Learning & Engagement Specialist I, Ambassador Animal

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. 

Applications accepted until November 16, 2025.

Position Summary  

Serves as a first-line facilitator, delivering interactive, safe, engaging and high-quality Pre-K through 12th grade education and 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.

Oakland Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package, including Health insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, Flexible spending account, Retirement plan, Paid time off, Employee Assistance Program, and A Family Zoo Membership.

• 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
• Present and handle Ambassador Animals in educational settings including ZooMobiles, Wildlife Theater, Assemblies, and on-grounds programs.
• 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

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• Up to 3 years providing science communication/interpretation in zoos, aquariums, museums, science centers, or other similar institutions, or 0-1 years experience with additional specialized training and/or certification
• A proven ability to teach rigorous conservation education and willingness to obtain training to handle program animals.
• Commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the learning environment.
• 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

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

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.

Physicals Abilities

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

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• 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 

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