Wildlife Educator

Are you a creative and dynamic educator who enjoys teaching young children about animals?

If so, The Art Farm NYC on Manhattan’s Upper East Side wants to add you to our team of educators! We are looking to hire a creative, dynamic full-time instructor to take our animal ambassadors out to teach animal themed science programs throughout NYC! Our message is to be kind and gentle to all animals. The person we hire would always demonstrate this message in front of an audience. Our educational programs provide students with calm, positive, enriching hands-on experiences with small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, turtles, lizards, frogs, birds and insects.

Job description:

Instructor will conduct animal science education programs for preschools and elementary schools, after-school programs, camps, and special events. The instructor will also be part of our summer and holiday camp team. 

The candidate will receive extensive training on handling our animals and will learn how to teach each topic to different ages and abilities.

Ages range from 2 to 8 years old but sometimes younger or older groups will be taught.

This position involves being around animal fur and feathers, sitting on the floor, kneeling, going up and down stairs as well as carrying a heavy bag/carriers with several small animals throughout NYC each day by walking, buses, cabs and subways in all types of weather.

Hours will vary each day depending on each school’s schedule but would start at 8:00am and end around 5:00pm. Must be on time every day!

THIS IS A MONDAY-THURSDAY POSITION.   
FULL-TIME.
35-40 HOURS PER WEEK

PLEASE APPLY if you have the following qualifications:

• Possess at least an Associate’s degree in early childhood education, elementary education or science.
• experience teaching children of all ages and abilities. Previous experience teaching in a zoo, aquarium, nature center, museum or as a science teacher is helpful
• Comfortable handling a variety of small animals including lizards, turtles, birds, small mammals and invertebrates.
• Comfortable speaking with groups of young children (ages 2-8 years old).
• Have the ability to engage children through the use of songs, puppets and creative ovement.
• Able to follow strict protocol to ensure the safe interaction between children and animals.
• Able to follow detailed instructions from supervisors.
• Able to navigate the public transportation system in all types of weather.

Must be willing to be fingerprinted and have a background check performed.

This is a year round position and REQUIRES at least a one year commitment.

Position will start immediately.