Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title : Zoo Educator

Department : Education

Reports to : Curator of Education and Associate Curator of Education

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Job Type : Full-Time

Work Schedule : Tuesday - Saturday or Sunday - Thursday; 8:00am - 4:30pm

Summary

The Zoo Educator supports the mission of this AZA-accredited institution by developing and delivering engaging educational experiences that promote conservation awareness and inspire public interest in wildlife. This role involves both technical and programmatic responsibilities, including the care and handling of education animals in accordance with USDA, AZA, and institutional standards. The Zoo Educator will also research, design, implement, and evaluate a variety of on-site and off-site educational programs for diverse audiences.

Essential Job Functions

Animal Care & Husbandry:

• Assess daily supply and feed levels for the education animal collection.
• Conduct medical assessments of education animals (upon arrival, departure, and as needed) to communicate health concerns to curatorial and veterinary staff.
• Clean and maintain animal habitats using appropriate tools and chemical agents to ensure animal welfare, safety, and regulatory compliance (e.g., USDA, AZA, Animal Welfare Act).
• Monitor animal wellbeing considering weather, temperature, condition, and species-specific needs.
• Prepare and deliver animal diets per specifications from veterinary or curatorial staff.
• Observe and document animal behavior and health, collecting fecal samples and supporting medical procedures as needed.
• Assist in the capture, restraint, treatment, and relocation of animals, using proper handling techniques and equipment.
• Support animal rescues off-grounds when required.
• Administer prescribed medications under the direction of Zoo Vet, Vet Tech, or Curatorial staff.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records, including daily reports, husbandry logs, and data entry into systems such as ARKS/Species360.

Exhibit & Grounds Maintenance

• Maintain plant life in and around exhibits.
• Perform manual labor including lifting feed bags, moving equipment, and maintaining clean, organized animal areas and education spaces.

Education & Program Delivery

• Design, research, present, and evaluate educational programs for diverse audiences on- and off-site.
• Deliver interactive presentations covering topics such as species natural history, conservation science, and global ecology.
• Train and handle a wide variety of animals for public programs, husbandry tasks, and veterinary procedures.
• Lead interpretive experiences at zoo exhibits, including spontaneous engagement with guests.
• Develop, deliver, and assess training programs for staff and volunteers.

Technology & Communication

• Utilize computers, smart devices, and other technology to support educational delivery and recordkeeping.
• Integrate emerging technologies to enhance distance learning and conservation communication.
• Communicate effectively with guests, program participants, coworkers, and media in person and in writing.
• Respond to inquiries related to education, animal care, and zoo operations with professionalism and accuracy.

Teamwork & Leadership

• Make independent decisions related to educational programming and animal care in the absence of a supervisor.
• Collaborate with Zoo management on goal setting and program evaluation.
• Assist other departments such as Marketing, Public Relations, and Guest Services when needed.
• Provide guidance and supervision to volunteers engaged in education or animal care support.

Other Duties

• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the overall mission of Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo.

Job Requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Biology, Zoology, Animal Science, Ecology, or a related field required.
• Experience in an AZA-accredited institution may substitute for a related degree.
• Knowledge of animal behavior, husbandry, and conservation required.
• Experience in distance learning, educational content development, and conservation communication strongly preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, presentation, and time management skills.
• Proven ability to develop and deliver educational content to varied audiences.
• Commitment to the Zoo's mission and values.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
• Capable of prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines independently or as part of a team.

Technical Proficiency

• Comfortable using computers, iPads, Smartboards, smartphones, and AV equipment.
• Familiarity with data systems like Species360 (ARKS, ZIMS) a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
• Frequent standing, walking, kneeling, bending, climbing, and reaching.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to safely interact with animals and guests.
• Must be available to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as scheduled.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel for off-site programs and conservation work.

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