Job title: Education Assistant
Status: Full-time
Reports to: Education Manager
Position Summary
The Education Assistant supports the delivery of Sylvan Heights Bird Park’s on‑site educational programs and off‑site outreach programs. This role helps visitors, students, and community partners connect with birds, wetlands, and global conservation efforts. Responsibilities include program facilitation, visitor engagement, and operational support for the Education Department.
Key Responsibilities
Educational Programs (On‑Site)
- Assist with daily educational presentations, guided tours, and hands‑on learning activities.
- Prepare materials, equipment, and teaching spaces for programs; manage setup and breakdown.
- Provide accurate, engaging information about birds, wetlands, and conservation to visitors of all ages.
- Support school field trips, homeschool groups, and other scheduled educational visits.
Outreach Programs (Off‑Site)
- Represent Sylvan Heights Bird Park at community events, schools, libraries, festivals, and partner organizations.
- Deliver age‑appropriate outreach presentations featuring conservation themes and ambassador animals (when appropriate).
- Transport educational materials and equipment safely and maintain outreach supplies.
- Serve as an enthusiastic ambassador for the Park’s mission in the broader region.
Visitor Engagement
- Provide friendly, knowledgeable assistance to guests throughout the Park.
- Communicate effectively with families, teachers, and group leaders to ensure a positive educational experience.
Operational & Administrative Support
- Maintain program supplies, teaching materials, and educational spaces.
- Assist with attendance tracking, program evaluations, and departmental record‑keeping.
- Assist with the husbandry care, and handling of ambassador animals
- Collaborate with avian husbandry staff when programs involve animal demonstrations or exhibit areas.
Qualifications
- Experience working with children, youth groups, or educational programming.
- Strong communication and public‑speaking skills.
- Interest in wildlife, biology, environmental science, or conservation education.
- Interest in, and willing to handle animals including: birds, snakes, and other reptiles
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Availability for occasional weekend or evening programs during peak visitation periods.
Work Environment
- Typical hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Fast‑paced, visitor‑focused environment with significant outdoor activity.
- Based at 500 Sylvan Heights Parkway, Scotland Neck, NC, with travel for outreach programs.
Why This Role Matters
This position expands Sylvan Heights’ capacity to deliver high‑quality conservation education both on‑site and throughout the region. By supporting outreach, school visits, and daily visitor engagement, the Assistant Education role directly advances the Park’s mission and strengthens its impact across Eastern North Carolina.
To apply
Please fill out and return our Employment Application Form to Brent Lubbock, Director of Operations at brent@shwpark.com. Please also include a resume with your application.