Jobs and Careers

Assistant Preschool Teacher

Santa Barbara, United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 17 Jun 2026

💰 $46,000/yr

About the role

Responsive recruiter

Are you looking for a fun job teaching early learners? Join our team of educators in this unique fully outdoor learning environment!
Learn more about the program here!

We also have Part Time positions, and Preschool Teacher positions available, please check the career page for more info

Status: Full Time, regular, non-except

Schedule: 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday.

Compensation: $21.00 - $23.00 per hour, DOE
Required: 6 college credits in Early Childhood Education (ECE)*
*This is a legal requirement and cannot be waived

To apply: Please submit a resume and your unofficial transcripts (can be uploaded under the "cover letter" attachment)

*You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*

JOB DESCRIPTION

SUMMARY:

Under the general direction of the Education team, an Assistant Preschool Teacher assists in promoting the Zoo and its mission through implementing the Early Explorers Preschool program. This position helps supervise groups of students while delivering preschool curriculum in an engaging, age-appropriate manner, ensuring the safety and well-being of their groups.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES include the following:

Coordinates with the Early Explorer Director and Early Childhood Educators to ensure effective execution of program curriculum in an engaging, age-appropriate manner, working with children within the 3-5 age range.
Helps develop and facilitate curriculum activities for 3-5 year olds, including but not limited to hands-on science activities, stories, songs, games, zoo tours, and crafts in an engaging, age-appropriate manner.
Accurately explains animal and environmental science concepts to students.
Improvises pre-approved activities when necessary, to keep students engaged and focused.
Supervises students during rest time.
Inventories and maintains curriculum equipment and supplies.
Sanitizes, cleans, and organizes toys and materials, classrooms, and restrooms each day.
Sets up classroom activities in an aesthetic, pleasing manner.
Engages students in classroom activities.
Responds to health, welfare and safety issues of students.
Signs students in and out according to established Security Procedures and responds to parent questions.
Interacts professionally with parents/guardians, zoo visitors, volunteers, and other zoo staff.
Distributes supplies to students such as name tags and t-shirts.
Maintains cleanliness of common spaces.
Works as part of the Education team to continually improve the Early Explorer experience.
Adheres to the Zoo’s policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual.
Applies and Exemplifies “green” (sustainable) practices whenever possible.
Responds to emergencies quickly and follows emergency protocols.
Remains calm and creates an atmosphere of calm and control for those dealing with the emergency situation.

SECONDARY DUTIES:

Other duties as assigned to maintain efficient and quality zoo operations.

Guest Relations:

Greets every guest with a smile.
Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo.
Ensures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash, reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions.
Associates with guests to assist and share information.
Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures.
Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo’s uniform dress code.
Takes responsibility to stay informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending meetings.
Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement and the Employee Pledge.
Other duties as required.

POSITION CRITERIA:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the know