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Educator Guide, Tours

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
San Diego, United States Posted: July 14, 2025


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

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