Educator I

Nashville Zoo is dedicated to inspiring a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation, and leadership. With a diverse collection of animals and a commitment to wildlife preservation, we provide engaging experiences for visitors of all ages.

Position Description:

• The Educator I is part of a dedicated team who is committed to integrating education into the guest experience and recognizes the significance of education in fostering community support for the Zoo.
• The Educator I is experienced in non-formal education with the demonstrated ability to adapt programming to a variety of audiences and program settings. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serves as educator for a wide variety of programming.
• Has a strong knowledge of all program content.
• Design and facilitate age-appropriate curricula for a wide variety of programming.
• Assists in the development of new programming and curriculum.
• Works with various animals during programming, including small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.
• Assists with administering program evaluations and maintaining accurate statistics for all programming.
• Engages with guests and program participants regularly, providing excellent service to ensure a positive guest experience.
• Builds positive relationships within the Education Team and with other Zoo Departments.
• Supports all Zoo education programs as needed. 
• Participates in workshops, conferences and continuing education classes.
• Assists with internal and external online registration systems. 
• Participates in Nashville Zoo teams and projects. 
• Effectively handles customer service concerns.   
• Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications

Skills:

• Comfortable working with ambassador animals.
• Desire to work with and speak to the public.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills to represent the zoo.
• Ability to work well independently without direct supervision.
• Excellent multitasking and time management ability.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations calmly and follow protocols.

Education/ Experience:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or GED equivalent.

Desired Skills:

• The following skills and experience are desired or are considered a plus:
• Bachelor’s degree, or working towards, in Biology, Zoology, Environmental Education/Interpretation, Education, or related field.
• Familiarity with technology relevant to use in a zoo education setting.
• Knowledge and experience with live animal education programming.

Physical Responsibilities:

• Ability to work outdoors in temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Stand, sit, or walk for an extended period.
• Applicants must be able to bend, stoop and extend themselves, etc., as required for assigned tasks. 
• Move, lift, carry, push, pull, and place objects weighing less than or equal to 25 pounds without assistance.

Work Schedule:

• August through May: Tuesday- Saturday, 8:00am to 4:30pm.
• May through August: Monday- Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm.
• Must have flexibility to adjust working days/ hours as needed.

Benefits:

• Nashville Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, Employee Assistance Programs, a 401(k) plan with company match, paid time off, sick leave, long-term disability coverage, park discounts, and membership benefits.

Pre-employment requirements:

• Nashville Zoo is an EEO Institution and a Drug Free Workplace
• Candidates must submit to a criminal background check and pass a drug test.
• Candidates for this position are subject to pre-employment Tuberculosis Screenings.