Educator Guide – Part Time – San Diego Zoo

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 (part-time) 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.

• 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

IMPORTANT DETAILS

• Location: San Diego, CA
• Position Type: Hourly, Part-Time, Non-Exempt, Union Position – If selected, there will be fees and dues to be paid to the union
• Hourly Rate: $23.67

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.