Job Title: Adjunct Educator- Project TRUE

Reports To: Project TRUE Coordinator, Bronx Zoo Education

Location: Bronx Zoo

Job Type: Temporary

Department: BZ-Education

Job Description:

Location: Bronx Zoo

Start Date: April, 2025

End Date: January 30, 2026

Schedule: Spring: Two to three weekdays, 8:30am-4:30pm (~15-22 hours/week)

Summer: Monday through Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm (~38 hours/week)

Fall: Saturdays and 1-2 weekdays, 8:30am – 4:30pm (~16-22 hours/week)

Pay Rate: $23.00 per hour

Who We Are: Project TRUE (Teens Researching Urban Ecology) is a research mentoring program for rising high school juniors and seniors who live in the Bronx. The program provides hands-on authentic field research experiences and mentorship from undergraduates, graduate students, and STEM professionals. During the 21-week program that runs in the summer and fall semesters, groups of four-five high school students are paired with a Fordham University undergraduate student, who serves as their near-peer research mentor. Each undergraduate-led team selects an urban ecology research topic, designs research questions and methods, and carries out data collection and analysis. They then present their findings at public events at the Bronx Zoo and elsewhere around the city. The Adjunct Educator collaborates with the rest of the Project TRUE team to co-mentor the group of five undergraduate students and the high school students.

Position Overview: The Project TRUE Adjunct Educator is a unique opportunity to engage youth in urban ecology research and provide science mentorship in an informal science education setting. The Educator will collaborate closely with the Project TRUE leadership team to support Project TRUE undergraduate and high school students in carrying out authentic urban ecology research projects at the Bronx Zoo. The Educator will assist in planning, developing and facilitating science and mentorship curriculum and activities. They will also advise and provide guidance on research project development and implementation, as well as the synthesis of findings. Above all, the Educator will be a mentor and inspiration to the next generation of science researchers.

Responsibilities

The Project TRUE Adjunct Educator will…

• Share knowledge and passion of urban ecology and science research with high school and college student participants.
• Assist in the development of urban ecology, science research and mentorship curriculum, adjusting existing lessons and creating new activities.
• Teach lessons and facilitate activities both in a classroom environment and in outdoor spaces, including zoo exhibits and field research sites.
• Guide groups in field research and ensure scientific rigor of research projects, including experimental design, field methods, data analysis, synthesis of findings, and poster and abstract development.
• Organize and manage materials and equipment.
• Perform all related tasks and duties, as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in science, education, or related field
• One-year prior teaching or mentorship experience
• Ability to work within a highly team-oriented environment, as well as independently
• Excellent verbal communication skills to help interpret science concepts and to coordinate with others
• Reliable, flexible, and accountable
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 20lbs and face the rigors of fieldwork including long periods of time outdoors, large amounts of walking and standing, and exposure to the elements and rugged/overgrown terrain
• Educational background in ecology, environmental science or education preferred
• Valid driver’s license preferred

Workplace Environment

• This position will be on-site at the Bronx Zoo with no virtual work option
• We value team members and community partners from all backgrounds and cultures with different skills, abilities, and perspectives
• We ensure that everyone has an opportunity to fully contribute to our mission

Benefits and Perks

• As part time staff, you will receive access to Bronx Zoo and the other WCS parks as well as discounts on merchandise and food.