Early Childhood and Afterschool Coordinator

State of North Carolina•Asheboro, NC

1d•$35,596 - $48,945•Hybrid

About The Position

The North Carolina Zoo is hiring an Early Childhood and Afterschool Coordinator to research, design, coordinate, deliver, and evaluate early childhood educational programs for Pre-K through second grade. The role encompasses onsite and offsite school programs, self-guided learning, afterschool programs, virtual learning opportunities, summer library programs, and preschool camps. It develops standards-aligned curricula, instructional resources, and teaching strategies that support the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s Standard Course of Study and the educational goals of schools and afterschool organizations, with an emphasis on STEM education. The coordinator works with schools, community organizations, Zoo departments, and education partners to schedule and improve programs and support the Zoo’s conservation and education mission. The position also supports ambassador animal programming and supervises, mentors, and trains seasonal staff, fellows, interns, and volunteers. The role is based at the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro and is eligible for hybrid telework under DNCR’s Telework Policy.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a natural science program from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of experience developing and presenting natural science interpretive and educational programs, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to work weekends, holidays, and after regular work shifts.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Environmental Education, Biology, Wildlife Science, Natural Resources, or a closely related field.
Experience designing curriculum and instructional resources aligned with state or national education standards, including STEM and inquiry-based learning.
Experience working with children in preschool through second grade (ages 4–8).
Experience supervising, mentoring, or training staff, interns, volunteers, or educators, with demonstrated leadership and organizational skills.
Excellent communication and partnership-building skills, with experience collaborating with schools, community organizations, and multidisciplinary teams to plan, implement, and evaluate educational programs.

Responsibilities

Research, develop, implement, coordinate, and evaluate early childhood (Pre-K–2) educational programs, including onsite and offsite school programs, self-guided learning experiences, afterschool programming, virtual learning, summer library programs, and preschool camps.
Develop standards-aligned curricula, instructional resources, and conservation education experiences that support the North Carolina Standard Course of Study and promote STEM learning.
Schedule school and afterschool programs, support homeschool events, maintain educational offerings in state and regional databases, and collaborate with schools and community organizations.
Use feedback from the Teacher Advisory Council to improve programs and resources.
Train, handle, and present ambassador animals; assist with their care, behavioral observation, and welfare while supporting positive learning experiences for students and guests.
Supervise, mentor, and train seasonal staff, fellows, interns, and volunteers; develop training materials, coach educators, evaluate performance, schedule staff, and serve as Educator on Duty.
Promote and support the Zoo’s education and conservation mission in collaboration with Zoo departments.
Develop promotional and digital content, assist with Conservation, Education, and Science (CES) initiatives, and create programs that inspire conservation action through place-based learning and evidence-based educational practices.