Conservation Education Fellow 2023 Jobs

Position Summary:
The Conservation Education Fellowship (CEF) program is a unique grant-funded opportunity for early career professionals currently enrolled in college / university in the Bronx to:

• Explore the field of education at an informal science institution as part of a team; and
• Develop and execute a learning action plan to support their professional growth as an educator.

You should apply for this opportunity if you are seeking an opportunity to develop your skills in informal science education and interpretation. In this position, you will support the Wildlife Conservation Society’s (WCS) Education Department at either the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, New York Aquarium, Prospect Park Zoo, or Queens Zoo through facilitating educational experiences that inspire a love of wildlife and wild places for a variety of audiences. You will acquire skills to welcome a diverse set of learners, from school groups (primarily K-6th) and children in informal education programs to families and adult learners. You will foster student-centered learning while expanding your knowledge about wildlife conservation issues with a global impact. In the beginning of your fellowship, you will shadow and teach under the supervision of WCS Education staff. As your skills develop, you will begin teaching and developing curriculum on your own, with the expectation that upon the conclusion of your fellowship, you may independently teach select education programming.
You will develop a Learning Action Plan to set and achieve goals with a mentor's support. You will participate in relevant professional development opportunities to learn about informal education theory and practice from experienced WCS Education staff. You will leave the program with extensive experience developing and facilitating programming for various audiences. Exemplary CEFs may be considered for a position in summer of 2024.
Who We Are:
The WCS Education Department works across our five wildlife 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.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES/LEARNING OUTCOMES
Learn to teach on-site school programs, general audience programs, and birthday parties as assigned by Education Department staff and eventually teach programs more independently.
Learn curriculum writing best practices and development practices and review school and family program curricula as needed.
Learn to develop and create materials for school and general audience programs.
Learn how to incorporate live animal demonstrations safely and effectively into the educational experiences.
Participate in staff meetings and professional development opportunities.
Comply with all policies and procedures as presented by WCS and the Education Department.
Wildlife Conservation Society (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.
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Qualification Requirements

• Must work one weekend day (Sat-Sun) plus one weekday (Mon-Fri) every week.
• You are an undergraduate student at a college or university in the Bronx.
• Ability to work within a highly team-oriented environment.
• Must work in-person.
• Reliable, flexible, and accountable.
• Must be able to work the duration of the Fellowship, Fall 2023 through May 2024.
• Strong verbal communication skills.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Interest in informal education and working with children and families.
• Interest in developing the skills needed to lead meaningful educational experiences at an informal science learning facility and interpreting science concepts in both an informal classroom setting and at zoo/aquarium exhibits.

Salary Range
$20.00/hour