The Conservation, Education and Science (CES) Section is responsible for executing activities and programs central to the mission of the North Carolina Zoo. The section plans, organizes and executes scientific research and wildlife conservation programs within North Carolina and internationally. 

CES is responsible for all educational activities and programs conducted by the Zoo in furtherance of the zoo’s mission and DNCR goals. Educational programming coordinated by CES is wide ranging and includes (but is not limited to) developing interpretive displays at zoo exhibits, organized programs for visiting school groups, educational camps, teacher training workshops, college research internships, activities promoting outdoor activities, developing educational content for zoo social media, community outreach programs and off-site educational programs.

CES maintains its own ambassador animals and is responsible for overall care and management of this collection. This includes, collection planning, animal acquisitions and dispositions, animal care (insuring physical and behavioral animal well-being), animal propagation, animal training and animal behavioral enrichment programs. CES staff facilitates, conducts and develops all on-site research, with a particular focus on animal welfare and behavioral monitoring as well as education evaluation.

The primary role of this position is to work with the School Programs Coordinator to create, present, and evaluate programs for public, private, charter, and home schools both on park and up to 100 miles from the Zoo. The secondary role of this position is to act as the lead counselor for summer camps, provide back of house support during our distance learning events WOW – Facebook Live and Living with Nature, facilitate hospital programs, perform general data entry, and assist other full time educators when necessary.

Zoo Educator:

• Must be available to work a diverse work schedule with most hours falling between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday from February – early December. Will occasionally work weekends, holidays, or after hour/early morning special events.
• Must be available to work four, 40 hour weeks in June and July.
• Must comply with NC Zoo Dress Code and Appearance Policy
• All apparel must be clean, in good condition when reporting to work.
• Personal hygiene must be adequately maintained.
• When working in the public eye, uniforms and attire must be free from rips, holes and or noticeable stains. Administrative buildings are also considered in the public eye as guests enter the buildings for meetings and other business.
• Staff must be easily identifiable by wearing their issued North Carolina Zoo ID badge/name tag on the upper right hand side of the uniform shirt, on the chest while in guest areas and administrative building. No lanyards can be warn. ID badge/name tag must always be displayed on the outer most garment. Employees are not required to wear ID Badge while working inside exhibit areas or construction areas.
• Hats, if worn, must be clean and worn with the brim forward and centered. Hats with logos other than the NC Zoo may not be worn while at work.
• Pants, shorts, and skirts must be worn at the natural waist so as not to expose undergarments or any part of the stomach or buttocks and may be no shorter than 5 inches above the mid knee.
• Shoes must be professional in appearance and appropriate for working conditions and weather.
• No spaghetti strap style tank tops, rubber flip flops identified for leisure, or military style prints shall be worn.
• Visible tattoos, not able to be covered by uniform, must not be obscene, vulgar or offensive in nature. No nudity, profanity, drugs/paraphernalia or weapons. No visible tattoos on face or neck.
• Facial hair must be neat, in a professional conservative style, appropriately trimmed and of a natural coloration.
• No facial piercings (including the tongue), other than earrings, may be worn while at work and/or in uniform. Extreme ear jewelry is prohibited.
• Ear gages are allowed. Gages must be of solid color in white, navy blue, gray or black while in uniform or at work.
• No extreme jewelry visible such as chains connecting fingers and wrists, ankles, etc.
• Hair must be neat and clean. Hair color is allowed but must be well maintained. Dreadlocks allowed if well maintained and pulled back. Zoo approved bandana may be worn appropriately to pull back dreadlocks or to cover the head. Men with long hair must wear hair pulled back in a ponytail or with a bandana.
• Non-mirrored sunglasses may be worn for outdoor assignments, Sunglasses must be removed when speaking with or interacting with guests and when indoor.

Seasonal Zoo Educators can expect the following responsibilities:

• Responsible for presenting and evaluating nonformal education programs for schools, camps (including KidZu which is tailored for children on the autism spectrum), hospitals, and distance learning both in a group and alone.
• Responsible for using live animal and biofacts to help tailor programs based on the audience.
• Responsible for preparing, facilitating day of, and acting as lead counselor for summer camps.
• Responsible for transporting live animals and biofacts up to 100 miles from Zoo and making sure they are safe and accounted for at all times.
• Responsible for maintaining working knowledge of all relevant policies and procedures.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities for this Position:

• 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 school aged children and tailoring education to age or grade level.
• 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.
• Strong basic computer skills including, but not limited to, Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint, and Outlook (email and calendar).
• Strong basic video skills including, but not limited to, proper framing and keeping camera still while in motion.
• Must possess physical ability to stand and walk for long periods of time as well as lift/carry large boxes in varying weather conditions.
• Willingness to train and handle animal ambassadors such as, snakes, turtles, lizards, tarantulas, cockroaches, millipedes, salamanders, and frogs/toads.
• Must have a valid driver’s license with good driving record.
• Willingness to drive a 17-passenger bus on Zoo grounds.
• Must be able to obtain a flu shot every year.

Minimum Education and Experience for this Position:

• Degree in education, communications, natural sciences, or related field.
• Or high school or General Education Development (GED) diploma and at least two years of nonformal education experience working with school aged kids in a role such as: camp counselor, schoolteacher, or non-formal educator (e.g. Zoo, Aquarium, Museum, Park, or Nature Center).

Preferred Experience for this Position:

• Experience handling animal ambassador as part of educational programming
• Experience with autistic individuals
• First Aid and CPR certification