Educator, Environmental Science

The Memphis Zoo is hiring a full-time Educator for Environmental Science. The role involves delivering educational programming, engaging with guests, and ensuring safety in various zoo settings. Responsibilities include managing exhibits, teaching classes, and developing themed programs. Candidates should be enrolled in a relevant education program and have experience in education or related fields. This position requires physical activity and interaction with the public in an outdoor environment.
Position: Educator (Full Time)

Job Details

Description

Zoo Educator

Summary
The Zoo Educator is responsible for the delivery of instruction, guest engagement, excellent communication, overall experience, safety, and security of participants of all ages in a variety of Education Department programming. Educators’ primary duties include managing Giraffe Deck, guiding Close Encounters, monitoring Butterfly Garden, and delivering conservation messaging around the zoo. Zoo Educators may also deliver programming in school programs, seasonal/event programming, After Dark programs, and seasonal Zoo Camps.

This position reports to the Education Managers, and works cooperatively with Zoo Keepers in multiple areas, other Zoo team members, volunteers, and interns throughout the year.

Essential Job Functions
• Manages and interprets Giraffe Deck, Butterfly Garden, and other seasonal exhibits.
• Responsible for content and delivery of Education Department programming such as classes, tours, outreach, After Dark programs, and seasonal camps.
• Provides an entertaining, safe, engaging environment for Program participants.
• Responsible for organization and presentation of classroom teaching spaces and materials.
• Development of themed educational programs to Program participants.
• Communicates regularly and effectively with guests, volunteers, and Zoo staff.
• Tracks participant numbers and other impact data, including evaluation of programming.
• Works effectively as part of the Zoo Education Team, with staff, volunteers, and interns.
• Communicates with others immediately when responding to an incident or an emergency.
• Contributes professionally to a collaborative, innovative, and energetic work environment.
Competencies
• Guest focus
• Communication proficiency
• Teamwork orientation
• Stress management/composure
• Problem solving skills
Required Education And Experience
• Current enrollment in certification or degreed program in Education, Biology, Environmental or Natural Sciences, Theatre, Recreation, or related field.
• 2 years of relevant experience or any equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to do the job.
Preferred Education and Experience:
• Previous experience developing environmental education programming.
• Previous experience working in professional child care, educational, entertainment or hospitality organization.
Supervisory Responsibility: None.

Reporting Structure: This position reports to the Education Manager.

Work Environment: This role will interact with large groups of children and adults in a classroom environment and on zoo grounds near animal ambassadors. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be exposed to outside weather conditions, wet/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles and vibration. The noise level in the work environment ranges from quiet to moderately loud.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Ability to sit and stand for long periods of time as well as be able to bend and kneel.
• Must be able to communicate over telephone and radio.
• Ability to lift or move 40 pounds unassisted.
• Ability to walk zoo grounds and operate a motorized cart.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.

Duties , responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Other Requirements
• 18 years or older.
• Clear background check.
• Clear drug screening.
Benefits (subject To Applicable Waiting Periods)
• Medical, dental, vision.
• FSA, HSA.
• Short and Long Term Disability.
• Group Term Life Insurance and AD&D.
• 401K.
EEOC AND INCLUSION STATEMENT The Memphis Zoo believes that human diversity is as important as the biodiversity we seek to conserve. World-class zoos are comprised of world-class team members representing a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We value a diverse workplace and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, and veterans to apply.

The Memphis Zoo is an equal-opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws. If you need to request any accommodations for the interview or hiring process, please let the Human Resources team (HR) know.

HR can be contacted at . The Memphis Zoo participates in E-Verify and is an EEO/ADA/Veteran employer.

How to Apply: Applications should be submitted via the Memphis Zoo Careers page. Please note that any other application…