EDUCATION PROGRAM ASSISTANT

Classification: Non-Exempt, Hourly

Schedule: Part-time 16-24 hours/week, including weekends; some weekdays based on programming needs; typically Fridays and/or Mondays

Summary: The Education Program Assistant plays a vital role in supporting the California Wolf Center’s public education efforts by assisting with the coordination and delivery of tours, specialty programs, and guest engagement. This position supports the logistics of daily tour operations, provides educational content to visitors, and collaborates with other departments to ensure smooth, safe, and enriching guest experiences.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Educational Program Support

  • Assists with the logistical planning and execution of public/private tours

  • Creates and manages tour check-in sheets and educator assignments

  • Enters and maintains accurate tour records and data tracking spreadsheets

  • Assists with assigning daily education roles and managing the Tour Roles Log

  • Stays up to date on educational materials and tour content

  • Provides high-quality public speaking, delivering accurate and engaging tours for guests

  • Serves as tour guide, check-in, escort, gate, and house roles as needed

  • Provides crowd control and guest support to ensure safety and quality experience

  • Answers questions about tour options, memberships, and policies 

  • Operates the gift shop register and support store activity following tours

Tour Programs & Family Engagement Coordination

  • Helps plan and deliver themed or holiday-based specialty tours

  • Assists in brainstorming themes, enrichment, and logistics in collaboration with Education and Wolf Care teams

  • Supports school tours and outreach programming as assigned

  • Manages wristband distribution, guest gifts, and event setup

  • Creates and distribute educational materials specific to specialty events

  • Ensures supplies are stocked and in place during specialty programming

Administrative & Record-Keeping Support

  • Maintains education logs and assists with updating educational materials

  • Assists with FareHarbor system management:

    • Updates reservations, confirms guest details, and collects payments

    • Handles reservation corrections via phone and email

    • Supports with guest communication and education-related inboxes

Other Duties

  • May be cross-trained and asked to assist other departments as needed

  • Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Strong interpersonal, public speaking, organizational, and written communication skills

  • Professional, poised, and efficient manner in working with the public, volunteers, and staff 

  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments in a dynamic environment

  • Ability to communicate biological and ecological concepts clearly

  • Attention to detail in record keeping and data entry

  • Money handling and point-of-sale (POS) system experience

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word, and Google Workspace

  • Excellent time management and organizational skills

  • Commitment to the mission and values of California Wolf Center

  • Willingness to work weekends, holidays, and flexible hours

  • Valid California driver’s license and ability to travel to outreach locations as required

Preferred:

  • Associate’s degree or equivalent experience in education, biology, or working experience in wildlife conservation centers/zoos in an education role with live animal interpretation or nature-based education

  • Bilingual in Spanish and English

  • Familiarity with a Computer Reservation System, such as FareHarbor or similar software.

  • Familiarity with native keystone apex species, wolf recovery efforts, and conservation messaging 

Working Conditions

Work is performed in office settings, outdoors around animal habitats, and at outreach events. Moderate physical activity required, including standing or walking for extended periods, often on uneven and unpaved ground, and lifting up to 40 pounds. Position includes travel to outreach locations and occasional work at other CWC sites. Weather conditions may include heat, rain, freezing temperatures, wind, and snow due to CWC’s location in Julian, CA.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

About California Wolf Center 

California Wolf Center is a nonprofit organization founded in 1977, with nonprofit status established in 1984. Our mission is to create a sustainable future in which wolves and people share a healthy ecosystem by fostering coexistence among wolves, livestock, and communities.

California Wolf Center is an equal opportunity employer.

 

For consideration, please submit your resume and cover letter to: HR@californiawolfcenter.org