What Does a Zoo Educator Do?

Zoo educators teach visitors about the animals that live at the zoo and promote conservation efforts. They may also work at animal parks, aquariums, marine parks, environmental education centers, conservation centers, or for publications. Some zoo educators are also zoologists, zookeepers, or marine mammal trainers. They may combine their educational duties with these other responsibilities.

Zoo Educator Duties & Responsibilities

The job generally requires the ability to perform the following duties:

• Provide information about the zoo facility, its collection of animals, and wildlife conservation.
• Host educational shows put on by keepers and trainers.
• Interact with veterinarians, nutritionists, zoologists, zookeepers, and other zoo staff to keep up to date with the latest happenings at the zoo and its animals.
• Work with the zoo’s marketing and publicity team to prepare promotional materials featuring zoo programs.
• Create educational materials for presentations, posters, brochures, banners, workbooks, and other handouts.
• Adapt materials for various age groups from preschool children to career-minded adults.
• Observe and monitor animals for health and behavioral issues.
• Monitor the safety of animal enclosures.
• Assist in transferring animals to other facilities when necessary.

Zoo educators share information formally in lectures and guided tours, or they informally answer questions at exhibits or information booths. They visit schools, summer camps, or scout meetings to present informative lectures to children. They also present educational seminars for adults in a business setting or as guest lecturers at college campuses.

Educational presentations can involve bringing and handling live animals, such as turtles, parrots, and small mammals.

Zoo Educator Salary

A zoo educator's salary can vary depending on location, experience, and employer. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, animal care and service workers in general earn:

• Median Annual Salary: $29,290 ($14.08/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $55,760 ($26.80/hour)
• Bottom 10% Annual Salary: $20,270 ($9.74/hour)

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2018

Education, Training, & Certification

This occupation requires education, and applicants can benefit from association memberships.

• Education: Zoo educators tend to have college degrees in education, communications, zoology, biology, animal science, or a related field, although requirements for this position can vary from one zoo to another. Advancement to upper-level management positions generally requires additional education, such as a master's or doctorate degree.
• Experience: Prior experience as a teacher or in an education system can be an advantage because much of this job involves sharing information with others. Some employers require experience in public speaking.
• Associations: The International Zoo Educators Association (IZEA) is a professional membership group that seeks to improve the quality of zoo education. It assists zoo educators in accessing the most current information in the field. Zoo educators can also join the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK), a membership group that includes members from all levels of the zoo hierarchy, from keepers to curators.

Zoo Educator Skills & Competencies

You’ll generally need the following skills and qualities to be successful in this role:

• Computer skills: It's preferred that zoo educators have advanced computer skills because they're tasked with creating educational materials. Working knowledge of programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and photo or video editing applications is important.
• Writing, editing, and photography skills: These competencies are a plus because educators must be able to create new materials or update established materials for use in their programs.
• Communication skills: This role frequently interacts with the public, so zoo educators should have training and skills in public speaking and communications.
• Physical fitness: This job can require lifting heavy objects and controlling animals, so physical fitness and agility are required.

Job Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for animal care and service workers, in general, will grow by about 22% through 2026, which is greater than the overall employment growth for all occupations.

Work Environment

Zoo educators spend more than half their time in educational surroundings. About 20% of their hours are dedicated to planning and preparing seminars and educational shows. About 20% of hours are spent on animal and facility care and maintenance.

Work Schedule

Zoo educators generally work full time, and many work evenings and weekends depending on the educational programs offered by the zoo. Some zoos offer special overnight experiences for school groups.

Comparing Similar Jobs

Some similar jobs and their median annual pay include: 

• Zoo curator: $53,770
• Zoologist: $63,420
• Veterinarian: $93,830

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2018