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About The Position
The Zoo Educator – Conservation Discovery Corps (CDC) Coordinator is responsible for delivering high-quality educational programs that inspire and engage youth, families, and adult audiences in wildlife conservation and environmental stewardship. This role includes coordinating the CDC program, volunteers, and supporting the Zoo’s broader education initiatives.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in education, Environmental Education, Zoology, Biology, or related field preferred or in process
- Experience working with youth in formal or informal learning settings.
- Strong public speaking, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated passion for wildlife conservation and volunteer development.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed for field trips
- Must work onsite both indoors and outdoors across varied weather conditions; physical stamina required for extended shifts and training sessions.
- Attendance at public events and off-hours scheduling is required.
- Frequent standing, walking, kneeling, bending, climbing, and reaching.
- Ability to work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to safely interact with animals and guests.
- Must be able to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as scheduled.
- Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel for off-site programs and conservation work.
Nice To Haves
- Experience leading or coordinating volunteer programs.
- Knowledge of local and global conservation issues.
- Familiarity with animal husbandry, wildlife care, or zoo operations.
Responsibilities
- Plan, prepare, and deliver interactive educational programs and experiences for diverse audiences.
- Lead field trips, workshops, summer camps, and special events focused on conservation themes.
- Develop, adapt, and implement curriculum and lesson plans aligned with Zoo education goals.
- Lead interpretive experiences at zoo habitats, including spontaneous engagement with guests.
- Evaluate and provide feedback on program effectiveness.
- Oversee day-to-day operations of the CDC program, including scheduling and participant tracking.
- Train, mentor, and supervise CDC volunteers, ensuring adherence to Zoo policies and program objectives.
- Assist with program recruitment, orientations, and evaluation of participant progress.
- Coordinate with other Zoo departments to provide hands-on experiences for CDC participants.
- Ensure safety of staff and volunteers on and off grounds.
- Represent the Zoo in educational and community outreach initiatives.
- Collaborate with staff, volunteers, and external partners to enhance program impact.
- Maintain accurate records of program participation, volunteer hours, and educational materials.
- Assist with development and maintenance of educational resources and interpretive signage.
- Responsible for delivering and continuing program and conservation excellence.
- Ensure program areas and materials are organized, safe, and ready for use.
- Perform other related duties as assigned to support the overall mission of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo.
- Perform duties in accordance with AZA industry standards and maintain superior institutional practices.
