Schedule: 28-32 hours a week; Friday-Monday, 9am-5pm,
Who We Are
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a global organization that envisions a world where
wildlife thrives in healthy lands and seas, valued by societies that embrace and benefit from the diversity and integrity of life on earth. We actively save wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature.
The WCS Education Department works across our five parks: Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo,
Prospect Park Zoo, and New York Aquarium. Our mission is to inspire a diverse and inclusive movement of conservation advocates by sparking connection with animals and nature, enhancing scientific literacy through hands-on investigation, and engaging constituents in stewardship and action to conserve wildlife and wild places.
WCS is proud to be an equal opportunity employment workplace dedicated to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work and learning environment and look for future team members who share that same value.
The Opportunity
The New York Aquarium Education Department is seeking an enthusiastic, creative and committed individual to hire as an Adjunct Conservation Educator to lead educational programs including birthday parties, summer camp, and school and family programs. Our Educators play a key role in the WCS mission by developing programs that engage audiences of all ages from across the city and bringing marine biology and environmental education directly to communities where people live and learn. Together with staff, you will teach exciting science content, welcome campers with diverse interests, abilities, and backgrounds, and maintain a lively learning environment.
You have experience leading fun activities with children and adults, an enthusiasm for learning, and an interest in wildlife and/or conservation. You are creative, energetic, dependable, capable of taking initiative, and enjoy working as part of a team. Most importantly, you are committed to fostering a supportive environment for children and adults from all walks of life. You have excellent communication skills and are comfortable interacting with guests of all ages and backgrounds. You are a confident problem solver, and you are comfortable working both in a team and independently. You can thrive in a busy, fast-paced environment and be adept at juggling many projects at once by utilizing your strong organizational skills.
Responsibilities
As an Adjunct Conservation Educator (ACE), you will:
Work on-site at the New York Aquarium. This is not a remote work opportunity.
Lead birthday parties that are fun and engaging while also having educational valu
Communicate with birthday party families through email and phone calls
Help prepare and carry out all the birthday party components, including signage, gift bags, and activities
Assist with general maintenance and upkeep of party areas and supplies and clean-up after each party
Supervise and interact with children ranging in age from 4-17 years-old
Assist with other education programs and events as needed, including school programs, children’s programs, and summer camp
Train on handling protocols of marine invertebrates for use in programs
Supervise and interact with children ranging in age from 4-17 years-old
Inspire learners from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds with a love of wildlife and science
Foster an inclusive learning environment for all visitors
Additional responsibilities as required
Qualification Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
One year prior experience working with children and/or students
Previous experience working in customer service or education field
Ability to work within a highly team-oriented environment, as well as independently
Excellent verbal communication skills to help interpret science concepts in a classroom, party, and outdoor setting
Reliable, flexible, and accountable
Must be able to work weekends
Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time
Ability to lift and carry up to 25lbs
Interest in wildlife or conservation
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in science or education
One year teaching experience at an informal science institution, including a camp program
Bilingual/Spanish speaker a plus
WCS is an equal opportunity employer, and the organization complies with all employment and labor laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in hiring and ensures that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the recruitment process. We are dedicated to hiring and engaging a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value. The organization provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. The organization does not discriminate for employment based on gender, race/ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information or any other covered status or characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.
It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that we do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based upon a person’s membership in one of these protected categories in areas such as recruitment, selection, job assignment, supervision, training, promotions, job grading, transfers, termination, compensation, benefits, educational opportunities, WCS sponsored recreational activities and facilities.
Note that the salary offer will reflect the selected candidate’s individual experiences, skills and qualifications, internal equity, work location and country of work.
Salary Range
$23.00/hour
Seniority level
Entry level
Employment type
Part-time
Job function
Education and Other
Industries
Non-profit Organizations and Environmental Services
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