Wildlife Educator

Think Wild is a 501(c)3 non-profit Wildlife Hospital and Conservation Center located in Bend, Oregon. Our mission at Think Wild is to inspire the high desert community to protect and care for native wildlife through education, conservation, and rescue and rehabilitation. 

The Position

Think Wild is seeking to recruit an hourly, non-exempt Wildlife Educator based in Central Oregon to support our on- and off-site community wildlife education programs, including summer camps, in-school programs, field trips, guided walks, and more. They will also assist with the care and training of our small ambassador collection.

As a Wildlife Educator, you will play a vital role in promoting conservation awareness and environmental stewardship by delivering engaging and informative educational programs focused on native wildlife and habitat. You will have the opportunity to inspire individuals of all ages to appreciate and respect the natural world, fostering a deep connection with wildlife and the importance of protecting their habitats. This position requires a strong passion for wildlife, excellent communication skills, and the ability to design and deliver educational content in a captivating manner.

The applicant must be based in Central Oregon and willing to travel within the region, including to Bend, Madras, Prineville, etc. for programs. Potential start date as soon as possible with flexible hours and schedule depending on availability. Priority will be given to those available to work for all or most of the Monday – Friday weeks of June 24, July 8, July 22, and August 12 for summer camps.

Responsibilities:

• Support development and delivery of wildlife education programs, including summer camps, in-school presentations, youth volunteering, tabling, workshops, and interpretive walks that cater to diverse audiences, including students, community groups, and the general public.
• Create educational wildlife content including social media posts, blogs, website pages, curriculum, guides, and more.
• Provide care and training for ambassadors, including feeding, cleaning, and monitoring and recording health and behavior.
• Ensure ambassador enclosures and habitats meet the highest standards of cleanliness, safety, and enrichment.
• Coordinate with education partners and program participants on scheduling, project and curriculum development, materials and program fees
• Reach out to teachers, youth organizations and other resources to increase education program development
• Train and coordinate volunteers to assist with education program delivery
• Maintain all equipment and supplies needed for programming and ensure proper set-up and take-down for education and workshop activities

Compensation

The hourly compensation for this role begins at $18/hour DOE.

Qualifications

• Earned (or in the process of earning) a college degree relevant to environmental education, elementary education, biology, ecology, or a related field
• Minimum of 18 years old
• Strong knowledge of wildlife conservation, ecology, and environmental issues.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse audiences.
• Experience in designing and delivering educational programs, preferably in a wildlife or environmental education setting.
• Comfortable handling live animals and adhering to animal welfare guidelines.
• Proficiency in using multimedia tools and technology for educational purposes.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
• Flexibility to work weekends, evenings, and travel as required.
• A genuine passion for Central Oregon wildlife, nature, and conservation.

EEO Policy

It is the policy of Think Wild to afford equal volunteer opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, citizen status, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic or status that is protected by federal, state, or local law.