The Animal Educator promotes understanding and appreciation of animal welfare through engaging education, interactive experience, and community outreach. This position develops and delivers programs for schools, community groups, and the public, while fostering respect, stewardship, and responsible care for domestic animals, livestock, exotics, and wildlife. The Animal Educator supports community awareness efforts and ensures safe, positive experiences for participants and animals.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops curriculum based on national best practices and standards.
• Creates and presents educational content using multiple formats and delivery methods.
• Engages learners of all ages and abilities through presentations, workshops, tours, and outreach events.
• Ability to handle shelter animals in a variety of behavior and size.
• Plans and implements programs on topics such as animal welfare, the human-animal bond, responsible pet ownership, animal cruelty prevention, and public health and safety.
• Supervises the safety of program participants, volunteers, and animals during on-site and off-site activities.
• Coordinates scheduling, setup, and cleanup of program spaces and events.
• Collaborates with department staff to ensure consistency in educational materials and practices.
• Builds and maintains relationships with community leaders, educators, partners, and organizations to expand program reach and participation.
• Assists management with staff training initiatives.
• Collects and analyzes program data, prepare reports, and evaluates program effectiveness.
• Supports department initiatives and other department projects as assigned.
• Maintains confidentiality when handling sensitive or restricted materials related to the position.

*The above information is intended to outline the general nature and scope of the duties required for this position. It is not an exhaustive list and may vary depending on specific job assignments and responsibilities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Associates’ degree in Education, Communications, Animal Science, or a related field.
• Three (3) years of experience in training, educational development, or an animal related industry.

*Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience may be considered for the above requirements.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

PREFERENCES

• Basic knowledge of animal care and husbandry.

SCREENING AND COMPLIANCE

The offer of this Bernalillo County position requires compliance with the following:

• Successful completion of a post-offer employment medical examination and background investigation.
• Adherence to all County safety guidelines.
• Complete all FEMA training(s) assigned to this position.
• Possession of a valid New Mexico driver’s license by the date of hire and maintenance of a valid license while employed in this position.
• Complete required supervisor training, if applicable.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Essential job duties are performed indoors in temperature-controlled environment.
• Primary work surface is even, dry, carpeted, tiled or concrete floor.
• Employee works with a select team without direct supervision, and at times may work with a large group of people.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS

• Equipment typically used in the performance of duties includes telephone, two-way radio, computer, printer, and copy machine.
• Handles various types of paperwork and printed materials as part of daily responsibilities.
• Operate a county vehicle.