Job Description

Are you passionate about?

...Conservation and Nature Education? 

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

…Providing exceptional care for animals?

…Saving wild animals and wild places?

…Being part of a dynamic, growing zoo that is welcoming to all? 

Explore a career with Reid Park Zoo! We are seeking a passionate, fully fluent, bilingual Conservation Education Coordinator to join our Education Team!

With a mission centered on conservation, the Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participates in over 50 Species Survival Plans for threatened and endangered species. Reid Park Zoo cares for over 200 exotic animal species from around the world and maintains a state-of-the-art elephant program. This cutting-edge veterinary clinic serves as a teaching hospital for the University of Arizona veterinary program. It is a leader in the Monarch and Songbird Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) programs. 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 gibbons, as well as a breeding facility for critically-endangered Malayan tigers when it opens in 2026.

Reid Park Zoo’s mission is to connect people with animals, inspiring the protection of wild animals and wild places. Be a part of a vibrant, growing organization as Reid Park Zoo continues to support local and global conservation and the highest standards in animal care while providing educational opportunities and family fun.

• This position requires full fluency (verbal and written) in English and Spanish, with the ability to teach technical data and scientific concepts in both languages. 

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 $20.69 per hour / depending on experience

Benefits : This is a fully benefited position, including group medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; paid holiday, vacation, and sick time; retirement plan; zoo membership; employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement, and discounts on concession and gift shop purchases. 

Reports to:  Director of Conservation Education 

Responsibilities:

• 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 service as a component of all job duties
• Follows Zoo safety protocols and procedures
• Design, develop, coordinate, implement, and evaluate educational programs, camps, and activities in both English and Spanish to support Reid Park Zoo’s mission and key education and conservation goals.
• Serve as the primary lead for Spanish-language program delivery, including camps, daily programs, tours, and special events.
• Assist the Director of Education and Conservation in the development and delivery of zoo-wide education and conservation messaging, ensuring materials are professionally translated, culturally appropriate, and accessible in both English and Spanish.
• Assist in training part-time staff and volunteers in handling animal ambassadors
• Assist in training part-time education staff on departmental protocol regarding programming, work one-on-one during programs to further part-time educator skills for all programs, including behind-the-scenes tours
• May recruit, train, and supervise volunteers and interns to present nature play or other departmental volunteer opportunities
• Assist the Director of Education and Conservation in monitoring the quality of education programs and assess that programs remain inclusive for all learners
• Development of marketing and conservation materials for social media, adopt an animal program, member newsletter, and other materials as requested by the Marketing Department under the direction of the Director of Education and Conservation
• Lead trainer for animal ambassadors, coordinate training goals with animal care staff, and assess animal welfare throughout education programming
• Promote RPZ education and conservation mission through active engagement in committees within the local Arizona region and AZA community, including the CEC and SAFE programs
• Instruct engaging, inclusive interpretive education programs, presentations, and tours on/off-site during regular operating hours and after-hours as needed to engage all learners
• Communicate clearly with supervisors before and after programs
• Assists as needed at special events
• Complete trainings as required, including, but not limited to: animal handling, safety, CPR/ First Aid, DEAI, and zoonotic disease training
• Be able to perform those tasks that are essential to the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Minimum Required Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities

•  Bachelor's degree in the biological sciences, education, or related field preferred OR equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered
• 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
• Willingness to complete and maintain CPR and First Aid certification training if required
• 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
• 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
• Reliable and able to work to a schedule
• Basic understanding of a zoo’s role in protecting wildlife and encouraging conservation
• At least 1 year of experience developing and presenting educational programs in English and Spanish
• At least 1 year of leadership experience (paid or volunteer)
• Full bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish, with excellent oral and written communication skills in both languages. This includes the ability to:
• Develop bilingual curricula aligned with learning outcomes
• Deliver live presentations and programs confidently in both languages
• Write professional, audience-appropriate educational materials in both languages
• Strong communication & presentation skills
• Willing to work a flexible work schedule that varies by season including weekends and evenings

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors in all weather and varying temperatures.
• Ability to perform light physical tasks such as lifting tables and chairs (25 pounds)
• Ability to bend, pull, crouch, stoop, lean
• Willingness to undertake a TB skin test and renew as required
• Willingness to complete and maintain First Aid/CPR certification training if required
• Regular physical attendance at work

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, please contact the HR Dept. 

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