San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and creating a world where all life thrives. Empowering people from around the globe to support our mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships, we support cutting-edge conservation, and bring the stories of our work back to our two world-famous front doors — the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park — giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The deep and extensive knowledge gained from more than a century of experience in wildlife care, health, veterinary services, nutrition and conservation makes us invaluable in the global effort to save species. Our team members play a crucial role in driving our conservation efforts forward and bringing us closer to a world where all life thrives.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
The Education Experience Supervisor is responsible for the development, daily supervision, and operations of assigned education programs. This position reports to the Education Experience Manager.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• In collaboration with the department management, develops performance reviews and individual goals, provides constructive feedback, and supports continued professional growth and development of direct reports; supervises the assigned team's daily operations, including facilities, equipment, resources, and staff.
• Designs and develops original educational programming including curriculum, content, activities, lesson plans and scopes and sequences that align with Next Generation Science Standards or other education frameworks.
• In collaboration with the department management, hires and onboards, Education Program Developers, Walking Tour Guides, Educator Guides, Program Aides, and/or seasonal staff.
• Creates weekly schedules, reviews and authorizes staff timesheets, assignments, and job responsibilities.
• Assists in managing the reservations and ticketing system, and inventory for school and camp booking programs.
• Recommends, develops, and ensures adherence to department policies and procedures, undertaking disciplinary actions as needed.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

As a key leader on the San Diego Zoo Education team, the Education Experience Supervisor oversees both onsite and offsite school and youth conservation education programs by embodying a servant leadership approach, guiding direct and indirect reports while championing the mission of the SDZWA Education Department and the Zoo’s School Program Guiding Principles.   

The Supervisor will cultivate relationships with internal teams and external partners, while also monitoring and evaluating conservation education programs to ensure quality and impact, collaborate with teachers and partners, and manage budgets to maintain financial sustainability. In collaboration with the Program Developer and Education Experience Manager, the Supervisor will design culturally relevant, inclusive curriculum that align with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), meeting the varied needs of the San Diego community, while also playing a lead role in with the School in the Park partnership. The Supervisor’s responsibilities include hiring, interviewing, training, conducting annual reviews, and coaching the Program Developer and Program Aides, with additional support extended to all team members.   

This position plays a crucial role in ensuring equitable access to programs through grant-funded opportunities by writing funding proposals and reports to serve Title I schools in San Diego County. This leadership position requires proactive management, independent judgment, and a blend of creative problem-solving, diplomacy, empathy, and exceptional customer service, while fostering a collaborative environment that enhances both team effectiveness and community impact.  

• JOB EXPERIENCE
  • At least three years of experience in education or operations department in a zoo, museum, theme-park, or other informal learning center And
  • At least two years of on the job experience developing educational programming or teaching in an a formal or informal environment
  • Animal handling experience preferred

• EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
  • Coursework in science, education, business administration, or related field.
  • Teaching Certification

• SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
  • Knowledge of learning theories and interpretive/teaching techniques.
  • Ability to effectively lead a team in a diverse environment.
  • Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written).
  • Effectively use customer relations skills.
  • Ability to monitor and schedule resources.
  • Ability to use a variety of computer software programs (ex: Dayforce, Galaxy, Google Suites, Bookeo, etc.)
  • Ability to train staff to handle animals and use animal behavior modification.
  • Knowledge of reservations and ticketing system (Galaxy preferred).
  • Knowledge of analytics.

SOME OF THE PERKS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER

• Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Family Passes
• Complimentary Tickets
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
   

IMPORTANT DETAILS

• Location: San Diego, CA
• Position Type: Salaried, Full-Time, Exempt Position 
• Yearly Rate: $71,200 - $78,760 

About The Salary Ranges
Please note that the salary range mentioned in this job posting should serve simply as a guide. The final compensation offered may vary based on a variety of factors, including bonuses and/or incentives, or a candidate’s experience and skills. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is committed to providing a fair, equitable, and competitive package that reflects the value an individual brings to the organization.
 

Fraudulent Recruiting
Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person.

If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org.  If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately. 

Be an ally for wildlife by joining our team!

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we thrive on celebrating our differences. Diversity is vital for the benefit of our team members, our guests, our community, and our wildlife.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.

As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. 

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.