Learning & Engagement Specialist I, On-Grounds Programs (Seasonal)

Pay Range: To maintain internal equity, we have identified the starting range for this position at the Oakland Zoo as $23.04 - $24.90 per hour. An offer within this range will be determined by the experience and qualifications of a candidate and will be our best and final compensation offer. This is a seasonal position.

Applications accepted until February 16, 2026. The position is anticipated to start March 18 2026 and end September 30 2026, with potential to extend depending on the needs of the organization.

Position Summary  

Serves as a first-line facilitator, delivering interactive, safe, engaging and high-quality public programs. Helps with the execution of on-site interpretive programming that furthers the mission of the Zoo. Will serve to engage Zoo visitors in a variety of ways, including but not limited to holding informal interpretive conversations and by running the interactive exploration space known as The Habitarium.

Essential Job Duties:

• Prepares and delivers all education programming in an informative, safe, engaging, and high-quality manner.


• Serves as a technical resource to visitors in wayfinding and providing information.


• Follows animal protocols and obtain/maintain Animal Handling certifications.


• Provides support for other Learning & Engagement Department leads on facilitation of additional programming, including but not limited to:
  
  
  
  1. Wildlife Assembly
  
  
  2. ZooMobile
  
  
  3. ZooSchool
  
  
  4. ZooCamp
  
  
  5. Community outreach/tabling
  
  
  6. Volunteer and docent programs
  
  
  
  


• Provide support implementing the Zoo’s free, on-grounds programming, including but not limited to:
  
  
  
  1. Pathway Encounter animal ambassador meet and greets
  
  
  2. Animal Highlight talks
  
  
  3. Roving/informal interpretation
  
  
  4. Habitarium exploration space facilitation
  
  
  5. Nature journaling
  
  
  6. Trading Card Wednesday
  
  
  7. Crafting sessions
  
  
  8. Storytimes
  
  
  
  


• Provide support for other Learning & Engagement Department leads on facilitation of additional programming, including but not limited to:
  
  
  
  1. ZooCamp
  
  
  2. Community outreach/tabling
  
  
  3. Volunteer and docent programs
  
  
  
  


• Act as department ambassadors in aiding other extra-departmental Zoo entities for occasional special events


• Maintain positive attitude and collaborative working relationships with volunteers, co-workers, program participants, and internal and external guests.


• Demonstrate superior guest engagement with vendors, visitors, students, parents, etc.


• Demonstrate knowledge of, and support the California Conservation Society’s mission, vision, values, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and codes of behavior.

Ancillary Job Duties:

• Participate in collaborations with CSC partners


• Collaborate with Learning & Engagement Department leadership on program development


• Perform other related duties as required and assigned

Supervisory Responsibility: 

None

Who You Are:

• 
  

  Minimum of 1 year of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience, which should include some experience providing science communication/interpretation in zoos, aquariums, museums, science centers, or other similar institution

  
  


• 
  

  A proven ability to teach rigorous conservation education and willingness to obtain training to handle program animals.

  
  


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  Commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the learning environment.

  
  


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  Classroom management skills

  
  


• 
  

  Knowledge of animals and current conservation issues

  
  


• 
  

  Possesses a valid Driver's License (or willingness to get one within the first 3 months of employment) with a clean driving record to obtain authorization from the Zoo’s Insurance provider

  
  


• 
  

  Ability to work four 7.0-hour days per week, including one weekend day

  
  

Bonus if you have: 

• College level coursework in biology, zoology, environmental science, animal behavior, and/or education


• Certified Interpretive Guide completed through the National Association for Interpretation

Physicals Abilities- The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.  

• Must be able to walk moderate hills, be on feet for 90 minutes, and lift 35 lbs.

Work Environment

• A significant portion of time spent outdoors in a range of weather conditions. Exposed to sun, wind, light rain, and outdoor temperatures and noise levels. Otherwise, general office conditions, exposed to moderate to high noise levels.


• Must be able to work indoors and outdoors and in variable weather conditions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualities– May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills and abilities commonly associated with this position. 

• Collaboration – builds trusting relationships with both internal and external stakeholders across our organization and community-wide and approaches differences of opinion with curiosity and humility.


• Communication – communicates respectfully and effectively with stakeholders across identities, both verbally and in writing


• Dependability – demonstrates trustworthiness and reliability, including while working with little or no direct supervision 


• Flexibility – nimbly adapts to evolving priorities and urgent needs; handles intervals of high pressure while maintaining perspective and humor 


• Inclusive Culture - fosters a culture of mutual respect, transparency, collaboration and belonging which allows all employees to feel appreciated, included, and valued. 


• Organization – strong attention to details and able to build and/or maintain efficient systems 


• Passion – wholeheartedly believes in, represents, and models Oakland Zoo’s mission and PRIDE values at all times 


• Presentation – able to convey ideas clearly and sensitively, highlight key takeaways and translate impact; have thoughtful presence, can quickly build rapport with others, and are comfortable in front of a variety of audiences  


• Sustainability – oriented toward the mission and values of Oakland Zoo and able to put those into practice by finding creative and resourceful ways to develop sustainable practices within your role and department 


• Technological Aptitude – able to quickly understand, develop and maintain functional digital systems 


• Time Management – strong capabilities with a demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize multiple commitments 


• Wildlife Aware - understands mission to support the conservation and welfare of animals at the Zoo, locally and globally.  This is demonstrated by a willingness/passion to reflect this mission in all actions and to continue to learn how to take action for wildlife 

Benefits

Oakland Zoo offers part-time and seasonal employees a valuable benefits package, including an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Paid Sick Time, optional 403b Retirement Plan, and a Zoo Membership. They also have access to various perks, discounts, and programs to enhance their overall experience.

Who We Are 

Oakland Zoo (managed by The Conservation Society of California) is an award-winning facility stretching 100 acres and overlooking the city of Oakland atop the hills of beautiful Knowland Park. Our mission is to deepen connections with animals, save wildlife, and inspire champions for the natural world. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Zoo is part of the largest conservation organization in the nation. Our employees take PRIDE in our values of being Positive, Respectful, Inquisitive, Driven and Effective members of a team who places the care of our animals, stewardship of the natural environment, and the experience of our guests at the forefront of all that we do. 

Oakland Zoo’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access  

We believe that all people should have safe access to the Zoo and culturally relevant and responsive experiences with our staff, programs, and curriculum. Oakland Zoo is also striving to create an equitable and inclusive internal culture where all staff members feel represented and valued for their identities and lived experiences. We examine how power, bias, race, and other aspects of identity impact our organization. We work to build a culture of continuous learning and improvement toward a vision of equity and belonging for all staff. We are looking for team members who can actively join us in this process. We are committed to reflecting the diverse community in which we exist and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ identifying folks, and women to apply.  

The Conservation Society of California is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, QAOV status, or other characteristics protected by law. The Conservation Society of California also promotes respect for all people and will not tolerate harassment based on any of these characteristics.  

Oakland Zoo participates in E-Verify to verify work authorization.