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Conservation Educator

  • Full Time, onsite
  • Wildlife Conservation Society
  • Brooklyn, United States of America
Salary undisclosed

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Job Description

Position Title: Conservation Educator: Outreach

Reports to: Program Coordinator of Outreach Programs

Supervises: Supports part time Outreach staff, interns and volunteers

Work Days: Monday - Friday (8a-4p), with one weekend day per month and evening work required as needed during afterschool programs

About WCS

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a global organization that envisions a world where wildlife thrives in healthy lands and seas, valued by societies that embrace and benefit from the diversity and integrity of life on earth. We actively save wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature.

Job Summary

The Conservation Educator is an integral member of the New York Aquarium Education team, supporting high-quality STEM and nature-based learning while advancing conservation education through the lens of Discover, Inspire & Protect. The Conservation Educator develops and delivers all types of educational programming—from field trips and scout programs to informal children and family programs as well as coordinating birthday parties. The ideal candidate has a knowledge of informal education strategies and strong teaching skills that can be incorporated into fun and educational experiences for children, adults, and intergenerational audiences. The Conservation Educator creates and fosters relationships within WCS in various departments to ensure the success of our programs. The position works with and provides support for some seasonal, part-time staff, such as Conservation Camp Counselors, interns, and volunteers.

Major Responsibilities

The Conservation Educator’s main responsibility is supporting the Education Department by developing, teaching, and supporting education programming for the New York Aquarium.

  • Lead and support educational programs for PreK-12 students, children, families, and adults including summer camps, field trips, overnights and other general audience programs. This work will include curriculum development, communication with program participants and collaborating with necessary WCS departments
  • Lead the coordination of birthday parties including email correspondence, scheduling phone calls, coordinating with other departments, purchasing supplies, tracking associated expenses, and providing exemplary customer service.
  • Work closely with our Animal Teams to safely and effectively incorporate live animal demonstrations into New York Aquarium Education experiences.
  • This includes being trained in handling our ambassador animals and working with the team to schedule animal use for programs.
  • Actively participate in meetings and brainstorming sessions to help improve New York Aquarium Education offerings.
  • Provide mentorship, support, and assist in training some seasonal, part-time staff and interns.
  • Communicate regularly with teachers, administrators, caregivers, and troop leaders participating in New York Aquarium programs.
  • Be an active and supportive team member in the education department by participating in on-site and off-site staff development days, team meetings, and trainings (both individual and team), and through contributing to a positive work environment.

Qualification Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in science, conservation, education, or related field.
  • Some experience in the development and implementation of formal or informal science or nature education programs.
  • Demonstrated experience working with diverse children and family audiences
  • Comfortable working with animals; experience working with animals in an education setting a plus.
  • Ability to work weekends as well as some holidays and evenings.
  • Ability to lift up to 20lbs and to perform light physical activity including occasional extended periods of time spent outdoors.
  • Conversational fluency in Spanish a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master’s in Science or Education, specifically Early Childhood Education
  • You have demonstrated experience cultivating and working with diverse audiences.

Benefits and Perks

  • We value creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and building a culture where everyone is welcomed and can flourish.
  • We hire great people and give them opportunities to do great work.
  • We offer the opportunity for professional growth through staff development events, WCS scientist talks, workshops, or conferences.
  • WCS Education also offers a Masters in Biology or Teaching of Biological Sciences degree at low cost to employees that are accepted into the program.
  • After working for 6 months, you will qualify for up to $3,200 a year for tuition reimbursement.
  • We provide a computer and access to WCS resources to accomplish your work.
  • We prioritize being a fun and collaborative team.
  • We offer a competitive salary with a comprehensive medical, dental, and retirement package.

Workplace Conditions and Environment

  • We value team members and community partners from all backgrounds and cultures with different skills, abilities, and perspectives; we ensure that everyone has an opportunity to fully contribute to our mission.
  • Ability to lift weights up to 30 lbs. and to perform light physical activity including occasional extended periods of time spent sitting, walking and standing.
  • This is a flexible work environment that includes some evenings, weekends and holiday work. Flex time and earned time, as well as holiday, vacation, and sick time are available.

Equal Opportunity Disclaimer

WCS is an equal opportunity employer, and the organization complies with all employment and labor laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in hiring and ensures that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the recruitment process. We are dedicated to hiring and engaging a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value. The organization provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. The organization does not discriminate for employment based on gender, race/ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information or any other covered status or characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.

It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that we do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based upon a person’s membership in one of these protected categories in areas such as recruitment, selection, job assignment, supervision, training, promotions, job grading, transfers, termination, compensation, benefits, educational opportunities, WCS sponsored recreational activities and facilities.

Note that the salary offer will reflect the selected candidate’s individual experiences, skills and qualifications, internal equity, work location and country of work.

Salary Range

$53,500