Job Overview

The Humane Education Coordinator inspires compassion for animals through engaging educational experiences in schools, community organizations, and at the Humane Society of Utah. This position builds meaningful relationships with students, families, educators, and community partners while serving as a trusted ambassador for HSU's mission.

Duties

Community Relationships

• Serve as a public ambassador to promote humane education, animal welfare, and responsible pet guardianship to diverse audiences throughout the community.
• Build and maintain relationships by providing exceptional customer service to students, teachers, parents, volunteers, donors, and community members while representing the Humane Society of Utah professionally.

Program Administration

• Direct high-quality and engaging programming on and off-site.
• Teach age-appropriate curricula and lesson plans that align with state educational standards through classroom visits.
• Coordinate the scheduling of events and organize program calendars.
• Use evaluation tools to track feedback and refine communication strategies.
• Track program participation numbers and outcomes.
• Set-up and takedown of programming and events.
• Prepare and maintain educational and animal care materials, supplies, and equipment.
• Assist with improving curriculum and educational materials.
• Stay up to date on animal welfare and environmental issues and incorporate them into educational programs as appropriate.
• Promote the department’s programming alongside the Marketing and Communications team.
• Support additional departmental initiatives and special events.

Animal Care

• Provide ongoing care and enrichment to our team of small ambassador animals.
• Train ambassador animals to participate in cooperative care husbandry using positive reinforcement
• Safely handle animals in front of audiences in educational settings to demonstrate proper techniques
• Safely transport ambassador animals and educational materials to off-site presentations using an HSU vehicle.

What Does Success Look Like?

Successful Humane Education Coordinators should be able to:

• Deliver engaging educational programs that consistently receive positive participant feedback.
• Adapt presentations to meet the needs of diverse audiences and learning styles.
• Build strong relationships with schools and community organizations.
• Safely and confidently handle ambassador animals in a variety of settings.
• Create positive experiences that inspire compassion and responsible pet guardianship.
• Maintain organized program records and contribute ideas for continuous program improvement.
• Represent HSU professionally and enthusiastically in every community interaction.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma required.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record along with the ability to pass a background check.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends.
• Experience working with children in diverse groups and varied settings.
• Experience handling/working with animals directly.
• Ability to independently navigate operating systems, manage digital files, troubleshoot basic software issues, and utilize Microsoft Office Suite for data entry, reporting, and communication.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, specifically in public speaking and presenting.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Presents a neat and professional appearance to the public.
• Ability to maintain an enthusiastic and calm attitude in stressful situations with animals and children.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with a larger team.
• Interest in humane education with a willingness to learn and grow.
• Passion for animal welfare, environmental conservation, and creating compassionate communities through education.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work both inside and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to drive across the Wasatch Front.
• Ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb, and manipulate (lift, carry, move) up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to work with cleaning products, animal dander, and other common shelter conditions.
• Ability to safely handle and transport live animals of various sizes.

Preferred Skills

• Bilingual (English/Spanish)
• Bachelor's degree in education, animal science, biology, environmental studies, communications, a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• CPR/First Aid Certification
• CHES or other educational certification
• Experience with positive reinforcement animal training.
• Experience developing educational or training curriculum.
• Experience in animal welfare or another nonprofit environment.

Call to Action/How to Apply

Ready to inspire the next generation of animal advocates?
If you are a natural storyteller with a heart for animal welfare, we want you on our team!
The Humane Society of Utah is currently seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic individual to fill our Humane Education Coordinator positions. Combine your love for teaching and your passion for animals into a career that truly makes a difference!

If you are interested in joining our team, please email your resume and a cover letter explaining why you are the perfect fit for this role to isabel@utahhumane.org.

This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.  Employees will be required to follow any other job-related duties required by management. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship. 

At the Utah Humane Society, we don't just accept difference - we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, our animals, and our community. The Utah Humane Society of an equal opportunity employer. Employment at the Utah Humane Society is based solely on a person's merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. At the Utah Humane Society, we do not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age (40 and over), genetic information, veteran or military status, marital status, pregnancy or relation condition (including childbirth and breastfeeding), or any other basis protected by state or federal law.  

It is the Utah Humane Society's policy to comply with all applicable national, state, and local laws pertaining to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity. The organization's EEO policy, as well as its affirmative action obligations, includes the full and complete support of the organization, including its Executive Director. Because it's just the right thing to do. We hope you think so, too.