Conservation Education Specialist

Conservation Education Specialist

The Conservation Education Department of the Racine Zoo is dedicated to promoting awareness of conservation issues through engaging, educational, and entertaining Zoo experiences.

The Racine Zoo Conservation Education Department offers a multitude of popular programs to spread a positive message about wildlife including educational programs, birthday parties, Zoo Slumber Safaris, holiday events, the Wildlife Explorers school program, Zoo summer camps, scout programs, and Behind-the-Scenes Encounters.

Conservation Education Specialists are responsible for the creation and facilitation of all education programming at the Racine Zoo. Successful Education Specialists will have experience, or desire to gain experience in content and engagement of conservation education programming, use of evidence-based practices, collaborative and relational expertise within the Zoo and with community partners, and conservation capacity building within a multitude of audiences.

Conservation Education Specialist Duties

Under the supervision of the Racine Zoo’s Conservation Education Manager, Education Specialists will be expected to perform the following duties:

Facilitate educational programs and special events

Maintain animal and guest safety at all times, including while in vehicles and traveling off-campus

Maintain the preschool program for Lil’ Explorers preschool including curriculum, materials, and budget

Act as Camp Coordinator and maintain curriculum, materials, and yearlong plan along with the Camp Booking Coordinator and Conservation Education Manager

Engage guests through interpretation of exhibits, both on and off campus

Present a variety of ambassador animals including invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and small mammals to the public for private tours and small group encounters

Maintain established behaviors of education animals

Create, update, and maintain curriculum for the Conservation Education department

Represent the Zoo at outreach events within the community

Conduct a variety of programs, both on-campus and off-campus

Handle and maintain biofacts such as furs, skulls, and specimens appropriately

Monitors and maintain program materials and props

Any other tasks and duties as assigned by the Conservation Education Manager

Adhere to all Racine Zoo and department policies and procedures

Experience Required

Required Skills • Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, animal science, education, or related field • 1-2 years experience working with children • Ability to work as an individual and as part of a team • Excellent public speaking and presentation skills • Strong observational, oral, and written communication skills • Accurate record-keeping abilities • Ability to multitask • Proven ability to interact with staff, guests, and volunteers • Maintain an energetic and positive attitude Desired Skills • 1 years experience as an educator in an AZA-accredited facility • Previous animal handling experience • Previous curriculum writing experience • Previous summer day camp management experience • Previous preschool experience • Bilingual/Multilingual • NEI or equivalent interpretation certification • Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and Canva Licenses and Certifications • Valid Wisconsin driver’s license or ability to obtain one • Negative TB test • CPR/AED/First Aid desired