22-Apr-2026

Central Park Zoo

Temporary/Seasonal

CPZ-EDUCATION

Job Title: Adjunct Conservation Educator
Reports To: Manager of Education
Location: Central Park Zoo
Job Type: Seasonal
Department: CPZ Education
Job Description:
Location: Central Park Zoo
Schedule: Monday-Friday, May 4- August 28, 2026, 39 hours per week
Start Date: May 4
Pay Rate: $23 per hour
Who We Are
The WCS Education Department works across our five wildlife parks: Bronx Zoo, Central Park
Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and New York Aquarium. Our mission is to inspire a
diverse and inclusive movement of conservation advocates by sparking a connection with
animals and nature, enhancing scientific literacy through hands-on investigation, and engaging
constituents in stewardship and action to conserve wildlife and wild places.
WCS is proud to be an equal-opportunity employment workplace dedicated to pursuing and
hiring a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work and learning
environment and look for future team members who share that same value.
Job Overview
The Adjunct Conservation Educator’s primary focus will be providing instruction for our camp
programs. The adjunct educator will assist full-time staff in implementing the summer camp
program including acting as a lead camp counselor during select weeks of summer camp,
managing activities and materials during the camp day, handling a small number of tractable
animals and serve as a support to the full time Conservation Educators. The adjunct
conservation educator will work with a wide variety of audiences including toddlers, youth, and
teens. The schedule will be Monday-Friday 8am – 4pm with some flexibility.
Responsibilities
As an Adjunct Conservation Educator, you will…

• Lead and implement summer camp programming Monday-Friday
• Assist the full time Conservation Educators in delivering summer camp training
• Oversee camp counselors during camp, delegating tasks, and providing real time

feedback. Support seasonal Conservation Camp Counselors in leading summer camp
activities

• Be responsible for the safety of all campers and for classroom and behavior

management, including reporting and recording any incidents or accidents to camp
director and FT Education staff.

• Support summer camp related administrative duties for the Education department
• Train and handle a selection of tractable animals during summer camp
• Communicate with caregivers about any incidents or accidents throughout the day and

provide caregivers with camp photos.

• Establish a welcoming and inclusive culture for campers and counselors through

the use of community building and restorative justice practices.

• Perform all related tasks and duties, as assigned
• Comply with all policies and procedures as presented by WCS and the WCS Education

Department

#LI-DNI

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED.
• One-year prior teaching experience in an education field.
• Ability to work within a highly team-oriented environment.
• Excellent verbal communication skills to help interpret science concepts in both a

classroom setting and at zoo exhibits.

• Reliable, flexible and accountable.
• Weekend availability is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Recent college graduate or graduate student
• One year teaching experience at an informal science institution
• Experience and knowledge of writing curriculum and an understanding of best practices

for informal science education, with an understanding of inquiry, nature play, and
audience-centered facilitation techniques.

• Educational background in ecology, environmental science or education preferred
• Bilingual/Spanish speaker is a plus

Workplace Environment

• We value team members and community partners from all backgrounds and cultures

with different skills, abilities, and perspectives.

• We ensure that everyone has an opportunity to fully contribute to our mission.

Benefits and Perks

• We value creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and building a culture

where everyone is welcomed and can flourish.

• As PT staff, you will receive access to Bronx Zoo and other WCS parks

$23.00/hour