Education Specialist - Part Time

Are you passionate about?

…Providing exceptional care for animals?

…Saving wildlife and wild places?

…Inspiring guests to connect with nature and take action to impact the future of our world?

…Being part of a dynamic, growing zoo that welcomes diversity, equity, inclusion and personal contribution?

Explore a career with Reid Park Zoo!  We are seeking a part-time, educational specialist! This position requires 5 hours on Sundays, and 5 hours (from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.) on another day, which is flexible. 

Reid Park Zoo, located in beautiful Tucson, Arizona is a mid-sized, regional zoological garden caring for over 200 exotic animal species from around the world in lush, naturalistic habitats. With a mission centered in conservation, the Zoo is Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participates in nearly 100 Species Survival Plans for threatened and endangered species. Reid Park Zoo maintains a state-of-the-art elephant program, a cutting-edge veterinary clinic that serves as a teaching hospital for the University of Arizona veterinary program, and is the co-leader of the Flamingo SAFE program to name a few recognitions. With more than 600,000 visits annually, the Zoo is in the midst of an exciting expansion project, Pathway to Asia, that will add four acres to its campus, bringing new species such as red panda, Komodo dragon and Lar gibbon, as well as a breeding facility for critically-endangered Malayan tigers when it opens in 2026.

The Society is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to support, advocate for and enhance the value of Reid Park Zoo and its mission to encourage commitment to the conservation of biological diversity and to provide educational and fun experiences for visitors of all ages. Be a part of a vibrant, growing organization as Reid Park Zoo implements an exciting master plan that will be investing over $60M in new exhibits over the next ten years. 

No phone calls or visits please. This position is open until filled. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff by creating an inclusive environment . 

Pay Range : $17.61 to $20.61 per hour DOE 

Benefits: This position is not eligible for health and welfare, vacation or holiday pay. Benefits of this position include paid sick time, retirement plan, zoo membership, employee assistance program, and discounts on concession and gift shop purchases.

You are : dependable, reliable, detail-oriented, committed to animal well-being, and have a passion for wild animals and wild places!

Job Overview:  Responsible for set-up, instruction, and clean-up for a variety of educational programs for all ages and advancing the Zoo’s education and conservation messaging by collaborating with full-time staff to develop additional learning opportunities for all. 

Reports to:  Education Supervisor / Director of Education and Conservation 

General Duties

• Demonstrates and models the core values of the Reid Park Zoological Society (RPZS or the Zoo)
• Perform duties in accordance with RPZS policies and procedures
• Provide excellent customer and guest service as a component of all job duties
• Follows Zoo safety protocols and procedures
• Participates in safety drills
• Has regular set hours beyond the program schedule to complete projects
• May assist with administrative office tasks including booking programs, and answering phone or email inquiries
• Instructs engaging, inclusive interpretive education programs, presentations, and tours on/off-site during regular operating hours and after-hours as needed to engage all learners
• Leads tours to behind-the-scenes areas of the zoo
• Serves as a mentor to other part-time education specialists
• Handles live education ambassador species and accesses animal welfare throughout education programming; may become a trainer for more advanced animal ambassadors
• Promotes the Zoo’s mission and key education and conservation goals
• Follows Zoo safety protocols and procedures
• Provides transportation to off-site programs as needed
• Communicates clearly with supervisors before and after programs
• Assists as needed at special events
• May direct tasks and oversee activities of volunteers
• Assists education coordinators in developing activities for special events and camps
• Completes trainings as required, including but not limited to animal handling, safety, CPR/ First Aid, DEAI, and zoonotic disease training 

Minimum Required Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree in the biological sciences, education or related field OR equivalent combination of education and experience
• Teaching experience for elementary or middle school age children OR summer camp counselor OR docent experience in an educational setting OR other experience working with children
• Basic understanding of a zoo’s role in protecting wildlife and encouraging conservation
• A valid, current, unrestricted driver license
• Successfully complete pre-hire background check and pre-employment drug screen (we do not test for THC)
• Comply with quarterly random drug testing if selected
• Proof of negative TB test within immediate past 12 months, OR, complete a pre-hire TB test (company paid) to be renewed annually
• Participates in emergency drills
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to maintain positive, constructive relationships, at all levels, with a diverse population of staff, guests, vendors and the public
• Comprehension and fluency in oral and written English language
• Assertive, energetic, and enjoy working in a fast paced, public/guest attraction focused environment
• Ability to take direction, constructive feedback, act or change direction as needed
• Regular physical attendance at work
• Reliable and able to work to a schedule
• Must be able to work a flexible work schedule including evenings and weekends

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds often
• Bend, stoop, kneel, reach frequently
• Stand and walk for long periods of time
• Repetitious motions with hands
• Ability to use hands to control power and hand tools
• Must be able to work outside in either cold or hot weather conditions the majority of the time

Preferred Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

• A Master’s Degree in a related science or education strongly preferred
• Experience working in an AZA-accredited zoo facility or other park or public attraction environment strongly preferred
• Bilingual (Spanish or ASL) 

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. It is intended to give a reasonable idea of what might be required.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Reid Park Zoological Society to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, don't hesitate to get in touch with the Human Resources Dept.