Zoo Educator

Minot Park District•Minot, ND

About The Position

Roosevelt Park Zoo seeks an Education Coordinator to plan, coordinate, manage, and direct the Roosevelt Park Zoo’s education programs, outreach activities, zoo teen programs, and related personnel to support the Zoo’s conservation and education mission.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Education or a Life Science field, AND two (2) years’ experience coordinating educational programming; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Must possess a valid North Dakota Driver’s License.
FA/CPR/AED
Expertise in principles and practices of formal and informal education.
Expertise in designing, delivering, and evaluating conservation education curriculum and content.
Expertise in designing, delivering, and evaluating engaging conservation education programs for diverse audiences.
Expertise in supervisory principles and staff development practices.
Expertise in supervising, training, and coordinating staff and volunteers while managing multiple projects and priorities.
Effective verbal and written communication, relationship-building with schools and community partners, and preparation of reports and records.
Proficiency in budget development and fiscal monitoring processes.
Proficiency in safety procedures for public programs and animal environments.
Proficiency with standard office software and educational technology.

Nice To Haves

Minimum two (2) years of experience working in education with children preferred.
Knowledge of AZA accreditation standards and animal ambassador program best practices, including animal welfare considerations (preferred).

Responsibilities

Oversee and facilitate onsite and outreach education programs, including Zoo Camp, workshops, tours, and special presentations.
Manage classroom space, education staff and volunteers, ambassador animals, and program equipment.
Develop marketing materials, including newsletters, teacher guides, media releases, and program evaluations.
Develop and facilitate science- and conservation-based education programs for diverse audiences, from Pre-K to adult.
Ensure programs meet or exceed State Education standards and AZA requirements.
Recruit, train, coordinate, and evaluate education staff, interns, volunteers, docents, and Zoo Teens; develop and maintain training materials and manuals.
Participate as a member of the Zoo Management Team and Conservation Committee.
Assess and evaluate all onsite and outreach education programs, curriculum, and content to ensure they meet intended goals, objectives, outcomes, and impact.
Maintains and updates the Zoo Education Master Plan in alignment with AZA guidelines.
Prepare and maintain program records, reports, correspondence, and documentation.
Manages the Zoo’s biofact collection, required federal permits, and annual inventories.
Coordinate and assist with special events, conservation programs, and promotional activities, including occasional evenings and weekends.
Assist in developing and evaluating exhibits, interpretive signage, and interactive spaces within the Zoo.
Assist with admissions operations and other Zoo functions as needed.
Collaborates with Animal Management staff to support ambassador animal programming and maintain the Institutional Collection Plan (ICP).
Ensures safe working and learning environments for staff, volunteers, students, and guests.
Ensures ambassador animal welfare standards are maintained for both onsite and offsite programs.
Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with school districts, educators, environmental organizations, community groups, and professional associations.
Serve as a Zoo representative through speaking engagements, interviews, professional organizations, AZA committees, and community outreach.
Prepares and monitors the education budget; tracks program revenues and expenditures.
Researches and identifies grant funding and sponsorship opportunities related to education initiatives.
Performs other duties as assigned or required.