Wildlife Educator

Job Title: Wildlife Educator

Since 1979, Houston Humane Society Wildlife Center (formerly TWRC) has been committed to providing quality emergency care and rehabilitation for injured, ill, and orphaned wildlife with the goal of releasing our patients back into the wild. HHSWC’s mission is to promote environmental conservation through public education and rehabilitation of Texas wildlife. The Wildlife Educator provides high quality interpretive programming and environmental education to audiences of all ages across the Houston area.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Be familiar with the mission and history of the Houston Humane Society and TWRC Wildlife Center.
• Be familiar with the natural history, handling, and care of our ambassador animals.
• Provide high-quality wildlife education programs to a variety of audiences and age groups in a multitude of settings.
• Develop and present badge-specific scout programs related to wildlife and conservation.
• Conduct independent research on the natural history and conservation of native Texas wildlife species.
• Represent HHS Wildlife Center in a professional manner at community events, festivals, and expos year-round.
• Effectively communicate with HHSWC staff members, interns, volunteers, and visitors.
• Maintain a safe and professional working environment for all.

Additional Duties:

• Be familiar with current TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills).
• Be trained in all Critter Care husbandry duties.
• Provide support to volunteers and interns in a kind and helpful manner.
• General cleaning duties including dishes, laundry, bathrooms, trash, sweeping, and mopping.
• Attend regularly scheduled staff meetings.
• Other duties as assigned by the Wildlife Education Manager.

Required Qualifications:

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Must have your own reliable transportation.
• Must be able to pass a background check.
• Bachelors degree or equivalent workplace experience.
• Keeper, animal husbandry, and animal training experience.
• Leadership skills.
• Ability to work well with diverse groups of people, personalities, and learning styles.
• Ability to work both independently and as a team member.
• Ability to work efficiently and productively in an unstructured environment with frequent interruptions.
• Well-organized and able to effectively manage multiple tasks, projects, and responsibilities simultaneously.
• Capable of rigorous indoor and outdoor work.
• Comfortable preparing and working with various insects and carcasses.
• Work will often require: standing, bending, stooping, lifting (must be able to lift 30 lbs), climbing ladders, and reading small text.

Additional Skills and Qualifications:

• Public speaking and presentation skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proactive work ethic and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain a calm, respectful, and professional demeanor when dealing with difficult situations.
• Previous experience working in an office setting and/or non-profit experience preferred.
• Certified Interpretive Host/Guide training preferred.
• Proficiency in basic computer applications, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher) and Google Drive.

Time Commitment:

• Full-time - must be available to work 40 hours per week.
• Weekend and holiday availability is required.
• Willingness to adjust hours to accommodate the needs of the job.

Compensation:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Medical benefits after 90 days (health, dental, vision)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Paid Time Off (after 6 months) and Holiday Pay
• 403(b): matching up to 15% of compensation
• Pet care discounts up to $700 annually
• Employee Assistance Program

Changing Office Locations:

The HHS Wildlife Center is currently located at 10801 Hammerly Blvd. Suite 200, Houston, TX 77043. The Center will be changing locations to a new, larger facility in early 2024. The new location will be 3100 West Fuqua Street, Houston, TX 77045. All candidates must be willing to work at the current location and switch to the new location after the move.

Send resume, cover letter, and all other supporting documents to snorris@houstonhumane.org.