San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and creating a world where all life thrives. Empowering people from around the globe to support our mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships, we support cutting-edge conservation, and bring the stories of our work back to our two world-famous front doors — the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park — giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The deep and extensive knowledge gained from more than a century of experience in wildlife care, health, veterinary services, nutrition and conservation makes us invaluable in the global effort to save species. Our team members play a crucial role in driving our conservation efforts forward and bringing us closer to a world where all life thrives.
HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
- The Educator Guide under direction interprets the Organization's collection for students of all ages in various program formats and presents and cares for the wildlife assigned to the Education Department.
- This position reports to the Lead Educator Guide, Education Specialist or Transportation Supervisor/Education Supervisor.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
- Educates and interprets
- Conducts a variety of programs (from 4 to 12 offerings)
- Delivers programs off safari park/zoo grounds
- Gives input to program developers
- Teaches summer school
- Performs storytelling and puppet shows
- Operates a variety of organization vehicles and audio visual equipment
- Handles artifacts and biofacts
- Collects program feedback
- Escorts groups behind the scenes
- Works with a variety of different groups
- Monitors program materials and props
- May conduct city-school programs
- Care for and handle wildlife
- Prepare diets and feed wildlife
- Administer medications and nutritional supplements
- Present wildlife to the public for tours and small group encounters
- Seasonal educators do no handle or provide daily care for wildlife
- Ensure wildlife safety in vehicles when traveling off-grounds
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- The San Diego Zoo Education & Premium Experiences team seeks experienced, collaborative, and growth-minded team members for the Educator Guide position.
- This position reports to the Education & Tours Supervisor and is responsible for engaging diverse audiences in conservation through fun and informative tour experiences and educational programs both on and off Zoo grounds.
- Experience handling, presenting, and training wildlife is highly desirable.
- Candidates with an interest in supporting team success and contributing to a culture of feedback are encouraged to apply.
- Applicants must be 18 years or older to be considered.
EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
- Current valid California Driver’s License in good standing
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
- Principles and practices of biology or zoology, including animal behavior
- Teaching methods and practices; and learning theory
- Caring for and handling animals
- Teach and motivate all grade levels on a variety of themes
- Communicate effectively
- Handle, care for, and condition a variety of animals
- Monitor animal behavior
- Keep records, follow procedures, and maintain flexibility with scheduling
- Operate motor vehicles safely
- Deal tactfully and courteously with the public and staff
SOME OF THE PERKS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER
- Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
- Family Passes
- Complimentary Tickets
- Local and In-House Discounts
- Employee Assistance Program
- Wellness Program
Fraudulent Recruiting
- Beware of fraudulent recruiting.
- Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address.
- We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process.
- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person.
- If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org.
- If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.
- Be an ally for wildlife by joining our team!
- At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we thrive on celebrating our differences.
- Diversity is vital for the benefit of our team members, our guests, our community, and our wildlife.
- All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.
- If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.
- As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States.
- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.
Salary
- $30.12 hourly