Overnight Education Programmer

Zoo Educator (S)

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages over 100 locations across the state, including the North Carolina Zoo. The Department's vision is to be the leader in using the state's natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational, and economic future of North Carolina.

The North Carolina Zoo has an exciting opportunity to join our team. We are seeking a dynamic, efficient, and enthusiastic individual to serve as an Overnight Education Programmer. The primary role of this position is to deliver engaging programs for community groups, Zoo experiences, and Zoo guests both on-site and at off-site locations up to 100 miles from the Zoo. The secondary role is to connect guests with the Zoo's conservation and animal welfare initiatives through their assigned Investigation Stations.

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Present and evaluate non-formal education programs for community groups, Zoo experiences, Zoo guests, and overnight guests as part of a collaborative team.
• Use live animals and biofacts to tailor programs to the needs and interests of diverse audiences.
• Safely transport live animals and biofacts throughout the Zoo, ensuring proper handling, accountability, and adherence to safety protocols.
• Staff Investigation Stations to support the Zoo's mission in conservation and animal welfare.
• Engage and educate guests during their overnight experiences.
• Supervise overnight guests and ensure their safety while on Zoo grounds.
• Assist with CES department programming needs as assigned.
• Maintain a working knowledge of all relevant policies and procedures.

Position & Physical Requirements:

• Must be available to work a diverse work schedule with most hours falling between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Saturday-Friday or overnights (3:30 pm to 10:00 am) as an Overnight Educator (Fridays & Saturdays), from March – mid-November. Will work weekends, holidays, and after hour/early morning special events.
• Knowledge of basic natural sciences such as: zoology, biology, or ecology.
• Knowledge of basic educational and interpretive techniques.
• Must have public speaking experience with the ability to correctly answer questions and patiently explain difficult material.
• Experience working with all ages and being able to provide age-appropriate programs.
• Strong communication, decision-making, and organizational skills with ability to work effectively in a team setting and alone.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to take initiative and work independently.
• Must possess physical ability to stand and walk for long periods of time as well as lift/carry large boxes in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to train and handle animal ambassadors such as, snakes, turtles, lizards, tarantulas, cockroaches, millipedes, salamanders, and frogs/toads.
• Must meet DNCR Fleet Safety Guidelines and have ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license issued from within the United States or be able to obtain one within 90 days of employment.
• Ability to drive a 17-passenger bus on Zoo grounds.

This position is located at:

4401 Zoo Parkway

Asheboro, NC 27205

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in a natural science program from an appropriately accredited institution

And:

• Two years of experience in the development and presentation of natural science interpretive and educational programs

Or:

• An equivalent combination of education and experience