Wildlife Educator

Peninsula Humane Society • Saratoga, CA

2d

About The Position

The Wildlife Educator is based primarily at the Wildlife Care Center in Saratoga and designs and delivers educational programs that engage the community, build understanding of native plants and wildlife, and encourage responsible, compassionate interactions with wildlife and respect for native plants. The role works under the Education Supervisor, who reviews program content for accuracy and consistency with PHS/SPCA standards and evaluates program effectiveness.

The position schedules and delivers presentations for K–12 students, community youth groups, and the general public; maintains and updates youth education programs and materials; leads tours at the Saratoga shelter; and assists with animal camps at the Burlingame shelter. The Educator also coordinates camp presentations, develops programs as time and priorities allow, tracks program metrics and expenses, and trains and supervises seasonal camp counselors and Wildlife Education volunteers. The position is part-time at 20 hours per week, with flexible start times subject to manager approval. It requires availability for irregular hours, shifts, weekends, and holidays.

Requirements

• Good working knowledge of animal breeds, nutrition, general care, training, and related information.
• Knowledge, appreciation, and respect for animals, including birds, reptiles, rodents, and small animals.
• Ability to work with and handle animals.
• Strong motivation toward the welfare and humane treatment of all animals.
• Must pass a background check upon hire.
• Must be available to work irregular hours, shifts, weekends, and holidays.
• Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university, or an equivalent combination of education and related work experience.
• Experience in education, teaching, or a similar field.
• Broad knowledge of animal care and welfare issues.
• Work experience with youth and the ability to manage a classroom.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos, and to write simple correspondence.
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small-group situations to customers, volunteers, and other employees.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to apply common-sense understanding to detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions and to address problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Working knowledge of database software; proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, and computer keyboarding/data entry.
• Valid California driver's license with a clean driving record, eligibility to be insured by PHS insurance, and access to personal transportation.
• Completion of Pediatric First Aid & CPR, or ability to take the course.

Nice To Haves

• Work or volunteer experience with diverse audiences.
• Teaching credential.

Responsibilities

• Schedule and deliver presentations on native plants, wildlife rehabilitation, and conservation for K–12 students at Santa Clara County schools, community youth groups, and the general public.
• Maintain and update youth education programs, curriculum, lesson plans, and educational materials about respectful interactions with wildlife, native plants and habitats, and wildlife rehabilitation and release.
• Develop new programs, projects, and supporting materials as priorities and available work time allow.
• Lead educational tours of the Interpretive Learning Path at the Saratoga shelter.
• Assist the Education Supervisor with Summer Animal Camp and Winter Animal Camp at the Burlingame shelter.
• Research local summer camps, identify presentation opportunities, and coordinate with participating camps to prepare for and deliver presentations.
• Collaborate with other departments to support educational programming and enrich program content.
• Track participation and other program metrics and share the information with the Education Supervisor.
• Purchase supplies and monitor expenses for assigned programs.
• Hire, train, and manage seasonal camp counselors.
• Recruit, interview, train, schedule, and supervise Wildlife Education volunteers; assign and direct tasks, appraise performance, recognize and address performance concerns, and resolve conflicts.
• Respond with empathy when sensitive topics arise.
• Keep informed about current humane education practices through occasional networking and professional development, as time allows.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time