Educator Development Coordinator

Help inspire the next generation of educators at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo! The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is seeking a permanent full-time Educator Development Coordinator who will work at the intersection of formal and informal science education, on zoo grounds and in the community, to build ecological literacy and engage educators and their communities in wildlife conservation.

The coordinator will oversee the creation, delivery and evaluation of two main streams of programming: pre-service teacher training/practicums and educator professional development for formal and nonformal professionals. This role leverages skills and expertise in adult education, curriculum-connected content creation, project management, partnerships, and science communication. Travel to conventions, an annual summer in-service and for partnership development and stewardship will be required.

Our Purpose

We act for wildlife; saving species and inspiring people to join us.

Our Core Values

Drive impact, nurture connection, cultivate hope, and be bold.

What you will do:

Program Management

• Develop and oversee the completion of pre-service teacher practicums to build environmental literacy and inquiry-based capacity in future educators. Coordinate the logistical details for onsite practicums and build framework for future partners to oversee practicum students in other provinces.
• Develop and oversee the implementation of annual in-services for educators from diverse learning environments. Co-design content with participating educator cohorts, develop roster of subject matter experts and oversee all administrative details for in-service delivery.
• Present workshops and information booths at teachers’ conventions, provincially and beyond, designed to raise awareness of in-service opportunities and build capacity amongst formal educators in environmental education.
• Coordinate and deliver virtual learning opportunities two to three times a year to foster lifelong learning attitudes, create shared understanding of best practices and innovative evaluation techniques that ultimately improve environmental literacy.
• Research and implement digital resource(s) that serve to enhance access to information while nurturing collective action across Canada.
• Provide day to day support for 1-2 seasonal staff who are focused on coordinating planning and delivery of week-long summer in-service.

Partnerships

• Identify and cultivate relationships with like-minded organizations to co-design programming for pre-service teacher practicums and annual educator in-services.
• Form a multi-province network of educators from formal and informal institutions, with a focus on teachers from/serving equity-seeking communitiesli>
• Steward partnerships and form long-term working relationships.

Administrative

• In conjunction with a department manager, monitor and track budget across related portfolios.
• Compile information, impact and statistics for internal and external reporting.
• Coordinate logistics for in-service delivery, convention presentations and other related programming elements.

What you will bring:

• A bachelor’s degree in education is preferred.
• At least 3 years experience in a formal or nonformal education setting is required.
• Experience designing and delivering adult education programs is required.
• Experience working with diverse community partners, ability to build rapport and maintain strong strategic partnerships
• A driver’s license is required
• A valid First Aid Certificate is required.
• Knowledge of environmental education, ecology, biology, zoology, etc. a strong asset
• Fluency in French is an asset
• Innovative and resourceful with exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Team oriented with a willingness to work with staff and volunteers from across the organization
• Detail oriented, used to managing multiple program portfolios

Additional Requirements

• This position will require submission of a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search

Working Conditions

• Shifts may include weekends, evenings, and irregular shifts.
• Long periods of time on feet
• High level of on-site mobility
• Ability to lift 30 lbs, pull a wagon of resources around zoo grounds
• Some travel across Alberta and other provinces

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is an outdoor facility and all staff working at the zoo must be comfortable working in a large variety of outdoor conditions. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo follows the advice of Environment Canada when responding to temperature and air quality issues.

What the Zoo Offers

• Competitive compensation, vacation and flex days entitlement
• Flexible benefits plan, including a health spending account
• Employer matching RRSP program
• Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise
• Participation in the Staff Pass Benefit plan
• A fun, rewarding work environment and the opportunity to work in a park full of wild animals

Are you ready to join one of Canada’s leaders in wildlife conservation? If this position suits your skills, experience and personal attributes, we want to talk to you.

• Submit your resume with a cover letter via our online application system.
• Fill in the Application questions:
  • Confirm eligibility to work in Canada
  • If hired, when would you be available to start?
  • This role requires traveling for conferences, events, presentations, etc. Do you have any concerns with traveling periodically for work?
  • Do you have a valid driver’s license?
  • Do you have a valid Standard First Aid certification or higher?
  • If hired, what would be your salary expectations?

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

If this position is a fit for you, we encourage you to apply with a resume and cover letter online by February 18, 2026.

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo strives to cultivate a workplace in which everyone feels welcome and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. As a conservation organization, we respect and value the diversity of all life and come together as individuals and teammates to achieve the organization’s mission and vision. We recognize the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and work to advance our culture to ensure diverse viewpoints are heard and everyone has an equitable chance to succeed and thrive.

All candidates are thanked for their applications and advised that they will be contacted once applications have been reviewed and a final decision has been made.