JOB DETAILS
Zoo Educator - Leading 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 – Conservation Discovery Corps (CDC) Coordinator
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
Position Summary
The Zoo Educator – Conservation Discovery Corps (CDC) Coordinator is responsible for delivering high-quality educational programs that inspire and engage youth, families, and adult audiences in wildlife conservation and environmental stewardship. This role includes coordinating the CDC program, volunteers, and supporting the Zoo’s broader education initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Education & Program Delivery
- Plan, prepare, and deliver interactive educational programs and experiences for diverse audiences.
- Lead field trips, workshops, summer camps, and special events focused on conservation themes.
- Develop, adapt, and implement curriculum and lesson plans aligned with Zoo education goals.
- Lead interpretive experiences at zoo habitats, including spontaneous engagement with guests.
- Evaluate and provide feedback on program effectiveness.
Conservation Discovery Corps (CDC) Program Support
- Oversee day-to-day operations of the CDC program, including scheduling and participant tracking.
- Train, mentor, and supervise CDC volunteers, ensuring adherence to Zoo policies and program objectives.
- Assist with program recruitment, orientations, and evaluation of participant progress.
- Coordinate with other Zoo departments to provide hands-on experiences for CDC participants.
- Ensure safety of staff and volunteers on and off grounds.
Community Engagement & Outreach
- Represent the Zoo in educational and community outreach initiatives.
- Collaborate with staff, volunteers, and external partners to enhance program impact.
Administrative & Operational Duties
- Maintain accurate records of program participation, volunteer hours, and educational materials.
- Assist with development and maintenance of educational resources and interpretive signage.
- Responsible for delivering and continuing program and conservation excellence.
- Ensure program areas and materials are organized, safe, and ready for use.
Other Duties
- Perform other related duties as assigned to support the overall mission of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo.
- Perform duties in accordance with AZA industry standards and maintain superior institutional practices.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in education, Environmental Education, Zoology, Biology, or related field preferred or in process
- Experience working with youth in formal or informal learning settings.
- Strong public speaking, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated passion for wildlife conservation and volunteer development.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed for field trips
Preferred
- Experience leading or coordinating volunteer programs.
- Knowledge of local and global conservation issues.
- Familiarity with animal husbandry, wildlife care, or zoo operations.
Physical Requirements
- Must work onsite both indoors and outdoors across varied weather conditions; physical stamina required for extended shifts and training sessions.
- Attendance at public events and off-hours scheduling is required.
- Frequent standing, walking, kneeling, bending, climbing, and reaching.
- Ability to work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to safely interact with animals and guests.
- Must be able to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as scheduled.
- Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel for off-site programs and conservation work.
Key Skills
Educational programmingPublic speakingVolunteer managementCurriculum developmentConservation educationYouth engagementInterpretive experiencesProgram coordinationMentoringInterpersonal skillsPresentation skillsWildlife conservationLesson planningSafety managementCommunity outreach
Categories
EducationEnvironmental & SustainabilityScience & ResearchSocial Services
Job Information
📋Core Responsibilities
The Zoo Educator coordinates the Conservation Discovery Corps program and delivers interactive educational experiences for diverse audiences. This role involves mentoring volunteers, developing curriculum, and representing the zoo in community outreach initiatives.
📋Job Type
seasonal
📊Experience Level
0-2
💼Company Size
54
📊Visa Sponsorship
No
💼Language
English
🏢Working Hours
40 hours
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