Daytime Educator (Level I or II)

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title : Daytime Educator (Levels I and II available dependent upon years of experience and education)

Department : Edu - Daytime

Primary Reporting to: School Programs Supervisor

Secondary Reporting to: Manager of School and Family Programs

Job Status: Part-time

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Schedule:

Start Date: August 2026

All Educator I and Educator II Mandatory Training:

• Monday, August 31 – 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, September 1 – 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, September 2 – 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Thursday, September 3 – 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Educator II only: Animal Handler Training

• Sunday, September 13 - Approximately 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day
• Sunday, September 20 - Approximately 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day

Job Purpose:

A Daytime Educator advances the mission of Zoo Atlanta by creating experiences that engage, educate and energize program participants to action. These individuals teach day programs both at the Zoo and in the community. Specifically, they facilitate learning for groups of all ages using interactive, STEM-based curriculum that showcases Zoo Atlanta’s work to conserve wildlife and wild places; how to protect our environment; and how every person can make a difference in these areas.

Additionally, Educator II’s will train to become approved animal handlers and facilitate Program Animal Ambassador experiences as part of educational programming.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Deliver high quality programming as part of all Zoo Atlanta’s daytime educational experiences. Programming includes but is not limited to: Field Trip programs, ZooMobiles, Scout Programs, Professional Learning programs, HomeSchool Academy, School Break Safari Camp, Special Events, and Tours.
• Willingness to cross train on additional Education programs such as NightCrawler Overnights, Kids Night Out, and Adventure Cubs.
• Commitment to learn and master all content and skills needed to provide quality programming to Zoo program participants and guests.
• Be able to provide excellent customer service to all Zoo guests, including parents, teachers, chaperones, students, etc.
• Preparation and breakdown of program materials.
• Report program needs to supervisor as necessary.
• Know and follow all emergency procedures and protocols.
• Maintain a positive and encouraging attitude to co-workers and guests.
• Assist with and/or lead on-grounds programming and projects as needed.
• Must attend all Zoo Atlanta mandatory training (i.e. customer service training) as well as Team meetings and workshops
• Completion of various additional duties as assigned.
• Educator II: Provide animal ambassador experiences, when appropriate, as part of programming. This includes ensuring the safety of all guests and animals during experiences.
• Deliver high quality programming as part of all Zoo Atlanta’s daytime educational experiences. Programming includes but is not limited to: Field Trip programs, ZooMobiles, Scout Programs, Professional Learning programs, HomeSchool Academy, School Break Safari Camp, Special Events, and Tours.
• Willingness to cross train on additional Education programs such as NightCrawler Overnights, Kids Night Out, and Adventure Cubs.
• Commitment to learn and master all content and skills needed to provide quality programming to Zoo program participants and guests.
• Be able to provide excellent customer service to all Zoo guests, including parents, teachers, chaperones, students, etc.
• Preparation and breakdown of program materials.
• Report program needs to supervisor as necessary.
• Know and follow all emergency procedures and protocols.
• Maintain a positive and encouraging attitude to co-workers and guests.
• Assist with and/or lead on-grounds programming and projects as needed.
• Must attend all Zoo Atlanta mandatory training (i.e. customer service training) as well as Team meetings and workshops
• Completion of various additional duties as assigned.
• Educator II: Provide animal ambassador experiences, when appropriate, as part of programming. This includes ensuring the safety of all guests and animals during experiences.
• Educator II: Attend mandatory Animal Handler Training September 13 and September 20 and pass all assessments.

Qualifications:

• Educator I: Minimum of 6 months experience with interpretation, formal or informal education in a zoological, museum, camp, school, non-profit or related setting.
• Educator II: Minimum of 1 year of experience with interpretation, formal or informal.
• Experience working with children and families.
• Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Excellent oral communication skills required.
• Must have an appreciation for environmental education and a commitment to conservation and animal welfare.
• Professional dress, appearance, and conduct.
• Must be comfortable working around animals, including snakes and other reptiles, mammals, amphibians, and invertebrates.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and the internet.
• Ability to drive Zoo Atlanta outreach van.
• Willingness to be CPR and First Aid certified.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license.
• Must pass background and TB check.
• Bilingual in conversational Spanish preferred but not required.

Education:

• Education level required for Educator I: Associate’s degree or two years of college education majoring in Education, Communication, Interpretation, Biology, Zoology, Environmental Education, or related field.
• Education level required for Educator II: Bachelor’s degree majoring in Education, Communication, Interpretation, Biology, Zoology, Environmental Education, or related field

Schedule/Availability Requirements:

• Must be able to provide at minimum the following availability:
  • Low Season (August-February): Must provide 3 weekdays/week availability.
  • High Season (March-July): Must provide 4 weekdays /week availability.
  • Year Round: Must provide 1 weekend day each month.
• Most programs run Monday-Friday from 9am-2pm, with the potential for weekend, early morning, and late afternoon programs.
• Schedule varies based on program bookings; hours are not guaranteed.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to lift/carry/pull 40 pounds
• Willingness to work outside in inclement weather

MISC: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Therefore, the employee may be required to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor or other management. The company reserves the right to revise or change job duties as business requirements dictate. It is mutually agreed that this job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Zoo Atlanta is an EOE and provides a Smoke-free and Drug-free Work Environment