Curator of Learning & Community Engagement

Inspire conservation through learning, connection, and community impact

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is seeking an inspiring and strategic leader to serve as our Curator of Learning & Community Engagement. This role leads a talented team dedicated to creating meaningful educational experiences that connect people of all ages to wildlife, conservation, and the natural world.

If you are passionate about conservation education, enjoy leading teams, and believe in the power of learning to inspire action, this is an opportunity to make a lasting difference in your community and beyond.

What you'll do

• Lead the daily operations of The Living Desert's Learning & Community Engagement team, including educators, outreach staff, seasonal employees, and other learning professionals.
• Provide strategic vision and leadership for educational programs, outreach initiatives, camps, community engagement efforts, and interpretive experiences.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve engaging learning opportunities that connect diverse audiences with conservation, wildlife, and desert ecosystems.
• Supervise, mentor, coach, and support a high-performing team through hiring, training, professional development, and performance management.
• Utilize evaluation tools and audience research to measure learning outcomes, visitor engagement, and program effectiveness.
• Manage departmental budgets, grant-funded initiatives, staffing plans, program schedules, supplies, and operational resources.
• Build strong relationships with schools, community organizations, volunteers, partners, and stakeholders throughout the Coachella Valley and beyond.
• Represent The Living Desert through public presentations, professional conferences, community partnerships, media opportunities, and special events.

Why this role matters

Every day, The Living Desert creates opportunities for people to develop meaningful connections with wildlife and wild places. As Curator of Learning & Community Engagement, you will lead programs that inspire curiosity, foster environmental stewardship, and empower people to take conservation action.

This role helps ensure that conservation education is not simply about sharing information, but about creating experiences that motivate lifelong learning, civic engagement, and positive change for wildlife, habitats, and future generations.

The kind of person who will thrive here

You are an innovative and collaborative leader who enjoys building teams, developing people, and creating impactful educational experiences.

You combine strategic thinking with hands-on problem solving and are comfortable balancing big-picture vision with daily operations. You enjoy working with diverse audiences, building partnerships, and finding creative ways to connect people with conservation.

You are energized by mission-driven work and believe that education can inspire meaningful action for wildlife and the environment.

What we're looking for

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Education, Environmental Science, Conservation, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• At least five years of experience leading education, interpretation, outreach, community engagement, or public programming initiatives in a zoo, aquarium, museum, nonprofit, outdoor education, or similar setting.
• Experience supervising and developing teams, including hiring, coaching, performance management, and professional development.
• Strong background in informal learning, conservation education, program evaluation, and audience engagement.
• Experience developing and delivering NGSS-aligned, STEM-based, or conservation-focused educational programming.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with community partners.
• Strong organizational, project management, and budget management skills.
• Experience with program evaluation, grant-funded initiatives, and continuous improvement processes preferred.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion in educational programming.
• Passion for conservation and an ability to inspire curiosity, stewardship, and positive action.

Why join The Living Desert?

Working at The Living Desert means being part of a passionate team dedicated to conservation, education, wildlife, and community connection. You'll have the opportunity to lead one of the organization's most visible and impactful functions while helping create experiences that inspire thousands of learners each year.

From schoolchildren discovering wildlife for the first time to community members taking conservation action in their own neighborhoods, your work will help build a more sustainable future for people and the planet.

If you're ready to lead, inspire, and make a meaningful impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Schedule and working conditions

This position requires flexibility and includes a combination of office work, program supervision, community engagement, and outdoor operations.

Responsibilities may include:

• Working evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed for programs and special events.
• Standing, walking, and moving throughout The Living Desert for extended periods.
• Lifting and carrying materials up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Working outdoors in varying environmental conditions, including extreme heat and temperature fluctuations typical of desert environments.
• Valid California driver's license or ability to obtain one upon hire.

We recognize that strong candidates may bring different combinations of skills, experiences, and perspectives. If you are excited about this opportunity and believe you can contribute to our mission, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every qualification listed.

Salary

$72,413

For best consideration, apply by August 21st 2026. Review of applications will begin at the end of August and continue until the position is filled.

Help inspire the next generation of conservation advocates, strengthen community connections, and advance The Living Desert's mission through exceptional learning and engagement experiences.

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

47900 Portola Avenue
Palm Desert, CA 92260
Phone: (442) 301-5004

Learn more and apply at LivingDesert.org.