Zoo Education Specialist

Job Description:

Zoo Education Specialist

Description

Description

The City of Santa Ana is looking for individuals who are results-oriented, possess great attitude, demonstrate creativity and innovation, work efficiently, show a record of success and have a passion for public service. Having highly talented employees provides the best service to our community
Assists in the planning, development, coordination, implementation, and presentation of educational programs for the Santa Ana Zoo.
The incumbent for this vacancy will work at our Santiago Creek ECO Center and the Santa Ana Zoo.

Essential Functions Include But Are Not Limited To

• Assists in the planning, development, coordination, implementation, and presentation of educational programs to instruct and inform the public about the Santa Ana Zoo and its animal exhibits, and Santiago Nature Center.
• Develops curricula, lesson plans, and a variety of other classroom materials for child and adult programs.
• Prepares and makes presentations at the Santa Ana Zoo, Santiago Nature Center, and various events and functions.
• Assists visitors; provides the public with general information; responds to inquiries; and represents the zoo and nature center at events and functions.
• Schedules and conducts education programs.
• Prepares publicity flyers, brochures, and articles to promote and market zoo and nature center educational programs.
• Assists in the development and updating of informational graphics and identification signs.
• Assists with the coordination of educational program volunteers.
• Generates instruction documents, reports, correspondence, animal identification graphs, and other documents.
• Gathers data and writes routine reports.
• May perform general clerical, recordkeeping, and file maintenance duties.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION Two (2) years of professional experience in the development and presentation of educational and informational programs, preferably related to zoo or nature center programs; including one (1) year of experience handling, caring for, and displaying live animals. High school diploma or GED. Minimum qualifications may be met via an equivalent combination of experience and education sufficient to perform the essential job functions. Experience and education must provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Knowledge of: Animal and environmental conservation issues; pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations; program development and administration; natural history as related to zoo animal biology, behavior, and care; animal husbandry; safety practices related to handling and training domestic and non-domestic animals; educational theories of teaching and learning; public information principles and techniques; principles, practices, and methods of effective training, communication, and public speaking; effective customer service techniques; proper English usage, grammar, and punctuation; record management practices and procedures; and safe driving principles and practices. Skill in: The operation of personal computers and business software applications used for educational programs and presentations, including Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel; the operation of modern office equipment; interacting with others in a professional manner; and the use of social media for communication and marketing. Ability to: Develop, coordinate, and present educational programs related to zoo and nature centers; understand, interpret, and apply Citywide and departmental codes, policies, and procedures, and applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations; successfully implement educational programs with minimal supervision; conduct effective oral presentations; handle animals safely and with care; work well independently and as part of a team; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people of all ages; follow written and oral directions appropriately; conduct research and make recommendations; collect, compile, and maintain data and files accurately; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with other City employees, the public, special interest groups, civic organizations, and those contacted in the scope of work. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Possession and retention of a valid California Class “C” Driver’s License is a condition of continued employment in this job classification. Must be willing and able to work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed. HIGHLY DESIRABLE Bilingual ability in English and Spanish, and/or English and Vietnamese is highly desirable. College level coursework in biology, zoology, or a related field is highly desirable.
WORKING CONDITIONS Environmental Conditions: Work is generally performed in standard office and field settings. Occasional travel to different sites is required. Works on various types of surfaces, including slippery or uneven surfaces and rough terrain. Works with animals, including potentially dangerous animals. Work involves extensive public contact. Incumbents are exposed to biohazards, smells and scents, noisy conditions, indoor and outdoor lighting, treated water, dirt, dust, wind and pollen, and variable weather conditions. Physical Conditions: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in office and field settings; operate vehicles; operate hand tools; climb stairs and ladders; occasionally reach, stoop, squat, kneel, run, jump, climb, and crawl; frequently bend, twist, and sit; continuously stand and walk; operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination, including the use of a computer keyboard and/or hand tools; utilize sight, hearing, speaking, reading, writing, and math ability to exchange information; lift and carry up to twenty (20) pounds, and push and pull light to moderate amounts of weight.

Selection Process

All applicants are required to complete and submit a City application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the City online application. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page. New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide.

Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include: Oral Interview Examination (Tentatively scheduled for March 25, 2026) : (Weight of 100%) will evaluate the candidates' experience, training, education, and abilities in relation to those factors which are essential for successful performance on the job. Candidates need a minimum passing score in order to be placed on the eligible list. The City of Santa Ana is an equal opportunity employer. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact us regarding providing reasonable accommodation.

Please visit the following website to view the summary of comprehensive benefits!

Summary of Benefits

(under SEIU)

NOTE: A more complete set of specifications for this classification may be found on the City's website or on file in the Human Resources Department. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contribution toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic contract settlements between recognized employee associations and the City of Santa Ana.

Closing Date/Time: 3/11/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$61,200.00 - $82,080.00 Annually