Educator

Maryland Zoo • Baltimore, MD

1d

About The Position

The Educator is part of the Conservation Education Department of the Maryland Zoo. They are responsible for developing and delivering engaging educational programs for diverse audiences, both in person and virtually. This position creates meaningful experiences that inspire conservation action and align directly with the mission of The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. The Educator maintains appropriate animal handling skills for program delivery and ensures all presentations are effective, inclusive, and aligned with Zoo values in conservation, sustainability, education, and Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI). Additionally, the Educator will support the Zoo’s mission to save wildlife and protect wild places and contribute to its environmental, social, governance sustainability, conservation, education, and DEAI goals. This position includes regularly scheduled weekend and weekday duties, as well as limited supervisory responsibilities in the absence of a manager.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Education, or a related field required.
• Teaching and/or public speaking experience required.
• Proficiency with Google and Microsoft Office programs.
• Must be able to operate various equipment including computer, telephone, scanner, copier, two-way radio, golf cart, vehicle, hand tools, and program-related materials.
• Standing (up to 8 hours per day), walking (up to 6 hours per day), and sitting (up to 8 hours per day).
• Ability to walk large areas of the Zoo as needed.
• Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force to lift, push, pull, carry, or otherwise move objects.
• Ability to use all senses to monitor animal health and behavior.
• Must be able to work for extended periods in outdoor environments throughout all seasons and weather conditions, including heat, humidity, cold, rain, and snow.
• Regular contact with plants and animals, with potential exposure to bites, stings, and scrapes.
• Ability to travel locally and within the state as needed.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, evenings, holidays, and special events.
• Ability to safely operate a golf cart and vans with appropriate license.
• Must successfully pass a background check and maintain a clean driving record.

Nice To Haves

• Curriculum development experience in informal education preferred.
• Animal handling experience preferred (training provided).
• STEM background preferred.
• Strong oral communication and presentation skills.
• Self-motivated, organized, and detail-oriented.
• Passionate about conservation and education.

Responsibilities

• Present educational programs using biofacts, artifacts, live animals, and hands-on activities for audiences of all ages, both on-grounds and off-site, in person and virtually.
• Support the development and enhancement of education program content for a variety of audiences including children, families, adults, and individuals with special needs.
• Collaborate with other Zoo departments to design and deliver educational content for Zoo events and special programs.
• Manage all aspects of program delivery, including set-up, presentation, and clean-up.
• Maintain competency with technology such as microphones, cameras, webinar platforms, tablets, and related presentation tools.
• Maintain appropriate animal handling level and first-aid certification per Zoo Animal Handling Guidelines.
• Assist with program administration, recordkeeping, and materials management.
• Support and provide guidance to Zoo volunteers; supervise as needed in the absence of a manager.
• Regularly deliver educational programming for 4–6 hours per day, including weekends.
• Ensure all programs are engaging, safe, and mission-driven.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with participants, Zoo staff, and volunteers.
• Participate in ongoing professional development to enhance content knowledge, teaching techniques, and conservation communication skills.
• Work collaboratively with the Zoo’s marketing department to promote programs and educational initiatives.
• Build and maintain professional connections with peer organizations to remain current on trends in informal science and conservation education.
• Deliver outstanding customer service to all Zoo guests and partners.
• Serve as the acting education manager as needed.
• Support the management of education resources and supplies.
• Demonstrate teamwork and collaboration across Zoo departments.

Benefits

• We offer an excellent benefits package including 24 days of Paid Time Off (PTO), Sick and Safe Leave, and 2 paid holidays.
• Eligible for medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability and life insurance.
• 401(k) with employer match.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level