Job Description

Level: Entry
Job Location: Facility - Fresno, CA 93728
Position Type: SeasonalEducation
Level: 2 Year Degree
Salary Range: $24.37 - $25.59 Hourly

Job Shift: Any
Job Category: EducationGENERAL PURPOSE
This position is responsible for designing, facilitating, and assessing on-site and off-site educational programs for various audiences including school-aged students, young children, families, and adults. This job supports the mission and vision of the Fresno’s Chaffee Zoo Corporation (FCZC) by providing and developing educational programs that inspire a connection to the natural world using the Zoo’s resources and exhibits. This is a seasonal position lasting from April 25th, 2026 - August 14th, 2026
We are pleased to offer this part time seasonal position an Employee Assistance Program, 401K, Paid CA Sick Time. The pay range for this position is $24.37 - $25.58 per hour. Offers will be based on the successful candidate’s experience.
ESSENTIAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
•    With guidance from the Education Programs Manager and Assistant Manager, designs lesson plans and activities to present age-appropriate information focused on wildlife, nature, and habitats.
•    Develops detailed themes, lesson plans, and activities for onsite and offsite programs.
•    In collaboration with other Senior Educators, responsible for the development of camp curriculums and themes each year.
•    Supports Zoo Educators, Zoo Camp Instructors, Docents, and teen volunteers to ensure they are equipped to present lesson plans and lead classroom activities.
•    Conducts all programs in a professional, engaging manner.
•    Utilizes surveys and informal interviews to assess the effectiveness of programs, and summer camp programs. Adapts content, materials, and other aspects of each program based on participant feedback.
•    Provides feedback to the Education Programs Manager, Assistant Manager, Onsite and Offsite Coordinators about students'/campers’ response to the programs, details of schools visited, and parent feedback.
•    Participates in animal handling programs and Zoomobile activities. Maintains annual certification for animal handling procedures.
•    Assists with Behind-the-Scenes programs.
•    Communicates logistics of programs and lab field trips with teachers, docents, and interdepartmentally.
•    Proper care and handling of Biological Artifacts for program use.
•    Maintains a safe and healthy environment for all our campers.
•    Act as peer mentor for seasonal Zoo Camp Instructors during the Summer Camp season.
•    Safely operate a vehicle for business purposes including but not limited to going to and from the zoo’s facilities and offsite.
•    Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support team and organizational goals.
EDUCATION AND JOB QUALIFICATIONS
•    An associate’s degree (minimum) in any field in Education, Child Development, Biology, Ecology, or another related field required.
•    Applicants are required to meet one or more of the following qualifications:
•    Bachelor's degree in education, Child Development, Biology, Ecology, or another related field.
•    Minimum of one (1) year of formal or informal teaching.
•    A valid California teaching credential.
•    Minimum of two (2) years of experience working in Education, Interpretation, or Conservation Science at an accredited Zoo, Wildlife facility, museum, or cultural institution preferred.
•    Minimum of two (2) years’ experience working with children is required (camp counselor, tutor, teacher, Zoo Educator/CI).
•    A valid California driver's license, valid vehicle insurance, enrolled in the CA Employer Pull Notice program and successful completion of the FCZ Drivers Training Program is required.
•    Strong verbal and written English communications skills required. Bilingual (Spanish or Hmong) communication skills a plus.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
These are the physical and mental requirements of the position as it is typically performed.  Inability to meet one or more of these physical or mental requirements will not automatically disqualify a candidate or employee from the position.  Upon requesting reasonable accommodation, the Zoo may be able to adjust or excuse one or more of these requirements, depending on the requirement, the essential functions to which it relates, and the proposed accommodation.
•    Close visual acuity to perform activities such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, viewing a computer terminal, and extensive reading.
•    Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication (in person and via telephone) at normal speaking levels with or without correction.
•    Hand and finger dexterity is sufficient for typing and other administrative tasks.
•    Must be able to lift, push, pull or carry up to 40 lbs.
•    Must be able to walk 3 miles regularly and up to 8 miles occasionally per day.
•    Must be able to bend, kneel, and stoop throughout the full shift.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
•    This position regularly works with others, including Zoo executives and employees.
•    This position works in close proximity with children and students of all ages at the Zoo and in classroom settings.
•    This position functions both indoors and outdoors, with possible exposure to heat, cold, inclement weather, Zoo environments and external events
•    The employee may be exposed to environmental substances such as dust/dirt from Zoo grounds.
•    The position works in close proximity to Zoo animals.
•    Regular local travel and occasional out-of-town travel may be required.
•    Ability to work overtime, evenings, weekdays, weekends, and holidays.