Education and Conservation Director

Lion Country Safari, Inc.- FL•Loxahatchee Groves, FL

About The Position

Lion Country Safari is seeking an experienced, mission-driven Education and Conservation Director to lead conservation education programs for students, educators, families, community groups, and guests. The role oversees school and outreach programs, tours, camps, interpretive presentations, educational events, and related revenue-generating activities. The Director leads the Education Department’s daily operations and long-term strategy, develops and improves engaging, accurate, and inclusive learning experiences, supervises staff and volunteers, and evaluates program quality and impact. Working closely with Wildlife, Marketing, Guest Services, Finance, and Operations, the Director ensures programs support Lion Country Safari’s mission and applicable AZA standards. The role also manages department budgeting, community and conservation partnerships, group reservations, records, and reporting. This is a full-time, exempt role requiring availability for weekends, holidays, early mornings, evenings, special events, and occasional emergency coverage. Work takes place indoors and outdoors and may involve exposure to weather, uneven terrain, allergens, animal-related odors, and moderate noise. The role includes walking and standing, bending, reaching, kneeling, occasional lifting or transporting program materials, travel to off-site locations, and possible work near approved ambassador animals after training and authorization.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in education, environmental education, biology, conservation, or a related field.
At least three years of education program experience.
At least two years of supervisory or management experience.
Experience developing and evaluating educational programs, leading and training staff, and communicating wildlife and conservation information to diverse audiences.
Strong communication, presentation, organizational, project-management, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate across departments.
Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and ability to learn relevant scheduling, registration, and data-tracking systems.
Valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and successful completion of required pre-employment screening.
Availability for weekends, holidays, early mornings, evenings, special events, and occasional emergency coverage.
Ability to move throughout the property and travel to off-site locations; role may involve regular walking and standing, bending, reaching, kneeling, and occasional lifting or transporting of program materials.
Must follow company policies and safety procedures and maintain confidentiality.
May work near animals and handle approved ambassador animals only after completing required training and receiving authorization.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or five or more years of relevant education experience.
Experience managing complex programs or working at a zoo, aquarium, museum, nature center, wildlife facility, park, or school.
Experience with AZA-accredited institutions, accreditation documentation, ambassador animal programs, or live-animal interpretation.
Relevant interpretation training or AZA professional development.
CPR, AED, and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain it after hire.
Experience with budgets, earned revenue, grants, sponsorships, or group sales.
Professional proficiency in Spanish or another language commonly spoken by Lion Country Safari’s guests and community partners.

Responsibilities

Lead the Education Department’s daily operations and long-term strategy, including its written education plan, annual goals, work plans, and performance measures.
Develop, deliver, and improve educational programs for students, educators, families, community groups, campers, and general guests, including field trips, outreach, tours, camps, presentations, and special events.
Create and maintain accurate, engaging, age-appropriate curricula and conservation messaging aligned with relevant education standards and Lion Country Safari’s mission.
Evaluate program effectiveness using participant feedback, learning outcomes, attendance, engagement, revenue, and other performance measures; use findings to improve quality, accessibility, and impact.
Recruit, onboard, schedule, train, supervise, coach, and evaluate education employees, seasonal staff, interns, and volunteers; foster teamwork, accountability, and professional growth.
Partner with the Wildlife Department to ensure ambassador animal programs follow approved animal wellbeing, handling, training, biosecurity, sanitation, safety, and applicable AZA practices.
Build and maintain relationships with schools, educators, community organizations, and other partners; expand outreach opportunities and represent Lion Country Safari at educational and professional events.
Oversee group reservations, registrations, and customer communications; monitor program participation, revenue, expenses, and trends; recommend pricing and growth strategies.
Develop and manage the Education Department budget with leadership and Finance; identify potential grants, sponsorships, and other funding opportunities.
Organize in-house conservation initiatives and maintain relationships with external conservation organizations that partner with Lion Country Safari.
Collaborate with Marketing and other departments on educational materials and guest experiences.
Maintain required records and reports for leadership, audits, and AZA accreditation, and follow company policies and safety procedures.
Maintain confidentiality and represent Lion Country Safari professionally.