Education and Animal Programs Specialist

A DAY IN THE LIFE AS AN EDUCATION AND ANIMAL PROGRAMS SPECIALIST

Did you know that the Education Department inspires preschoolers, students, scouts, campers, families and adults to secure a future for wildlife through connections with animal ambassadors such as snakes, lizards, hedgehogs and arachnids? The Education and Animal Programs Specialist supports the Education Programs Team by dividing their work week between “weekend support” for small animal husbandry and ambassador presentations, and leading formal educational programming. Routine animal care responsibilities include, daily husbandry and habitat maintenance, enrichment and operant conditioning, and record keeping for Education Animal Ambassadors, a variety of small animals including amphibians, reptiles, mammals and terrestrial invertebrates. This position also leads formal programs, such as camps, classroom lessons, tours and overnight experiences, individually or as part of a team, and engages audiences of all sizes and age ranges with conservation-based animal ambassador presentations.

You must be fully committed to San Antonio Zoo's mission to create awareness that inspires action to care for the wildlife we steward and animals we protect. You take pride in knowing your hard work is making a difference in wildlife conservation.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR EDUCATION AND ANIMAL PROGRAMS SPECIALIST

• Experience providing a high standard of animal care in a zoo or similar facility setting.

• Ability to communicate and practice animal husbandry, various training techniques, enrichment philosophies, and to demonstrate a specific understanding of the handling of animals in public presentation situations.

• Become proficient in small animal handling and presentations, in accordance with established protocols.
• Strong desire to engage and inspire audiences of all ages, including young children and adults, through conservation messages, zoo stories and animal ambassadors.
• Experience leading group programs e.g. camps, scouts, classroom presentations, children’s programs.
• Understanding of educational interpretive techniques and presentation styles.
• Ability and flexibility to accommodate last minute program and schedule changes with a positive and supportive attitude.
• Ability to work well with limited direction, alone or with a diverse team of staff and volunteers.
• Ability to identify important responsibilities and complete all tasks in a timely manner.

• Strong communication skills. Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely. Ability to deliver and follow oral and written instructions.

• Basic knowledge of biology, zoology, and the ability to organize, plan, collaborate and implement educational presentations.
• At least two years of college coursework in life sciences, zoology, education, environmental interpretation or equivalent experience preferred.
• Ability and desire to deliver year-round outdoor programing.

• Flexibility and open availability to work weekdays, weekends, holidays, and after hour and overnight assignments, on a rotating basis,

• Ability to speak and understand Spanish preferred.

Are you a leader who is supportive, organized, creative, collaborative, and FUN?  If so, then you might just be perfect for this Education position! 

WORK SCHEDULE

We enjoy year-round hours: all staff must be available to work nights, weekends, and during our peak seasons.