Animal Educator, Coastal Wilds

Position Overview

Application Deadline: June 15, 2026

Salary: $15 to $17 per hour

Education Required: Bachelor’s degree

Description

Coastal Wilds is hiring an Animal Educator in Frankford, Delaware, at $15 to $17 per hour, with applications due June 15, 2026.

Coastal Wilds is a wildlife education organization that brings live-animal programs to schools and community groups across the Northeast. The Mobile Crew Unit is central to the mission, delivering free school presentations that introduce students to native wildlife, reptiles, and psittaciformes while inspiring conservation values from a young age.

The Animal Educator travels with the mobile unit from October through April, then transitions to guided tours at the home facility from May through September. The role reports to facility leadership and works alongside the broader animal care and education team.

Responsibilities

• Teach outreach programs for schools and community organizations.
• Lead birthday parties at the facility as needed.
• Travel up to ten hours or more from the facility to deliver presentations.
• Perform animal care duties while on the road and at the facility.
• Capture quality photos of students during programs.
• Conduct guided tours at the Coastal Wilds facility during summer months.
• Maintain compliance with all company policies and procedures.
• Perform related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage internal and external audiences.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to present educational content effectively to both adults and children.
• Comfort and confidence speaking in front of audiences.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and maintain a positive, service-oriented attitude.
• Demonstrated commitment to excellence in work products and team relationships.
• Ability to work independently and complete assignments within standard practices.
• Physical ability to stand or sit for up to ten hours at a time and lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience handling and caring for animals, including reptiles, psittaciformes, and native wildlife.
• Proficiency with the Windows operating system.

Additional Notes

• Full-time position, 40 to 50 hours per week.
• Mobile unit operates October through April with extensive interstate travel; tour season runs May through September at the home facility.
• Some holidays may require work hours.
• Benefits include 401(k) with matching, health insurance, dental insurance, and paid time off.

How to Apply

Apply by sending application materials to Josh Mueller at admin@coastalwilds.org by June 15, 2026. Questions can also be directed by phone to 302-829-1548.