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Zoo Education Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This position will also prepare and teach educational programming as needed. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: • Teach pre-school/school age students in Weekday Zoo School Program • Teach a ...

ABOUT HOUSTON ZOO The Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education! There ...

Willingness to support and uphold the Naples Zoo's Vision, Mission, and Values. * Must have an enthusiasm for wildlife and children. * Must have an appreciation for environmental education and a ...

NC · On-site

$17/hr

Description of Work The North Carolina Zoo has an exciting opportunity to join our team. We are seeking a dynamic, efficient, and enthusiastic individual to serve as an Overnight Education Programmer.

Zoo Intern

Carpentersville, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Support educational presentations and special events for zoo guests * Keep accurate records and follow all safety protocols * Represent the Dundee Township Park District in a professional and ...

Zoo Intern

Carpentersville, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Support educational presentations and special events for zoo guests * Keep accurate records and follow all safety protocols * Represent the Dundee Township Park District in a professional and ...

Zoo Intern

Carpentersville, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Support educational presentations and special events for zoo guests * Keep accurate records and follow all safety protocols * Represent the Dundee Township Park District in a professional and ...

Daytime Educator (Level I or II)

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$16.06 - $18.17/hr

... Education programs such as NightCrawler Overnights, Kids Night Out, and Adventure Cubs. * Commitment to learn and master all content and skills needed to provide quality programming to Zoo program ...

Zoo Intern

Carpentersville, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Support educational presentations and special events for zoo guests * Keep accurate records and follow all safety protocols * Represent the Dundee Township Park District in a professional and ...

Showing results 41-60

Zoo Education information

See salary details

$13K

$44K

$106.5K

How much do zoo education jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for zoo education in the United States is $43,962.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25,000.00 and $52,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a zoo education specialist?

To thrive as a Zoo Education Specialist, you need a background in biology, environmental science, or education, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in teaching or wildlife interpretation. Familiarity with educational program development, animal handling protocols, and presentation tools like audiovisual equipment is typically required. Strong communication, creativity, and public speaking skills help engage diverse audiences and foster a deeper understanding of conservation. These skills are crucial for effectively educating the public and inspiring conservation action.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in zoo education, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Zoo Education often face the challenge of engaging diverse audiences, such as school groups, families, and visitors of varying ages and backgrounds. Another challenge is balancing educational messaging with the entertaining aspects expected at a zoo. To address these, educators frequently update their teaching methods, utilize interactive activities, and collaborate with animal care staff to provide accurate, compelling information. Staying adaptable and seeking feedback from both visitors and colleagues helps create meaningful and memorable learning experiences.

What is zoo education?

Zoo education refers to programs and activities provided by zoos to teach visitors about animals, conservation, and the environment. These programs may include guided tours, interactive exhibits, workshops, and special events designed for people of all ages. Zoo educators work to inspire curiosity and promote respect for wildlife, often connecting lessons to broader environmental and conservation issues. By participating in zoo education, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of animal behavior, habitats, and the importance of preserving biodiversity.

What is the difference between Zoo Education vs Zookeeper?

AspectZoo EducationZookeeper
Required CredentialsDegree in Education, Biology, or related field; certifications in animal handling often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; specialized training or certifications in animal care
Work EnvironmentClassrooms, visitor centers, outdoor educational spaces within zoosAnimal enclosures, zoo grounds, animal habitats
Primary ResponsibilitiesDeveloping and delivering educational programs, engaging visitors, creating educational materialsAnimal feeding, habitat maintenance, health monitoring, enclosure cleaning

Zoo Education focuses on creating educational experiences for visitors, emphasizing teaching and outreach. Zookeepers primarily care for animals and maintain habitats. While both roles work within zoos, their daily tasks and required skills differ significantly, with Zoo Education centered on education and visitor engagement, and Zookeepers on animal care and husbandry.

More about Zoo Education jobs

What cities are hiring for Zoo Education jobs?

Cities with the most Zoo Education job openings:

What states have the most Zoo Education jobs?

States with the most job openings for Zoo Education jobs include:

Infographic showing various Zoo Education job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,962 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Zoo School Teacher

Fort Worth Zoo

Fort Worth, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Fort Worth Zoo rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 37 rated wildlife parks and zoos


Job description

Summary:
This position assists with preparing and teaching for the Fort Worth Zoo's Weekday Zoo School program. This position will also prepare and teach educational programming as needed.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Teach pre-school/school age students in Weekday Zoo School Program
• Teach a developmentally diverse range of students
• Report to work on time, each day of scheduled shift
• Use time and resources effectively to accomplish program goals
• Maintain effective business relations with those encountered in the course of work
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
• Excellent oral presentation, organization, written and word processing skills
• Ability to solve problems efficiently
• Strong diplomatic and customer service skills
• Ability to function in a multi-task environment, independently and in a team
• Operate basic office equipment
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher
• Valid driver license with acceptable motor vehicle record to maintain zoo standards of insurability
Education and/or Experience:
• Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university in education in progress or competed required
• 1-3 years early-childhood classroom teaching experience preferred
Certificates, Licenses, and/or Registrations:
• Texas Teaching Certification preferred
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
• Team oriented environment
• Ability to work irregular hours (holidays and weekends)
• Ability to work special events and functions as required
• Ability to work outdoors in heat, cold and inclement weather
Disclaimer
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as a complete inventory of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.
Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an at-will basis.

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