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Job Type
Full-time
Description
Lion Country Safari is seeking an experienced, mission-driven Education and Conservation Director to lead conservation education programs for students, educators, families, community groups, and guests. This role oversees school and outreach programs, tours, camps, interpretive presentations, educational events, and related revenue-generating activities.
The ideal candidate brings strong education and team leadership experience, a passion for wildlife and conservation, and the ability to create engaging, accurate, and inclusive learning experiences. Working closely with Wildlife, Marketing, Guest Services, Finance, and Operations, the Director ensures programs support Lion Country Safari's mission and applicable AZA standards.
Requirements
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the Education Department's daily operations and long-term strategy, including the written education plan, annual goals, work plans, and performance measures.
- Develop, deliver, and continuously improve educational programs for students, educators, families, community groups, campers, and general guests, including field trips, outreach, tours, camps, presentations, and special events.
- Create and maintain accurate, engaging, age-appropriate curricula and conservation messaging aligned with relevant education standards and Lion Country Safari's mission.
- Evaluate program effectiveness using participant feedback, learning outcomes, attendance, engagement, revenue, and other performance measures; use findings to improve quality, accessibility, and impact.
- Recruit, onboard, schedule, train, supervise, coach, and evaluate education employees, seasonal staff, interns, and volunteers, fostering teamwork, accountability, and professional growth.
- Partner with the Wildlife Department to ensure ambassador animal programs follow approved animal wellbeing, handling, training, biosecurity, sanitation, safety, and applicable AZA practices.
- Build and maintain relationships with schools, educators, community organizations, and other partners; expand outreach opportunities and represent Lion Country Safari at educational and professional events.
- Oversee group reservations, registrations, and customer communications; monitor program participation, revenue, expenses, and trends, and recommend pricing and growth strategies.
- Develop and manage the Education Department budget with leadership and Finance; identify potential grants, sponsorships, and other funding opportunities.
- Serve as the primary organizer for in-house conservation initiatives and maintain relationships with external conservation organizations that partner with Lion Country Safari.
- Collaborate with Marketing and other departments on educational materials and guest experiences; maintain required records and reports for leadership, audits, and AZA accreditation, while following company policies and safety procedures.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in education, environmental education, biology, conservation, or a related field, with at least three years of education program experience and two years of supervisory or management experience.
- Experience developing and evaluating educational programs, leading and training staff, and communicating wildlife and conservation information to diverse audiences.
- Strong communication, presentation, organizational, project-management, and problem-solving skills; ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate across departments.
- Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and ability to learn relevant scheduling, registration, and data-tracking systems; valid driver's license, acceptable driving record, and successful completion of required pre-employment screening.
Preferred Skills:
- Master's degree or five or more years of relevant education experience; experience managing complex programs or working at a zoo, aquarium, museum, nature center, wildlife facility, park, or school.
- Experience with AZA-accredited institutions, accreditation documentation, ambassador animal programs, or live-animal interpretation; relevant interpretation training or AZA professional development.
- CPR, AED, and First Aid certification or ability to obtain it after hire; experience with budgets, earned revenue, grants, sponsorships, or group sales.
- Professional proficiency in Spanish or another language commonly spoken by Lion Country Safari's guests and community partners.
Other Requirements:
- Full-time, exempt position requiring availability for weekends, holidays, early mornings, evenings, special events, and occasional emergency coverage.
- Work takes place indoors and outdoors, with possible exposure to heat, humidity, rain, sunlight, uneven terrain, allergens, animal-related odors, and moderate noise.
- Ability to move throughout the property and travel to off-site locations; role may involve regular walking and standing, bending, reaching, kneeling, and occasional lifting or transporting of program materials.
- May work near animals and handle approved ambassador animals only after completing required training and receiving authorization.
- Must follow company policies and safety procedures, maintain confidentiality, and represent Lion Country Safari professionally. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals.
Benefits
- Insurance coverage (medical, dental, and life)
- 401(k)
- Paid holidays and paid time off
- Performance review after first 90 days
Employee Perks
- 40% off lunch at the restaurant
- 30% off all retail shops
- Free tickets to Lion Country Safari
- Free tickets to attractions throughout Florida and discounts for family members
Mission Statement
Be a leader in animal care, conservation, and education to inspire people through connections with wildlife in a fun, family-friendly environment.
About Lion Country Safari
Lion Country Safari opened in 1967 and was developed with the goal of bringing the African safari experience (then, and now, an expensive and time-consuming trip) to families who would otherwise not be able to experience this type of adventure. The park prides itself on caring for large social groups of animals (including some of the largest herds of zebra, giraffe, and rhino on record in North America) in wide open, natural habitats. The animals roam these multi-acre preserves while guests are confined to their vehicles. The resulting experience is immersive and allows for a very natural environment for guests to see and connect with some of the world's most iconic species. A visit to Lion Country Safari brings people closer to wildlife in this unique setting and supports conservation efforts to save species. Lion Country Safari is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the gold standard in animal care, conservation, and education, and is Palm Beach County's largest attraction.
DFWO/EOE