Zoo Educator

Dundee Township Parks District•Carpentersville, IL

About The Position

Join Our Team as a Zoo Educator! Do you love animals and enjoy educating others? Dundee Township Park District is looking for energetic and engaging Zoo Educators to connect guests with wildlife at Randall Oaks Zoo & Park. If you enjoy working with animals, speaking to groups, and creating memorable educational experiences, this is the perfect opportunity for you! What You’ll Do: As a Zoo Educator, you’ll: Provide daily care for ambassador animals, including feeding, cleaning, and exhibit maintenance. Maintain clean, safe, and organized exhibits, holding areas, and equipment. Prepare and feed appropriate diets following established guidelines. Monitor animal health and behavior, reporting concerns to the Zoo Manager or Animal Curator. Assist with veterinary care, including administering medications and treatments after training. Safely restrain animals when necessary, following proper handling protocols. Deliver engaging educational presentations using live animals or demonstrations. Lead zoo programs, including birthday parties, on-site presentations, and traveling educational programs. Safely gather, transport, and handle animals for off-site programs. Maintain records and assist with basic vehicle upkeep for traveling programs. Engage and manage large groups of children while ensuring a fun and safe experience. Provide excellent customer service and represent the Park District in a professional manner. Follow all safety procedures and ensure the safety of animals, guests, and staff. Assist with additional duties and support other Park District staff as needed. Who You Are: You're an enthusiastic and dependable communicator with: At least 6 months of experience working with animals (zoo, farm, or shelter; household pets excluded). Must be at least 18 years old. Strong interpersonal, communication, and team-building skills. A passion for education and comfort speaking in front of groups. Ability to manage and engage groups of children in a structured setting. A valid Illinois driver’s license. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical tasks (bending, climbing, kneeling, etc.). Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and environmental conditions. Knowledge of and ability to follow safety and OSHA regulations. Fluency in English; bilingual Spanish skills are a plus. Schedule: Seasonal part-time position, generally less than 30 hours per week. Hours are based on business needs and will include days, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Schedule varies depending on special events and programming at the Zoo. Opportunity for continued part-time, year-round employment may be available based on Zoo needs. In Exchange for Your Time and Talent, We Offer: Select one of the following: Individual Fitness Center (100-day) pass OR Family Season Pass to Dolphin Cove Aquatic Center OR Family Season Pass to Randall Oaks Zoo & Park Plus: Free/discounted District programs, merchandise, and concessions Credit Union (KCT) access Ready to Inspire and Educate? Join the Dundee Township Park District and help create meaningful connections between people and animals! This is a great opportunity for individuals passionate about wildlife, education, and community engagement. Apply today and help bring the zoo experience to life!

Requirements

At least 6 months of experience working with animals (zoo, farm, or shelter; household pets excluded).
Must be at least 18 years old.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and team-building skills.
A passion for education and comfort speaking in front of groups.
Ability to manage and engage groups of children in a structured setting.
A valid Illinois driver’s license.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical tasks (bending, climbing, kneeling, etc.).
Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and environmental conditions.
Knowledge of and ability to follow safety and OSHA regulations.
Fluency in English

Nice To Haves

bilingual Spanish skills are a plus.

Responsibilities

Provide daily care for ambassador animals, including feeding, cleaning, and exhibit maintenance.
Maintain clean, safe, and organized exhibits, holding areas, and equipment.
Prepare and feed appropriate diets following established guidelines.
Monitor animal health and behavior, reporting concerns to the Zoo Manager or Animal Curator.
Assist with veterinary care, including administering medications and treatments after training.
Safely restrain animals when necessary, following proper handling protocols.
Deliver engaging educational presentations using live animals or demonstrations.
Lead zoo programs, including birthday parties, on-site presentations, and traveling educational programs.
Safely gather, transport, and handle animals for off-site programs.
Maintain records and assist with basic vehicle upkeep for traveling programs.
Engage and manage large groups of children while ensuring a fun and safe experience.
Provide excellent customer service and represent the Park District in a professional manner.
Follow all safety procedures and ensure the safety of animals, guests, and staff.
Assist with additional duties and support other Park District staff as needed.