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The Zoo Changes You

Looking for a fulfilling career at one of Philadelphia's most beloved cultural institutions? Whether you are involved with caring for animals, educating our visitors, or working in a behind-the-scenes position in administration, maintenance, or garden services, all of our positions share our institutional mission, purpose, and our core values.

Benefits of Working at the Zoo

• Healthcare, 401K, paid time off, and more.
• Enjoy staff discounts of 35% on dining and 30% on most retail purchases.
• Be involved in a mission-based organization that makes a real, tangible difference for people and wildlife not only in our local and regional community, but across the globe.
• Receive a free annual membership to the Zoo, 40 complimentary Zoo tickets for qualified employees, and free reciprocal admission to local cultural institutions with Zoo ID.
• Get access to exclusive family and friends events throughout the year—like a first look at our LumiNature holiday light extravaganza, and more!
• Bragging rights! Philadelphia Zoo is America's first zoo and is home to more than 1,300 animals, including numerous rare and endangered species.

Mission & Vision

Our Mission: By connecting people with animals, Philadelphia Zoo creates joyful discovery and inspires action for wildlife. Our Vision: We are caretakers of a world in which people and animals thrive—together. Core Values: At Philadelphia Zoo, we strive to act with integrity, value our differences, help others, encourage candor, be passionate, and be a change agent.

Committed to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

At Philadelphia Zoo, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of who we are. Our commitment to these values is reflected in our work—both locally and around the world. We are fully committed to building a workplace that values differences. We strongly encourage all persons to apply, including people of color and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Browse Current Openings

The panda habitat and surrounding exhibits at the Zoo are closed. Learn more.

Elephant Cam

See the Smithsonian's National Zoo's Asian elephants — Spike, Bozie, Kamala, Swarna, Maharani, Trong Nhi and Nhi Linh — live on camera.

Now more than ever, we need your support. Make a donation to the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute today!

Become a Member

Members are our strongest champions of animal conservation and wildlife research. When you become a member, you also receive exclusive benefits, like special opportunities to meet animals, discounts at Zoo stores and more.

Education Calendar

Find and register for free programs and webinars.

About the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute

Interested in a career at the Smithsonian's National Zoo And Conservation Biology Institute? As part of the Smithsonian Institution, job postings are listed on the Smithsonian website. You can learn more about applying to Smithsonian jobs on the Office of Human Resources website . 

Positions are also posted on the official LinkedIn account .

If you're a student interested in working with animals or at a zoo, you can learn more about careers in animal care here .

Internships

The Zoo offers internships throughout the year. Check back regularly for updated postings.

Volunteer Positions

Volunteers offer invaluable support to the Zoo. They work with visitors and staff, plants and animals, independently or in groups, on weekdays and weekends. Programs offer volunteers an opportunity to learn, interact with visitors and staff, help with education and conservation activities, and have fun! An interest in animals and their conservation is a must. 

What does a zoo educator do?

Would you make a good zoo educator? Take our career test and find your match with over 800 careers.

What is a Zoo Educator?

A zoo educator develops and delivers educational programs and activities at zoos and aquariums to engage visitors and promote conservation education. Their primary role is to educate the public about wildlife, habitats, conservation issues, and the importance of biodiversity through interactive exhibits, guided tours, and educational presentations.

Zoo educators typically have a background in a related field such as biology, zoology, or education, and may have experience working with animals in a zoo or rehabilitation setting. They must be effective communicators, able to tailor their teaching to different audiences and engage visitors in a fun and educational way.

What does a Zoo Educator do?

Duties and Responsibilities Zoo educators have a multifaceted role that involves a variety of duties and responsibilities aimed at engaging visitors and promoting conservation education. Some of their key responsibilities include:

• Developing Educational Programs: Zoo educators design and develop educational programs and activities that align with the zoo's mission and goals. They create curriculum-based programs for school groups, interactive exhibits, guided tours, and hands-on activities to engage visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
• Delivering Educational Presentations: Zoo educators lead educational presentations and talks for visitors, school groups, and community organizations. They provide informative and engaging presentations on topics such as wildlife conservation, animal behavior, habitat preservation, and biodiversity, using a variety of educational techniques to captivate audiences and convey key messages effectively.
• Facilitating Interpretive Tours: Zoo educators conduct interpretive tours of zoo exhibits, sharing fascinating facts about the animals, their natural habitats, and conservation efforts. They encourage visitors to observe animal behavior, ask questions, and make connections between the animals they see and broader conservation issues facing wildlife around the world.
• Engaging in Outreach Activities: Zoo educators participate in outreach activities and community events to promote environmental awareness and conservation education beyond the zoo's boundaries. They may lead workshops, conduct off-site presentations, and collaborate with local schools, libraries, and community centers to extend the reach of the zoo's educational programs.
• Developing Educational Resources: Zoo educators create educational materials, interpretive signage, and online resources to support learning and engagement both at the zoo and in the community. They may develop teaching guides, activity sheets, and multimedia presentations to enhance the educational experience for visitors and educators.
• Conducting Research: Some zoo educators engage in research activities to contribute to the field of environmental education and conservation science. They may conduct studies on visitor learning outcomes, evaluate the effectiveness of educational programs, and collaborate with conservation researchers to inform conservation initiatives.

Types of Zoo Educators Zoo educators can specialize in various areas within the field of environmental education and conservation. Some common types of zoo educators include:

• Animal Behavior Educators: Animal behavior educators focus on interpreting animal behavior and conducting educational programs that highlight the fascinating behaviors and adaptations of zoo animals. They use observations, demonstrations, and interactive experiences to educate visitors about animal welfare, enrichment, and conservation breeding programs.
• Community Outreach Educators: Community outreach educators focus on extending the reach of the zoo's educational programs and conservation messages beyond the zoo's boundaries. They collaborate with local schools, community organizations, and environmental groups to deliver off-site presentations, workshops, and outreach events in the community.
• Conservation Educators: Conservation educators specialize in raising awareness about conservation issues and promoting actions to protect wildlife and their habitats. They develop educational programs, campaigns, and initiatives focused on topics such as habitat preservation, endangered species recovery, sustainable living, and wildlife trafficking.
• Interpretive Educators: Interpretive educators focus on developing and delivering interpretive programs and guided tours that engage visitors and provide meaningful connections to zoo exhibits and conservation themes. They use storytelling, interactive activities, and guided exploration to enhance visitor experiences and foster a deeper understanding of wildlife and conservation.
• School Program Educators: School program educators specialize in designing and implementing educational programs for school groups visiting the zoo. They develop curriculum-based activities, hands-on workshops, and interactive presentations that align with state educational standards and support classroom learning objectives.

Are you suited to be a zoo educator?

Zoo educators have distinct personalities . They tend to be investigative individuals, which means they’re intellectual, introspective, and inquisitive. They are curious, methodical, rational, analytical, and logical. Some of them are also artistic, meaning they’re creative, intuitive, sensitive, articulate, and expressive.

Does this sound like you? Take our free career test to find out if zoo educator is one of your top career matches.

What is the workplace of a Zoo Educator like?

The workplace of a zoo educator is diverse, encompassing a variety of settings and activities aimed at engaging visitors and promoting conservation education. While much of their work takes place within the zoo or aquarium itself, zoo educators also engage in outreach activities and community partnerships to extend the reach of their educational programs beyond the zoo's boundaries.

Within the zoo or aquarium, zoo educators may work in educational facilities, classrooms, or designated learning spaces where they develop and deliver educational programs, workshops, and presentations for visitors of all ages. They may also conduct interpretive tours of zoo exhibits, leading visitors on guided explorations of animal habitats and sharing insights about wildlife conservation and ecology. Additionally, zoo educators collaborate with animal care staff, conservation researchers, and other zoo professionals to develop educational resources, interpretive signage, and interactive exhibits that enhance the educational experience for visitors.

Beyond the zoo, zoo educators may engage in community outreach activities, school visits, and off-site events to promote environmental awareness and conservation education. They may visit local schools, libraries, and community centers to deliver presentations, workshops, and hands-on activities that inspire a deeper understanding and appreciation of wildlife and conservation issues. Zoo educators also collaborate with conservation organizations, environmental groups, and government agencies to support conservation initiatives, advocate for wildlife protection, and empower individuals and communities to take action for the environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

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