JOB DETAILS
Zoo Educator - Zoo Patrol
CompanyConnecticut Zoological Society Inc
LocationBridgeport
Work ModeOn Site
PostedApril 29, 2026
About The Company
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is the state's only zoo - providing wild experiences for more than 100 years. Visit more than 350 species of primarily North and South American animals, including Amur tiger and leopards, Brazilian ocelot, Mexican wolves, and golden Lion tamarins. Highlights include our new Andean bear habitat, spider monkey habitat, Natt Family Red Panda Habitat, South American rainforest with free-flight aviary, the prairie dog exhibit with "pop-up" viewing areas, the New England Farmyard with goats, cows, pigs, and other barnyard favorites, plus the hoofstock trail featuring bison, deer, and more.
About the Role
Job Title: Zoo Educator – Zoo Patrol
Department: Education
Reports To: Curator of Education and Associate Curator of Education
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Job Type: Seasonal
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm
Summary
The Zoo Educator – Zoo Patrol Program is responsible for ensuring the safety, engagement, and educational enrichment of youth participants during Zoo Patrol sessions. This role combines proactive participant supervision, and the delivery of interactive, conservation-focused educational programs. The position supports the mission of the Zoo by creating a safe, engaging, and inspiring experience for children of various ages while promoting wildlife education and environmental stewardship.
Essential Job Functions
Zoo Patrol & Participant Safety
- Actively supervise Zoo Patrol participants on Zoo grounds, in program spaces, and during special activities to ensure safety and compliance with Zoo Patrol rules.
- Monitor participants’ behavior, respond to incidents or emergencies, and report concerns promptly to supervisors.
- Ensure safety protocols are followed during hands-on activities, animal encounters, and excursions.
- Collaborate with staff, volunteers, and other Zoo departments to maintain a safe and welcoming environment.
Educational Program Delivery
- Deliver age-appropriate interpretive programs, hands-on activities, and demonstrations focused on wildlife, conservation, and ecology.
- Facilitate learning through interactive games, experiments, and guided exploration within the Zoo setting.
- Engage participants in discussions and activities that reinforce conservation principles and environmental stewardship.
- Assist in the planning, preparation, and evaluation of program curricula and educational resources.
- Lead interpretive experiences at zoo habitats, including spontaneous engagement with guests.
- Plan, prepare, and deliver interactive educational programs and experiences for diverse audiences.
Volunteer & Team Support
- Train, mentor, and supervise Zoo Patrol volunteers, teen assistants, or interns supporting program activities.
- Provide guidance to staff and volunteers on participant engagement, safety procedures, and educational content.
- Collaborate with Education staff to enhance Zoo Patrol experiences and ensure high-quality programming.
Administrative & Operational Support
- Maintain accurate records of participant attendance, behavior, and program activities.
- Assist with the preparation, organization, and cleanup of program spaces, materials, and supplies.
- Communicate effectively with parents, guardians, and program staff regarding program schedules, expectations, and participant needs.
Other Duties
- Perform other related duties as assigned to support the overall mission of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo to include but not limited to delivering other zoo education programs
- Perform duties in accordance with AZA industry standards and maintain superior institutional practices.
Job Requirements
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in education, Environmental Education, Zoology, Biology, or related field preferred or in process
- Experience working with children in school, or youth program settings required.
- Experience in informal education or conservation education is preferred.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to manage and supervise groups of children safely and effectively.
- Experience delivering educational content to youth audiences.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a team.
- Commitment to the Zoo’s mission, participant safety, and positive guest experiences.
Technical Proficiency
- Comfortable using computers, tablets, and AV equipment for program support and recordkeeping.
- Familiarity with basic program tracking systems preferred.
Physical Requirements
- Must be able to stand, walk, and supervise participants for extended periods.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. occasionally.
- Frequent bending, kneeling, and reaching during activities.
- Ability to work indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions.
- Must be able to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as scheduled.
- Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to monitor participants, habitats, and activities.
Key Skills
Youth supervisionEducational program deliveryConservation educationPublic speakingClassroom managementInterpersonal communicationTeam collaborationSafety protocolsWildlife educationEnvironmental stewardshipCurriculum planningMentoringRecord keepingComputer literacyAV equipment operation
Categories
EducationEnvironmental & SustainabilityScience & ResearchSocial Services
Job Information
📋Core Responsibilities
The Zoo Educator is responsible for supervising youth participants during Zoo Patrol sessions and ensuring their safety while on zoo grounds. They will also deliver interactive, conservation-focused educational programs and facilitate hands-on learning experiences for diverse audiences.
📋Job Type
seasonal
📊Experience Level
0-2
💼Company Size
54
📊Visa Sponsorship
No
💼Language
English
🏢Working Hours
40 hours
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