Creates and implements educational programs connecting guests to nature, inspiring actions on behalf of animals in the wild. Functions as primary advocate for educational opportunities geared towards all ages and audience types. Promotes a positive culture of innovation, empowerment, and collaboration to meet the Zoo’s mission.
- Normal schedule – Monday - Friday, 9am -5pm, overtime as needed subject to supervisor’s approval and business needs.
- Must be available during camp seasons to include staff training, summer, fall, & winter camp operations.
Our Mission:
- Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.
Our Vision:
- Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Collaborate with fellow teammates on logistics for programs, including guest registrations, communication and supply procurement. Implements all conservation education programming.
- Reviews, updates, & creates curriculum for education programs & camps.
- Assists with maintaining camp scholarship participation in saving wildlife partner school campuses.
- Makes decisions with the best interest of the Zoo: our mission, our guests and our collection at heart.
- Represents the Zoo and themselves in a professional and positive manner.
- Handles and cares for ambassador animals with respect and in accordance with AZA standards.
- Facilitates training programs for staff and volunteers involved in implementing educational programs.
- Aids in the facilitation of Camp Zoofari programming.
- Assists in designing a marketing plan for educational programs.
- Collaborates with various Zoo departments to create new educational programs & schedules.
- Incorporates conservation messaging into new programming.
- Build relationships and partnerships with experts in the community.
- Utilizes sound evaluation principles to drive program modifications and development.
- Designs evaluation tools to measure program impact.
- Supports other Coordinators in their roles such as assisting in program instruction, collaborating on program development and creating a culture that values the team above individual achievement.
- Contributes to saving animals in the wild through reduction of waste, water and energy use, habitat restoration, and inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife saving actions.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
- BA/BS degree in Natural Sciences, Psychology, Education related field or equivalent experience.
- Two (2) years in a directly related role or equivalent progressive experience in educational development.
ABOUT HOUSTON ZOO
- The Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education!
- There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment.
- Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests.
- We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild.
- Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer
