Curator of Humane Education

The Curator of Humane Education develops, coordinates, and implements formal and informal programs under the auspices of the Berman Academy for Humane Education at the Detroit Zoological Society.
The Berman Academy for Humane Education strives to foster a sense of understanding and appreciation of our environment and our responsibility to humanely care for all its inhabitants.
The Curator of Humane Education inspires people to act with kindness and integrity to improve the lives of animals and instill values of respect, responsibility, and compassion for all creatures.
The Curator will oversee the Berman Academy Endowment, which provides the financial resources to facilitate learning experiences that help people take action and make choices that reduce our ecological footprint.
The Curator will introduce humane education principles and connect environmental issues and animal welfare through thought-provoking, interactive programs.
They will provide the community with information, skills, and strategies to help make humane choices regarding environmental stewardship and animal welfare.
The Curator of Humane Education will publicly and privately support the principles of the Detroit Zoological Society.
They will maintain professionalism when dealing with all constituencies and always preserve high integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
This job description is by no means all-inclusive.
It may be subject to change during a performance period due to the needs of the Detroit Zoological Society and its leadership.
This document will be reviewed continually and will be modified as needed.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities Develops, coordinates and implements programs to educate and inform various on-site and off-site audiences regarding humane education issues and to encourage an understanding of the need for compassion and respect for animals, the environment, and people.
Oversees the planning and decision-making of how endowment funding is spent to fulfill the Berman Academy’s mission.
Assists with the course planning, implementation, and reflection of the Advanced Inquiry Program Master’s Program in partnership with Miami University.
Assists in developing short and long-range plans for DZS humane education programs.
Uses various instructional and interpretive methods to create meaningful and memorable educational experiences for audiences of multiple ages and backgrounds, including human responsibility for captive animal welfare, respect for all living things, wildlife and environmental ethics, and the interdependence of all living things.
Participates in special programs to increase community awareness and support of humane education issues such as personal responsibility, compassion for all living things, and making good animal care and welfare choices.
Coordinates educational activities of the Academy including, but not limited to, tours, programs, outreach activities, training, animal identification and interpretation, etc.
Assists in the training and coordination of activities of staff and volunteer groups engaged in a variety of educational, programmatic, interpretive, or service-related activities.
Conducts workshops and seminars on humane education, conservation, and environmental subjects to educational groups of all ages.
Works collaboratively with other education managers to support the education specialists and coordinators in implementing programming that reflects human education goals.
Works as a liaison to coordinate programs between the Detroit Zoological Society and other groups such as schools, scouts, other AZA-accredited zoos or aquariums, and other conservation organizations or community partners.
Remains current on relevant curriculums, e.
g.
, humane education, biology, zoology, environmental, conservation and AZA guidelines.
Organizes information used in educational and animal programs.
Prepares reports and research information.
Operates a motor vehicle such as a car or van.
As assigned, assists with a variety of special events and projects.
Performs such other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned occasionally.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Minimum Bachelor’s degree in general science, Education, Zoology, Biology, Bioethics, Humane Education, or other related fields.
Must have knowledge of humane concepts and issues, biology, environmental or life sciences, animal welfare and husbandry, and similar disciplines.
One to three years of experience facilitating humane education programs.
Knowledge of audio-visual equipment and the ability to operate a personal computer and utilize word processing and spreadsheet software.
Skill in organizing and presenting information and facts to educational groups on zoological subjects.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to supervise effectively in a learning environment; interact with the public, volunteers, and professional colleagues in a productive, constructive manner.
Willingness to acquire additional skills and knowledge.
Requires a valid State of Michigan Driver’s License.
Preferred May require a State of Michigan chauffeur license.
Completing a humane education certification or humane studies program is desired.
Program, education, or outreach experience with a humane organization, animal shelter, animal rescue organization, nature center, PK-12 classroom, or other similar experience is desired.
Working Conditions Work is performed indoors in a typical office environment, with exposure to video display monitors, and frequently outdoors, with exposure to all seasonal weather conditions.
Physical Requirements Able to perform essential functions, which typically involve reading standard text, often on video display monitors; speaking, lecturing and giving clear instructions; standing or walking to guide small and large groups; and lifting, bending, and carrying up to 25 pounds.
Just as we value and celebrate biodiversity, the DZS celebrates the diversity of our human community.
We are committed to ensuring that our programs and facilities are fully accessible to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace for all.