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Education & Tours Supervisor - Full Time - San Diego Zoo Job Description

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international, nonprofit conservation organization with two front doors: the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. We integrate wildlife health and care, science, and education to develop sustainable conservation solutions.

HOW YOU WILL IPACT OUR MISSION

The Education & Tours Supervisor is responsible for the daily supervision of the education and tours operations. This position reports to the Education and Tours Manager.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Oversees the department's daily operations, including staff, facilities, equipment, and resources.
• Supervises Educator Guides, Program Aides, and seasonal staff by setting goals, providing constructive feedback, and supporting continued professional growth and development.
• In collaboration with the department management team, hires, onboards, and provides ongoing training for Educator Guides, Program Aides, and seasonal staff.
• Reviews and authorizes staff timesheets, assignments, and job responsibilities.
• Recommends, develops, and ensures adherence to department policies and procedures, undertaking disciplinary actions as needed.
• Assists in managing the reservations and ticketing system, and inventory for school and tour booking programs.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The San Diego Zoo Education & Premium Experiences team seeks a motivated, organized, and collaborative leader to support education program and premium experience operations. This position reports to the Education Experience Manager (Operations) and supports a suite of 25+ tours, experiences, and programs. In collaboration with other department leaders, this position provides direct supervision, training, and professional development to a team of 30+ Wildlife Educator Guides. This role provides customer service support and assists with problem solving, program modification, and mitigating day-to-day operational challenges. The ideal candidate has experience supervising and training staff, providing timely feedback, collaborating across departments, and engaging in complex problem-solving. Individuals who are passionate about connecting people with wildlife, finding creative solutions, and developing conservation education professionals are encouraged to apply.

JOB EXPERIENCE

• 1+ years’ experience in an education or operations department in a zoo, museum, theme-park or other informal learning center
• Coursework in science or education or a related field or equivalent specialized training
• Program and tour development experience

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree
• Teaching certification preferred

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of learning theories and interpretative techniques
• Ability to effectively lead a team in a diverse environment
• Able to communicate effectively (verbal and written)
• Effective customer relations skills
• Ability to monitor and schedule resources
• Ability to utilize a variety of computer software programs (e, g, Dayforce, Galaxy, Google suite, Bookeo, etc)
• Able to train staff to handle animals and use animal behavior modification
• Experience with reservations and ticketing system (Galaxy preferred)
• Knowledge of analytics
• Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Family Passes
• Complimentary Tickets
• Free Parking at the San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program

IMPORTANT DETAILS

• Salary Range: $77,225 - $90,209

About The Salary Ranges

The posted salary range represents the full compensation potential for this role over time. Initial hiring offers are typically made within the lower to mid portion of the range and are based on a combination of relevant experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and organizational considerations. Placement near the top of the range is generally reserved for individuals who demonstrate sustained performance, growth, and expanded responsibilities in the role over time.

Fraudulent Recruiting

Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person.

If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org . If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we celebrate our differences and foster a culture of belonging. Diversity strengthens our employees, enriches our guests’ experiences, deepens our connection to our community, and supports the wildlife we serve.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.

As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. We are not offering sponsorship for this position at this time.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.