Posted: 7/2/2026
Salary: $39,520/yr
Given objectives set by the VP of Mission Engagement, the Conservation Engagement Supervisor is directly responsible for the daily supervision and coordination of interpretive programs and Conservation Engagement staff at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. The Conservation Engagement Supervisor provides leadership for day-to-day operations, staffing, scheduling, and program delivery while ensuring interpretive experiences are engaging, mission-driven, and aligned with Riverbanks' commitment to creating connections and inspiring actions that impact wildlife and wild places.
Essential Functions:
- Supervise, mentor, and support a team of educators and interpretive staff who facilitate daily talks, demonstrations, tours, and interpretive animal experiences.
- Manage daily operations for programs and staff, including scheduling, logistics, budgets, and supply inventories.
- Respond to daily operational challenges, staffing adjustments, guest concerns, and emergency situations while maintaining a positive guest experience.
- Assist with the development, implementation, and evaluation of new interpretive programming and guest engagement opportunities.
- Remain current on trends and best practices in conservation education, interpretation, and informal learning.
- Monitor program quality and provide coaching to improve interpretation, guest interactions, storytelling, and educational effectiveness.
- Collaborate across departments to ensure consistent, compelling messaging across signage, digital platforms, and guest experiences.
- Develop training resources and professional development opportunities to build staff capacity in conservation interpretation and engagement best practices.
- Monitor animal welfare throughout programming.
- Instruct programs as needed.
- Report and collect data on programming as needed.
Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in education, biology, zoology, environmental science, communications, recreation, or a related field preferred. Three to five years of experience in informal education, interpretation, guest engagement, or a related field in a zoo, aquarium, museum, park, or similar institution. Previous supervisory or team leadership experience preferred.
Strong knowledge of conservation education principles, interpretive techniques, and guest engagement strategies. Demonstrated ability to supervise staff, prioritize multiple responsibilities, and maintain high operational standards in a fast-paced environment.
Bring passion for conservation, inclusive education, and team development. Demonstrate strong strategic thinking, creativity, and communication skills. Lead with empathy, initiative, and accountability. Thrive in cross-functional collaboration and fast-paced, highly dynamic environments. Value the guest experience and demonstrate a commitment to high-quality customer service. Embrace a growth mindset and support continuous learning for themselves and their team. Ability to work weekends, evenings, holidays, and special events as required. Must possess or be eligible for a valid South Carolina driver's license.
We’re not just looking for someone to fill a role. We’re looking for someone who wants to grow with us, be challenged, and take pride in the work they do. If you're passionate about conservation, eager to contribute, and excited about becoming part of a team that values creating connections and inspiring action to positively impact wildlife and wild places, we’d love to hear from you.
