Program Description
The Zoo Educator program is a year-round, long-term volunteer opportunity for adults, ages 18 and above, who have great people skills and a deep love of animals, nature, and conservation.
Zoo Eds support and lead a variety of educational initiatives.
- Assist Education staff with classroom programming. Including group management, logistic support, and leading select curriculum.
- Present exhibit demonstrations held during special events and daily during the summer.
- Present classroom programs for school field trips.
- Host animal demonstrations utilizing Ambassador Animals for camps, home school programs, and corporate/donor events.
- Engage guests in mission driven conversations at exhibits throughout the Zoo.
Training
Zoo Eds must complete the initial series of training sessions that cover every area of the Zoo, education and presentation techniques, conservation, and animal well-being. During the training or immediately following the series, new Zoo Eds will complete mentoring shifts on engaging guests in mission driven conversations at exhibit spaces.
Additional training for specific programs and animal handling is optional but required to support those sections of the program.
Time Commitment
Zoo Eds are required to:
- Be a current or previous Exhibit Guide volunteer, having successfully completed at least 18 hours/3 months of education shifts by Labor Day.
- Complete the Zoo Ed training program. Training runs yearly from September – January.
- Give at least 18 hours of education related programming/shifts every 3 months
- Attend at least 6 Zoo Ed Meetings per year. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Complete 10 hours of continuing education per year.
The program is designed to have structure and yet remain somewhat flexible, while providing opportunities for volunteers to grow their skills and experiences at the Zoo.
