Zoo Instructor
Company: Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
Location: Omaha
Posted on: April 1, 2026
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Job Description:
Description Job Title: Zoo Instructor FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Classification: Seasonal Hours: 30 hours/week (9:00 AM - 4:00 PM)
Pay Rate: $15.40/hour This is a seasonal position with a maximum
duration of six months, based on individual performance and
business operations. The exact end date will be determined by the
official start date. The season will tentatively run May through
July 2026. Summary: Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is seeking
fun, mature, and engaging educators to serve as Instructors to
facilitate education programs at the Zoo and in the community.
Instructors will promote the Zoos mission, goals, and objectives;
and create a positive learning experience for children and adults.
Instructors will have an opportunity to instruct in-person and
virtual education programs year-round. This position reports
directly to the Education Program Manager - Classes and Camps.
Duties and Responsibilities (include but not limited to): Write
theme-based STEM lessons for programs. Inspire, educate, and engage
children and adults to serve as life-long stewards for animals,
their habitats, and their conservation. Individuals should aspire
to instruct children and adults about our amazing natural world
through hands-on inquiry, Zoo and Wildlife Safari Park tours, and
animal encounters. Create a positive experience and communicate to
parents as needed. Preparation, clean-up, check-in, and check-out
of students daily. Utilize developmentally appropriate practices
that inspire conservation action. Organize rooms, reservations,
paperwork, materials, and supplies before and after programs. Know
the resources and curriculum available for programming including,
but not limited to, research equipment, animal artifacts, exhibits,
staff, and other curriculum resources. Evaluate programs and fill
out reports after each program. Operate audio/visual equipment,
cameras, and computers as needed. Willingness to work with and
present Animal Ambassador animals including reptiles, amphibians,
and insects. Gain an in-depth understanding of materials available
for programming including, but not limited to animal bio-facts,
live animals, exhibits, staff, and other zoo resources. This
position is primarily located at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and
Aquarium (3701 S 10th St, Omaha, NE 68107). However, this position
might be required to work at the Wildlife Safari Park as needed.
Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required: Progress
toward or completion of a degree in education, environmental
education, natural sciences, or related field. Experience teaching
in schools, camps, nature centers, science museums, zoos or other
programs emphasizing science or nature education. Weekday and/or
weekend availability required (including evening hours). Peak
seasonal hours may be up to 40 hours per week (June-July). This
position requires a minimum of 20 hours of availability weekly.
Must be creative, enthusiastic, and hardworking individuals with a
strong interest in environmental education. Ability to present
dynamic, creative, and mission-driven programming to mixed age
groups. Ability to work with parents, volunteers, and all visitors
and staff. Flexibility in dealing with program delivery and
late-notice changes. Willingness to learn new information.
Knowledge of animals and the outdoors is a plus. Excellent verbal,
written, and interpersonal communication skills. Candidates might
be (depending on position) required to pass a pre-employment
background check, drug test, negative skin tuberculosis test, and
possess a valid drivers license with a good history. Working
Conditions and Physical Effort: Must be able to travel long
distances across the zoo. Ability to work in a fast-paced
environment. Must be able to stand, sit, kneel, bend, twist, reach
above head and climb. Will lift, push, pull, and/or move up to 30
pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds using safe and proper
lifting methods. Work is performed indoors and outdoors, under all
weather conditions. Both on and off zoo grounds. Programming occurs
at the Zoo and Wildlife Safari Park. DISCLAIMER The information
presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected
of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain,
nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all
duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required
of employees assigned to this job. Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo &
Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by
the EEOC.
Keywords: Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Lincoln , Zoo Instructor, Science, Research & Development , Omaha, Nebraska
