Humane Educator Career
In the role of a Humane Educator, it your job to promote positive interactions between humans, animals and Earth in an effort to bring about social, emotional, cognitive, and physical change. A strong desire to promote humane and environmental education is a primary focus of individuals in this career subsector. This focus can be directed in work environments such as shelters, zoos, museums, or agricultural extensions. If you work in this career subsector, you may also have the job title of Manager of Humane Education Programs, Youth Program Specialist, Humane Education Associate, Community Education Specialist, or Environmental Educator.
Duties
- Teach members of the public how to interact with animals in a compassionate and considerate way.
- Integrate live animals into presentations.
- Develop and present educational programs.
- Teach the community about a variety of humane topics including animal welfare, animal rights, and animal behavior.
- Visit schools, camps, and other similar educational venues.
- Give lectures to students, supervise lab activities.
- Perform office work.
Outlook
Median Wage 2017: approximately $30,000 annually
The employment outlook in this career subsector is very strong with expected growth of 22% 2016-2026.
For more information
- Association of Professional Humane Educators
- The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement
- National Association of Animal Behaviorists
- Humane Education Coalition
- Humane Society of the U.S.
- National Humane Education Society
- Humane Education Society
- American Humane
- Teach Heart – Humane Education
- Institute for Humane Education
- American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior
- American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
- Society of Veterinary Behavior Technicians
- Animal Behavior Management Alliance
- Animal Behavior Society
- Association of Professional Dog Trainers
- International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
Publications
- Science Director Animal Behavior Journal
- Animal Behavior and Cognition
- Humane Education Coalition - News
- American Humane Publications
- SVBT Behavior Prospective Newsletter
- Teach Heart – Teaching Guides
- Animal Wellness
Academic Programs
A career as a Humane Educator may require a bachelor's degree. A background in zoology, animal behavior, animal science, can build a great foundation for anyone considering a career in this field.
To find an institution of higher education that offers a program relative to your career aspirations to become a Humane Educator, the easiest place to start for most people is to perform a simple search by area of interest. Overall, there are certificate, associate, bachelor, and advanced degree programs in public and private postsecondary colleges and universities across the country in the following areas:
- Zoology
- Animal Behavior
- Animal Science
- Environmental Ethics
- Animal Protection
Use the link provided below and the ‘Browse for Program’ button to search by program area:
Find a College | Career Exploration
Note The Humane Society of the United States offers a Certified Humane Education Specialist (CHES) program to enhance the humane educator credential.