, development opportunities, and appreciation programs.

About the Role

The Conservation Educator enthusiastically delivers hands-on educational programming to audiences of all ages during the school year and Zoo season. This position provides direct supervision of team members and coordination of daily operations for a Zoo season education program and ensures all education objectives are met. Additionally, this position assists the Education Managers in special programing.

Responsibilities

• Delivers engaging, educational programs to school groups, family groups, staff, volunteers, and other audiences both at the Zoo and off-site at various locations in Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan.
• Promotes mission-based storytelling and conservation education to school groups, family groups, staff, and volunteers at the Zoo and off-site programs.
• Introduces program audiences to a variety of program animals in a safe and respectful manner.
• Regularly trains and keeps accurate behavior records in order to maintain wellbeing standards of program animals.
• Affords support and supervision to team members.
• Assists in program schedules and coordinates cross departmental activities.
• Promotes the Zoo as a science and conservation leader to the education community.
• Serves as a team player in the Education Department by supporting the department’s goals.
• Represents the Zoo in a positive manner by maintaining a positive attitude and delivering exceptional guest service.
• Maintains records of program outcomes.
• Supports the Zoo’s commitment to continued growth of diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and belonging for team members, volunteers, guests, and supporters.
• Assists with special projects and helps other team members as needed.
• Actively contributes to positive guest experiences.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Two years of experience teaching or program planning in an informal learning setting is required.
• Valid driver’s license is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in education, biology, life science, or related field is preferred.
• Previous experience in a zoo and/or aquarium setting is preferred.
• Certified Interpreter Guide (CIG) is preferred; certified through the National Association of Interpretation or another equitable organization.

Qualifications

• Ability to convey accurate scientific information in a meaningful way to children and adults.
• Ability to use a variety of interpretive techniques to convey information and transfer knowledge.
• Ability to motivate and persuade audiences to take conservation actions in their own backyard.
• Ability to safely handle, transport, and train small animals in a program setting, following set usage guidelines and protocols.
• Excellent presentation and motivational skills for a variety of audiences.
• Strong interest in zoo education and conservation with knowledge of wildlife and natural history.
• Ability to professionally and effectively communicate with others through written correspondence.
• Ability to troubleshoot, analyze situations, and make sound business decisions.
• Ability to make independent decisions and manage time effectively.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office software.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Knowledge of general office procedures and practices.
• Knowledge of correct grammar and sentence structure.
• Ability to work a highly flexible schedule as required to successfully perform the requirements and functions of the position, including required weekend, evening, holiday, and irregular hours.
• Ability to handle confidential information.
• Ability to understand and follow all safety regulations.
• Ability to track and manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Ability to arrive at work when scheduled and maintain a positive attendance record.
• Ability to serve as a goodwill ambassador, in every respect and at all times, for the Fort Wayne Zoological Society and the Fort Wayne Zoo in contacts with guests, partners, and the community.
• Ability to deal tactfully and politely with guest questions and misbehavior.
• Excellent communication skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships with team members, volunteers, partners, and the community.

Physical Demands

• Ability to safely handle, transport, and train small animals in a program setting, following set guidelines and protocols.
• Ability to drive long distances without assistance.
• Ability to operate office equipment, including computers, copiers, fax machines, and phones.
• Ability to professionally and appropriately interact and communicate with others, both in person and through phone, email, and written correspondence.
• Ability to properly lift and carry items up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to stand and sit for periods of time and to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Ability to perform focused work with close attention to detail.
• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors, with exposure to extreme temperatures and inclement weather conditions; the environment may include wet, icy, or muddy conditions.