Queens Zoo Adjunct Conservation Educator

Job Description:

Location: Queens Zoo
Schedule: Wednesday - Sunday, maximum of 35 hours per week
Through June 30, 2024, with the possibility of extending into December 2024
Pay Rate: $23 per hour

Who We Are

The WCS Education Department works across our five wildlife parks: Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and New York Aquarium. Our mission is to inspire a diverse and inclusive movement of conservation advocates by sparking 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 off-site after-school programs and coordinating and hosting our birthday party programming. In addition, the adjunct instructor will assist with general audience programs and school programs as needed. The adjunct educator will assist full-time staff in instruction, oversight of programs, re-working activities to fit unique learning styles of students, and helping to maintain a lively learning environment throughout the year. The adjunct conservation educator will work with a wide variety of audiences including toddlers, youth, teens, adults, scouts, school groups, and families. Schedule will be Wednesday - Sunday with some flexibility required in order to accommodate camps, evening events, or other general audience programs.

Responsibilities

As an Adjunct Conservation Educator you will…

• Teach off-site at local schools though our CASA (Cultural After-school Adventures) funded programs.
• Coordinate and teach birthday party events,
• Assist Full-Time staff with a primary focus on PreK-12 grade audiences, including, but not limited to: Family Programs, Family Overnight Safaris, School Break Camp and Summer Camp Programs
• Supervise and interact with children ranging in age from 2-17 years old.
• Maintain a fun and lively learning environment.
• Prepare and organize materials for programs.
• Lead and develop Birthday Party events and CASA programs, as well as other programs as needed.
• Train in the proper handling and presentation protocols of the Queens Zoo’s tractable animal collection under the supervision of the Curator of Education.
• Attend regular staff meetings and participate in staff development.
• Perform all related tasks and duties, as assigned.
• Comply with all policies and procedures as presented by WCS and the WCS Education Department

Qualification Requirements

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.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license

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
WCS is an equal opportunity employer, and the organization complies with all employment and labor laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in hiring and ensures that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the recruitment process. We are dedicated to hiring and engaging a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value. The organization provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. The organization does not discriminate for employment based on gender, race/ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, caste, genetic information or any other covered status or characteristic protected by laws and regulations/and similar categories.

It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that we do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based upon a person’s membership in one of these protected categories in areas such as recruitment, selection, job assignment, supervision, training, promotions, job grading, transfers, termination, compensation, benefits, educational opportunities, WCS sponsored recreational activities and facilities.

The organization complies with the spirit and intent of relevant local laws and WCS’s employment policies.

Please note that the salary offer will reflect the selected candidate’s individual experiences, skills and qualifications, internal equity, work location and country of work*

EOE/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled

Salary Range

$23.00