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Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Education Specialist
Summary of Duties: The Los Angeles Zoo’s Learning & Engagement Division fosters lasting relationships between our communities, nature and animals. We are seeking Education Specialist to join this work, supporting our mission by conducting programs for general Zoo visitors and scheduled program participants including families, school groups, children, and adults. This position primarily facilitates interactions with visitors through on-grounds interpretation of wildlife conservation, animals and their habitats, and animal welfare while serving the diverse needs of the Los Angeles community through programming and experiences in nature.
Distinguishing Features: Works under the general supervision of the Curators of Visitor Engagement and is assigned to work weekdays, weekends, and holidays. An Education Specialist will implement the Zoo’s educational programming by connecting visitors to the Zoo’s mission and enhancing visitor engagement through on-grounds interpretation in designated locations throughout the Zoo.
Example of Duties: • Conducts informal programs such as on-grounds interpretation for general Zoo visitors and assists in supporting formal education programs including schools, overnight groups, and camps
• Interacts with children and adults, facilitating guided and free play experiences throughout the Zoo
• Interacts with Zoo guests on a daily basis to engage in dialogue about habitats, wildlife, plants and conservation
• Monitors guest and animal safety while facilitating select animal encounter experiences
• Maintains communication with Learning & Engagement and other Zoo staff
• Assists with administrative and logistical duties as necessary
Experience Required
Qualifications & Skills: Passion for nature and/or the Zoo and its mission is required. Education Specialists must have a commitment to creating equitable and inclusive access to the Zoo’s resources as well as a commitment to community, conservation, and animal welfare.Qualified applicants must be:• motivated to learn the skillset of on-grounds interpretation to enhance visitor experience within the Zoo in support of the division’s learning and engagement initiative;• skilled in interpersonal communication and have a willingness to develop public communication skills;• team-oriented, flexible, and customer service-minded;• able to demonstrate solutions-based thinking and good judgement under all circumstances; and• able to create and maintain positive and collaborative relationships with co-workers and when engaging with Zoo team members, visitors, and volunteers.No minimum experience or education required. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Bi-lingual skills are a plus. Education Specialists should perform the job duties with minimal direction and supervision. Availability to work a consistent 3 days per week year-round (750 hours/year) required and must be available to work days, weekends, holidays, and some evenings.Physical Requirements: The ability to move over uneven terrain and be stationed in the Zoo for extended periods of time; the ability to carry up to five pounds of supplies and equipment around the Zoo; and the ability to work outdoors in inclement weather. This position requires movement throughout the day and Education Specialists may travel two or more miles per day within the Zoo.
Further Comments
Please Note: Interviews are IN-PERSON ONLY; NO EXCEPTIONS
18.28 per hour
How to Apply
How to Apply: A complete application will include two parts. The first part of a complete application will be a resume or list of your personal or professional experiences.
The second part of a complete application will include sharing your response to both of the following prompts:
• Why are you interested in a position that works directly with visitors at the Los Angeles Zoo?
• Tell us about something that inspires you and that you would like to share with others.
Application materials should be sent in the following formats:
• Your resume or list of personal or professional experiences should be:
o In written format and emailed to lazoo.personnel@lacity.org.
• Your responses to both prompts can be:
o In letter, voice memo, or video format, submitted via email alongside your resume/list of experiences to lazoo.personnel@lacity.org
Please Note: Interviews are IN-PERSON ONLY; NO EXCEPTIONS
If you have questions, please contact Human Resources at (323) 644-5330.
Application Deadline: Open until sufficient applications are received and may close at any time. Check www.lazoo.org for current openings.
Based on the number of responses received, the Los Angeles Zoo reserves the right to pre-screen all resumes in order to arrive at a more a manageable candidate pool.
The Los Angeles Zoo values and endeavors to support diversity, equity, inclusion, and access within our organization and communities. Candidates who identify as People of Color (POC), varying physical abilities, neurodiverse, veterans, a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, and/or other groups historically underrepresented in environmental education are invited and encouraged to apply.
*This is a civil service exempt, at-will position. The incumbent will not accrue any civil service tenure or contractual rights in such position. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications for employment and have received a conditional job offer from the Los Angeles Zoo will be required to complete a criminal background investigation which includes fingerprinting. In the event that the job applicant fails to participate with the criminal background investigation or fails to satisfactorily complete or pass the criminal background investigation, the applicant’s conditional job offer will be rescinded or revoked and his or her consideration for employment will be terminated.
Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
5333 Zoo Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Phone: 3236445330
Fax: 323-644-4776