Job Description

Are you passionate about?

…Providing exceptional care for animals?

…Saving wildlife and wild places?

…Inspiring guests to connect with nature and take action to impact the future of our world?

…Being part of a dynamic, growing zoo that welcomes diversity, equity, inclusion and personal contribution?

Explore a career with Reid Park Zoo! Reid Park Zoo, located in beautiful Tucson, Arizona is a mid-sized, regional zoological garden caring for over 200 exotic animal species from around the world in lush, naturalistic habitats. With a mission centered in conservation, the Zoo is Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participates in nearly 100 Species Survival Plans for threatened and endangered species. Reid Park Zoo maintains a state-of-the-art elephant program, a cutting-edge veterinary clinic that serves as a teaching hospital for the University of Arizona veterinary program, and is the co-leader of the Flamingo SAFE program to name a few recognitions. Attracting more than 600,000 guests annually, the Zoo is the midst of an exciting expansion project, Pathway to Asia, that will add four acres to its campus, bringing new species such as red panda, Komodo dragon and Lar gibbon, as well as a breeding facility for critically-endangered Malayan tigers when it opens in 2026.

The Zoo is located in beautiful Tucson, Arizona. Stunning high desert valley vistas surrounded by four mountain ranges offer a year-round paradise for cyclists, hikers, bird-watchers and outdoor enthusiasts. Named the first UNESO City of Gastronomy dedicated in the United States, the City is a delight for foodies with a lively and developing dining, arts and cultural scene, and a lovely wine country just thirty minutes away. With the University of Arizona and its championship sports, top-notch medical facilities, and affordable housing, Tucson is a great place to bring the family and put down roots– a big city, yet with a comfortable, small-town feel.

Come join us at the Reid Park Zoological Society!

Reid Park Zoological Society is seeking a passionate and proactive Director of Conservation and Education to lead a high-level team with a focus on furthering the Zoo’s mission to connect people and animals, inspiring the protection of wild animals and wild places. The position requires a four-year degree, 5-year supervisory experience, two years’ progressive experience in developing education programs and experience in managing field conservation programs.

The Society is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization. We provide educational and fun experiences for visitors of all ages. Reid Park Zoo is the largest attended cultural attraction in Southern Arizona with approximately 600,000 visitors annually. Be a part of a vibrant, growing organization as Reid Park Zoo implements an exciting master plan with the opening of Pathway to Asia in 2026. This major expansion will connect guests with wildlife of the world’s largest continent.

Medical - Dental - Vision - 401(k) w/Match - Company Paid Life & Accident Ins, Short-and-Long Term Disability - Free Employee Assistance Program & Perks at Work Discounts - Paid Vacation and Sick Leave - Employee Paid Ancillary Benefits (pet, legal, critical illness, etc.) - Professional Development Opportunities - Tuition Reimbursement

No phone calls or visits please . This position is open until filled. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff by creating an inclusive environment .

Reports To: President and CEO

Responsibilities: The Director of Conservation and Education plays a critical role in Reid Park Zoo’s management team, overseeing the Zoo’s conservation and education programs. This position is a member of the Zoo’s senior management team, ensuring the Zoo is a leader in conservation education and in protecting animals in the wild.

At Reid Park Zoo, we strive to protect wild animals and wild places by inspiring and engaging our community to care about the animals they experience at the Zoo. Our goal if that this will ignite a passion to take conservation action at home and around the world. This position is at the forefront of connecting people and animals to protect our planet.

Education

This position is responsible for all aspects of the Zoo’s education programs with a goal of connecting our diverse audiences with wildlife and wild places, promoting a better understanding of Reid Park Zoo’s role in animal care and conservation and instilling responsibility for individual choices that help protect the environment. In coordination with the Education Supervisor, this position will ensure:

• Development and implementation of onsite and offsite education programs for audiences of all ages;
• Collaboration with the animal care and marketing departments to ensure that program goals, objectives, and measurable outcomes are identified and used to develop program content and teaching methods;
• Development of zoo-wide conservation messages and communications;
• Development and performance of evaluations of zoo education programs and work with education staff to ensure that programs successfully meet their intended outcomes; and
• Successful partnerships with schools, organizations and community groups are developed to expand interaction and foster collaboration and support for the Zoo.

Conservation

Lead the development and implementation of long-term wildlife conservation and sustainability programs to move forward the Zoo’s strategic vision;

• Oversee the creation of programs that engage the Zoo’s guests in meaningful conservation action, creating wildlife champions;
• Oversee a conservation grant program, providing information to the Board’s Conservation Committee to be able to evaluate programs brought forward for consideration, providing updates through the year to the Board, staff, and general public;
• Engage with local and international conservation organizations to create opportunities for collaboration in sharing information, volunteering opportunities, and funding opportunities;
• Provide information to the management team, staff and board about key areas of advocacy for local and national issues around conservation, zoos, and animal care. Lead grassroots advocacy efforts around issues that are approved by the Board of Directors; and
• Collaborate with the Director of Animal Care in the development of new conservation programs.

  Staff Management

• Works with HR to make decisions including hiring, employee relations, employment termination, advancement or promotion of staff;
• Evaluates staffing on a regular basis;
• Plans workload and staff schedules;
• Provides opportunities for staff development, training and learning needs;
• Provides annual performance evaluations to direct reports;
• Provides coaching and support for staff;
• Directs the work of Education Dept staff and responds to employee concerns or grievances; and
• Implements compliance measures including employment policies and local employment ordinances.

Interpretive exhibits

Oversee the development of graphics and interactive elements for exhibits. This work may include researching, writing, and editing educational content while working with marketing or outside contractors to oversee the exhibit interpretive planning, content development, media selection, and installation. Develop or oversee the development of educational content for marketing, online and social media. 

Oversee the review of materials disseminated by the organization including press releases, social media posts, signage and other channels.

Fundraising

Work closely with the Chief Development Officer to promote education and conservation programs to potential funding sources and assist in preparing narratives and budgets to secure grants and donations. 

Education Ambassadors Animals

Work closely with the Ambassador Animal keepers to ensure all protocol and practices in relation to animal handling for animal ambassadors are within the guidelines set by the Animal Care Manager and Director of Animal Care.

Administrative Functions

• Perform duties per RPZS policies, such as completing expense reports and purchasing or cash handling procedures;
• Manage the production of the annual budget and forecasts for areas under Education and Conservation;
• Serve as an active member of the Management Team, contributing and participating in the development and progress of overall organization goals and objectives;
• Oversees workflow and coordination between departments to ensure effective communication so that all employees have current pertinent information;
• Support the Zoo’s internal ‘Green Team’ promoting sustainability measures for the Zoo and for the Board’s Conservation Committee, guiding selection of conservation programs to advance protection of wild animals and wild places. Participate in other committees and provide support as needed;
• Direct and manage employees, interns, consultants, and volunteers as necessary; and
• Provide excellent customer service as a component of all job duties.

  Required Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

•  Bachelor's degree or higher in the biological sciences, education, or related field
• Two years’ experience developing and implementing education programs for a variety of ages and group sizes
• Five years supervisory experience
• Current, valid, unrestricted driver’s license
• Successful completion of a criminal history background check and pre-employment drug screen (we do not test for THC)
• Pre-employment TB test or evidence of negative TB test result within the immediate past 12 months, and annual renewals
• Most recent COVID-19 Booster
• Experience coordinating, and managing conservation programs, including collecting data, collaborating with partners, and managing volunteers
• Department or significant program budget development or management experience
• Strong computer skills with proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and email programs
• Experience in successful grant proposal writing and grant award management and administration
• Program and exhibit evaluation training and experience
• Knowledge and experience with live animal educational programming required
• Understanding of a zoo’s role in protecting wildlife and encouraging conservation
• Able to lift up to 25 pounds
• Ability to be outdoors for long periods of time in a variety of weather conditions leading groups over sometimes uneven terrain areas
• Demonstrated critical analysis, customer service, problem solving, conflict resolution, decision making, leadership, team building, time management, and motivational skills
• Demonstrated ability to tactfully handle stressful situations, negotiate and resolve conflicts, maintain confidentiality and to respect and observe organizational protocol
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of RPZS and RPZ staff as well as diverse volunteers, donors, community partners, vendors and others
• Must be able to work weekends and evenings

Preferred Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

• Experience in an accredited Association for Zoos and Aquariums facility
• Experience in working with a database for management of programs, participants and/or volunteers
• Bilingual (Spanish) and/or American Sign Language 

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