Conservation Education Fellow

Do you have a passion for conservation, zoos, learning, and teaching? Are you creative, enthusiastic, and eager to grow your skills? Do you enjoy working with energetic children, curious guests, and a team of wild colleagues? Join the Maryland Zoo and inspire thousands of visitors through dynamic conservation education.

General Summary

• The Conservation Education Fellow is a 10-month learning opportunity for emerging professionals interested in informal education and conservation.
• Fellows deliver engaging, STEM-based programming to Zoo audiences, with a focus on school field trip groups.
• Programs are conducted both in person and virtually.
• This position supports the Zoo’s mission by fostering curiosity, inspiring conservation action, and delivering inclusive, meaningful learning experiences to all guests.
• The Fellow will gain hands-on experience in program delivery, animal handling, interpretation, and conservation communication while contributing new ideas and creativity to our team.
• This role also aligns with the Zoo’s broader goals in conservation, sustainability, education, and DEAI (Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion).
• Fellowship Details
• Duration: September 2025 – June 2026
• Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
• Primary Responsibilities
• Program Delivery
• Deliver in-person and virtual education programs using hands-on activities, conservation-themed materials and animal ambassadors.
• Present 4–5 days/week, with an average of 5 hours of on-grounds programming per day.
• Handle all aspects of program execution, including setup, presentation, and breakdown.
• Program Development & Support
• Assist in developing and refining program content tailored to school groups and diverse audiences.
• Participate one day/week in training, materials preparation, and resource maintenance.
• Help maintain education supplies, spaces, and equipment.

Animal Handling

• Learn and maintain animal handling competencies as outlined by the Zoo’s Animal Handling Guidelines.

Technology & Communication

• Use presentation technology confidently (e.g., tablets, webinar platforms, microphones, document cameras).
• Communicate professionally with guests, school groups, staff, and volunteers.
• Provide exceptional guest service and uphold Zoo standards for engagement.

Professional Development

• Participate in ongoing training and mentorship in interpretation, conservation messaging, and DEAI practices.
• Collaborate with Zoo staff, educators, and volunteers to continuously improve programming.
• Build relationships with professionals at partner institutions to stay current on best practices in informal education.

What You'll Gain

• Real-world experience in conservation education at an AZA-accredited zoo.
• Training in animal handling, program development, and guest engagement.
• Professional mentorship and potential pathways into conservation, education, or interpretation fields.
• Confidence and experience in public speaking, inclusive education, and environmental communication.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Environmental Sciences, Education, or related field required.

Experience:

• Public speaking or teaching experience preferred.
• Understanding of formal education standards.
• Animal handling experience is a plus; training will be provided.
• Working knowledge of Google Workspace and Microsoft Office.
• Desired Traits
• Passion for wildlife, conservation, and informal education.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and public speaking skills.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and stand for extended periods.

Equipment:

• Must be able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including computer, telephone, scanner, copier, two-way radio, golf cart, vehicles, hand tools, gardening/carpentry tools, computer etc.

Working Conditions:

• Standing (up to 8 hours per day), walking (6 hours per day), sitting (up to 8 hours per day);
• Must be able to walk large areas of the Zoo as needed;
• Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force to lift, push, pull, carry, or otherwise move objects;
• Ability to use senses to monitor animal health;
• Must be able to work for extended periods of time in an outdoor weather environment, in all seasons and weather, including heat/humidity, cold temperatures, and/or wet conditions;
• Daily contact with plants and animals including being subject to bites, stings and scrapes;
• Ability to travel (car/van) as needed - locally and/or state-wide;
• Ability to drive golf cart and large cargo van with appropriate license; and,
• Clean background check and driving record.

Disclaimer:

• The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. 
• They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of all personnel so classified. 
• Therefore, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different task be performed when circumstances change.

Experience Required

• Entry Level
• Further Comments
• Full-Time/Temporary - Grant Funded position

Salary

• $20/hour