Conservation Education Fellow

Do you have a passion for conservation, zoos, learning, and teaching? Are you creative, enthusiastic, and eager to grow your skills? Do you enjoy working with energetic children, curious guests, and a team of wild colleagues? Join the Maryland Zoo and inspire thousands of visitors through dynamic conservation education.

General Summary

The Conservation Education Fellow is a 10-month learning opportunity for emerging professionals interested in informal education and conservation. Fellows deliver engaging, STEM-based programming to Zoo audiences, with a focus on school field trip groups. Programs are conducted both in person and virtually. This position supports the Zoo’s mission by fostering curiosity, inspiring conservation action, and delivering inclusive, meaningful learning experiences to all guests.

The Fellow will gain hands-on experience in program delivery, animal handling, interpretation, and conservation communication while contributing new ideas and creativity to our team. This role also aligns with the Zoo’s broader goals in conservation, sustainability, education, and DEAI (Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion).

Fellowship Details

• Duration: September 2025 – June 2026
• Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Primary Responsibilities

Program Delivery

• Deliver in-person and virtual education programs using hands-on activities, conservation-themed materials and animal ambassadors.
• Present 4–5 days/week, with an average of 5 hours of on-grounds programming per day.
• Handle all aspects of program execution, including setup, presentation, and breakdown.

Program Development & Support

• Assist in developing and refining program content tailored to school groups and diverse audiences.
• Participate one day/week in training, materials preparation, and resource maintenance.
• Help maintain education supplies, spaces, and equipment.

Animal Handling

• Learn and maintain animal handling competencies as outlined by the Zoo’s Animal Handling Guidelines.

Technology & Communication

• Use presentation technology confidently (e.g., tablets, webinar platforms, microphones, document cameras).
• Communicate professionally with guests, school groups, staff, and volunteers.
• Provide exceptional guest service and uphold Zoo standards for engagement.

Professional Development

• Participate in ongoing training and mentorship in interpretation, conservation messaging, and DEAI practices.
• Collaborate with Zoo staff, educators, and volunteers to continuously improve programming.
• Build relationships with professionals at partner institutions to stay current on best practices in informal education.

What You'll Gain

• Real-world experience in conservation education at an AZA-accredited zoo.
• Training in animal handling, program development, and guest engagement.
• Professional mentorship and potential pathways into conservation, education, or interpretation fields.
• Confidence and experience in public speaking, inclusive education, and environmental communication.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Environmental Sciences, Education, or related field required.

Experience

• Public speaking or teaching experience preferred.
• Understanding of formal education standards.
• Animal handling experience is a plus; training will be provided.
• Working knowledge of Google Workspace and Microsoft Office.

Desired Traits

• Passion for wildlife, conservation, and informal education.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and public speaking skills.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and stand for extended periods.

Equipment

• Must be able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including computer, telephone, scanner, copier, two-way radio, golf cart, vehicles, hand tools, gardening/carpentry tools, computer etc.

Working Conditions

• Standing (up to 8 hours per day), walking (6 hours per day), sitting (up to 8 hours per day);
• Must be able to walk large areas of the Zoo as needed;
• Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force to lift, push, pull, carry, or otherwise move objects;
• Ability to use senses to monitor animal health;
• Must be able to work for extended periods of time in an outdoor weather environment, in all seasons and weather, including heat/humidity, cold temperatures, and/or wet conditions;
• Daily contact with plants and animals including being subject to bites, stings and scrapes;
• Ability to travel (car/van) as needed - locally and/or state-wide;
• Ability to drive golf cart and large cargo van with appropriate license; and,
• Clean background check and driving record.

Benefits

• We offer an excellent benefits package including 24 days of Paid Time Off (PTO), Sick and Safe Leave, and 2 paid holidays.
• Eligible for medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability and life insurance.
• 401(k) with employer match.

Disclaimer

The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of all personnel so classified.  Therefore, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different task be performed when circumstances change.

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