Environmental Educator at Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the epoch of environmental awareness, the role of Environmental Educators at Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers is more crucial than ever.
As our world grapples with ecological changes, the demand for knowledgeable individuals who can impart, promote, and protect our natural ecosystem grows stronger.
But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an Environmental Educator at a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center?
Whether you are:
- An aspirant seeking to understand the core of this role,
- A hiring manager identifying the ideal candidate,
- Or simply captivated by the intricacies of environmental education,
You’re at the right place.
Today, we present a versatile job description template for an Environmental Educator at Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers, crafted for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive right into it.
Environmental Educator at Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers Duties and Responsibilities
Environmental Educators at Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers are responsible for educating the public about the environment, wildlife, and conservation efforts.
They create, plan and execute educational programs, presentations, and activities to inspire and educate people about the importance of wildlife and the environment.
They have the following duties and responsibilities:
- Develop and deliver educational programs and presentations on wildlife, conservation, and environmental issues
- Lead guided tours and interpretive programs for visitors of all ages
- Create educational materials such as lesson plans, fact sheets, and interactive activities
- Organize and participate in community outreach events, including school visits and public presentations
- Work alongside wildlife rehabilitators to understand and convey accurate information about wildlife under care
- Manage resources, including maintaining and organizing teaching supplies and materials
- Keep up-to-date with the latest research and developments in wildlife conservation and environmental education
- Train and supervise volunteers and interns involved in the education program
- Collaborate with other team members to create and implement fundraising initiatives to support the rehabilitation center’s work
- Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations related to wildlife and environmental education
Environmental Educator at Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a passionate Environmental Educator to join our Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
The candidate will be responsible for developing and delivering educational programs about wildlife, ecology, and conservation to various audiences, from school children to adults.
The ideal candidate should be knowledgeable about environmental science, comfortable with public speaking, and capable of creating engaging, informative, and interactive learning experiences.
Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver educational programs on wildlife conservation, ecology, and environmental topics.
- Lead interactive educational activities and field trips.
- Create educational resources and materials.
- Participate in community outreach events and represent the organization.
- Stay updated with the latest research and developments in wildlife conservation and environmental education.
- Collaborate with other staff members to support the organization’s mission and goals.
- Assist with wildlife care and rehabilitation as required.
Qualifications
- A degree in Environmental Science, Education, Biology, or a related field.
- Experience in environmental education or a related field.
- Strong knowledge of wildlife ecology and conservation.
- Excellent presentation and communication skills.
- Ability to work with diverse audiences and age groups.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks.
- Must be comfortable handling and working around wildlife.
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Environmental Educator
- Work Environment: Mostly outdoors, often in a wildlife rehabilitation center or nature reserves. Some office work for planning and administration tasks.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Education Manager or Director.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $35,000 minimum to $55,000 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and any relevant certifications to [email address or application portal].
What Does an Environmental Educator at Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers Do?
An Environmental Educator at Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers plays a vital role in connecting the public with nature and wildlife.
They can be found in a variety of settings including non-profit organizations, zoos, parks, and nature reserves.
Their primary responsibility is to educate the public, including students, tourists, and local community members, about the importance of wildlife conservation and the role of wildlife rehabilitation centers in preserving biodiversity.
They develop and deliver educational programs and presentations, often using live animals, to provide an interactive learning experience.
These programs can cover a wide range of topics including ecology, wildlife biology, animal behavior, and the impact of human activity on the natural world.
Environmental Educators also work closely with the wildlife rehabilitation staff, learning about the care and treatment of injured or orphaned wildlife.
They relay this information to the public, advocating for responsible human-wildlife interactions and promoting the welfare of wild animals.
Additionally, they may also conduct tours of the rehabilitation center, develop educational materials and resources, and participate in community outreach activities.
Environmental Educator at Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers Qualifications and Skills
An Environmental Educator at Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers should have the skills and qualifications that align with the job description, such as:
- Knowledge of environmental science and wildlife conservation to provide accurate information about wildlife species and ecosystems.
- Teaching skills to instruct various groups including children, adults, and professionals in both formal and informal settings.
- Excellent communication skills to articulate complex environmental concepts clearly and engage with diverse audiences.
- Interpersonal skills to build relationships with volunteers, staff, and the public, fostering a connection between individuals and the natural world.
- Experience in developing educational programs and materials that are engaging, interactive, and adaptable to different age groups and audience needs.
- Ability to identify local wildlife species and understand their behavior, habits, and needs for proper care and rehabilitation.
- Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks, track the progress of various educational programs, and maintain accurate records.
- Public speaking skills to deliver presentations and workshops about wildlife and environmental conservation.
- Problem-solving skills to address any issues that arise in the wildlife rehabilitation process and provide constructive solutions.
- Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and physical capabilities to navigate through wildlife habitats and rehabilitation centers.
Environmental Educator at Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers Experience Requirements
For the role of an Environmental Educator at Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers, candidates typically need to possess a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Education, Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
This educational background provides foundational knowledge about the environment and wildlife, which is integral for this role.
Experience often comes through internships or volunteering at wildlife rehabilitation centers, nature reserves, zoos, or similar organizations.
These opportunities allow candidates to gain first-hand experience in educating the public about wildlife and environmental conservation.
Ideally, candidates should have at least 1 to 2 years of experience in these roles.
Candidates with more than 3 years of experience may have held positions such as Environmental Education Officer or similar roles, where they have had the opportunity to lead environmental education programs and workshops.
This experience is beneficial as it provides an understanding of how to manage and deliver such programs efficiently and effectively.
Those with more than 5 years of experience may have held senior roles or leadership positions, overseeing the development and implementation of environmental education programs, and managing teams.
Such candidates are well-prepared for the responsibilities and challenges of the Environmental Educator role at a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
In addition, experience with public speaking, curriculum development, and educational program evaluation are highly valued in this role.
This experience can be gained through roles in education, community outreach, or conservation advocacy.
Environmental Educator at Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers Education and Training Requirements
Environmental Educators at Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers typically have a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biology, zoology, education or a related field.
They need a strong background in environmental studies, ecology, and wildlife.
Working knowledge of local, regional, and national environmental policies and issues is also advantageous.
Some positions may require Environmental Educators to have a master’s degree in environmental education or a related discipline, especially those that involve research or policy-making roles.
Further, they may need to have certifications in First Aid, CPR and sometimes, in handling certain species of animals.
Specific requirements for these certifications can differ greatly depending on the wildlife involved and the state regulations.
Hands-on experience, such as internships or volunteer work in wildlife rehabilitation centers, national parks, zoos, or similar settings can give candidates an edge.
Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest environmental research, regulations, and teaching methodologies are also essential.
Additionally, proficiency in public speaking and the ability to effectively communicate complex environmental issues to varied audiences is crucial.
Advanced courses or training in environmental law, wildlife conservation, and public education can also be beneficial.
Environmental Educator at Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers Salary Expectations
An Environmental Educator at Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers can expect to earn an average salary of approximately $39,000 (USD) per year.
The actual earnings can differ based on factors such as level of experience, qualifications, location, and the specific organization they are employed with.
Environmental Educator at Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers Job Description FAQs
What skills does an Environmental Educator at Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers need?
An Environmental Educator at Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers should have excellent communication skills to convey complex environmental concepts to diverse audiences.
They should have a broad understanding of wildlife conservation, ecology, and environmental science, along with an ability to develop and deliver engaging educational programs.
Strong problem-solving skills, creativity, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are also crucial.
Do Environmental Educators need a degree?
Yes, most Environmental Educators should ideally hold a degree in environmental science, ecology, biology, education, or a related field.
Additionally, experience working with wildlife or in a rehabilitation center is highly beneficial.
However, the most critical requirement is a profound knowledge of wildlife and environmental conservation.
What should you look for in an Environmental Educator’s resume?
Look for a background in environmental science or education and experience in developing and delivering educational programs.
Experience in wildlife rehabilitation centers or working with wildlife is also advantageous.
Certifications or additional training in environmental education and public speaking abilities can also be beneficial.
What qualities make a good Environmental Educator at Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers?
A good Environmental Educator should be passionate about wildlife and environmental conservation, with the ability to inspire this passion in others.
They need to have strong interpersonal skills to connect with diverse audiences, from school children to adults.
They should also be creative, resourceful, patient, and able to handle unpredictable situations, such as wildlife emergencies.
What are the daily duties of an Environmental Educator at Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers?
An Environmental Educator’s daily duties might include developing and delivering educational programs, leading tours and demonstrations, creating educational materials, and training volunteers.
They might also be involved in public relations, fundraising efforts, and liaising with schools, community groups, and other stakeholders.
Additionally, they may assist with the care and rehabilitation of wildlife at the center.
Conclusion
And there we have it.
Today, we’ve delved into what it truly means to be an Environmental Educator at Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers.
And guess what?
It’s not just about educating others about the environment.
It’s about creating a sustainable future, one lesson at a time.
With our practical Environmental Educator job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take that step.
But why stop there?
Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your ideal resource for meticulously crafted listings or refining your resume to perfection.
Remember:
Every lesson taught makes a difference in the grand scheme of things.
Let’s build that sustainable future. Together.
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