Education Coordinator - Full Time - Tuesday to Saturday

Reid Park Zoo, located in beautiful Tucson, Arizona is a mid-sized, regional zoological garden caring for over 200 exotic animal species from around the world in lush, naturalistic habitats. With a mission centered in conservation, the Zoo is Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participates in nearly 100 Species Survival Plans for threatened and endangered species. Reid Park Zoo maintains a state-of-the-art elephant program, a cutting-edge veterinary clinic that serves as a teaching hospital for the University of Arizona veterinary program, and is the co-leader of the Flamingo SAFE program to name a few recognitions. Attracting more than 500,000 guests annually, the Zoo is the midst of an exciting expansion project, Pathway to Asia, that will add four acres to its campus, bringing new species such as red panda, Komodo dragon and Lar gibbon, as well as a breeding facility for critically-endangered Malayan tigers when it opens in 2026.

• The Zoo is located in beautiful Tucson, Arizona.
• Stunning high desert valley vistas surrounded by four mountain ranges offer a year-round paradise for cyclists, hikers, bird-watchers and outdoor enthusiasts. 
• Named the first UNESO City of Gastronomy dedicated in the United States, the City is a delight for foodies with a lively and developing dining, arts and cultural scene, and a lovely wine country just thirty minutes away.
• With the University of Arizona and its championship sports, top-notch medical facilities, and affordable housing, Tucson is a great place to bring the family and put down roots– a big city, yet with a comfortable, small-town feel.
• Reid Park Zoological Society is seeking an Education Coordinator.
• Bachelor's degree in the biological sciences, education, or related field preferred OR equivalent 2 years’ experience.
• A basic understanding of a zoo’s role in protecting wildlife and encouraging conservation is required.
• Experience in developing informal educational programs and leadership experience is required.
• Applicant must be available to work a flexible schedule that includes shifting their schedule to work frequent evening shifts including weekends.
• This position is open until filled.
• The Society is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to support, advocate for, and enhance the value of Reid Park Zoo and its mission to encourage commitment to the conservation of biological diversity and to provide educational and fun experiences for visitors of all ages.
• Reid Park Zoo is the largest attended cultural attraction in Southern Arizona with approximately 500,000 visitors annually. 
• Be a part of a vibrant, growing organization as Reid Park Zoo implements an exciting master plan that will be investing over $60M in new exhibits over the next ten years.
• No phone calls or visits, please. 
• We are an Equal Opportunities Employer. 
• We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff.
• Anticipated start date: early January 2025.

Overview:        

• Responsible for developing, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating daily educational programs and assisting with zoo-wide education and conservation messaging.

Reports To:     

• Education Supervisor/ Director of Education and Conservation.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, coordinate, implement, and evaluate daily educational programs, camps, and activities for special events to enhance Reid Park Zoo’s mission and key education and conservation goals.
• Assist the Director of Education and Conservation in the development and delivery of zoo-wide education and conservation messages.
• Assist in training part-time staff and volunteers in handling animal ambassadors
• Assist in training part-time education staff on departmental protocol regarding programming, work one-on-one during programs to further part-time educator skills for all programs, including behind-the-scenes tours.
• May recruit, train, and supervise volunteers and interns to present nature play or other departmental volunteer opportunities.
• Assist the Director of Education and Conservation in monitoring the quality of education programs and assess that programs remain inclusive for all learners.
• Development of marketing and conservation materials for social media, adopt an animal program, member newsletter, and other materials as requested by the Marketing Department under the direction of the Director of Education and Conservation.
• Lead trainer for animal ambassadors, coordinate training goals with animal care staff, and access animal welfare throughout education programming.
• Promote RPZ education and conservation mission through active engagement in committees within the local Arizona region and AZA community including the CEC and SAFE programs.
• Instruct engaging, inclusive interpretive education programs, presentations, and tours on/off-site during regular operating hours and after-hours as needed to engage all learners.
• Follow Zoo safety protocols and procedures.
• Communicate clearly with supervisors before and after programs. • Assists as needed at special events.
• Complete trainings as required. These may include but are not limited to animal handling, safety, CPR/ First Aid, DEAI, and zoonotic disease training.
• Be able to perform those tasks that are essential to the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. • Any other reasonable duty as requested.
• Please note that this document is not intended to be an exhaustive list. It is intended to give a reasonable idea of what might be required.

Preferred Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities Education requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in the biological sciences, education, or related field preferred OR equivalent 2 years’ experience.

Experience requirements:

• Basic understanding of a zoo’s role in protecting wildlife and encouraging conservation
• 1 year of experience in the development and presentation of education programs or related area.
• 1 year of leadership experience in either a volunteer role or paid experience.
• Other requirements
• Strong communication & presentation skills
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather and varying temperatures.
• Ability to perform light physical tasks such as lifting tables and chairs (25lbs).
• Ability to bend, pull, crouch, stoop, lean.
• Willingness to undertake an annual TB skin test.
• Willingness to undertake First Aid/ CPR certification training if required. Recertification every two years is required.
• Regular physical attendance at work.
• Willing to work a flexible work schedule that varies by season including weekends and evenings.
• Valid driver’s license required and ability to drive.
• Res Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Reid Park Zoological Society to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship.
• The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process.
• If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the HR Dept.

Experience Required

• Basic understanding of a zoo’s role in protecting wildlife and encouraging conservation.

Perks

• Healthcare benefits,
• pet insurance,
• paid holidays,
• free family zoo membership and general admission tickets,
• paid time off to volunteer.

Salary

• Hiring range $17.61 - $20.69 hourly DOE