Bronx Zoo Visitor Engagement Associate 2023

Job Title: Bronx Zoo Visitor Engagement Associate
Location: Bronx Zoo
Department: Education
Reports to: Manager of Live Interpretation
Type: Temporary/Seasonal
Pay rate: $20.00/hour
Schedule:
15-35 hours per week, 2-5 days/week (shifts available 7 days per week) Shifts are typically 9:30-5:30 but there is some room for variation depending on assignment.
Mandatory trainings: Wednesday, March 22; Thursday, March 23; Sunday, March 26; Monday, March 27 (must be available for all 4 days)
**Must be able to work a combination of weekdays and weekends, PLUS holidays, and various morning and/or evening events as needed.
POSITION SUMMARY
You will work part-time for the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) as a valued team member of the Education Department. You will report to the Manager of Live Interpretation and work closely with the Coordinator of Live Interpretation and the rest of the Bronx Zoo Live Interpretation team. You will reach thousands of members of the public primarily by facilitating nature play based activities and exhibit based learning experiences. You will also support special events and help visitors understand the flow of the zoo and how to safely enjoy exhibits. This is a great opportunity for those interested in exciting the public about science and conservation, as well as those seeking hands-on experience in informal environmental education, live interpretation, and museum studies.
WHO WE ARE
WCS saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature. To achieve this, we harness the power of our Global Conservation Program in nearly 60 nations, in all the world’s oceans, and our five wildlife parks in New York City - Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and New York Aquarium - visited by 4 million people annually. We combine our expertise in the field, zoos, and aquarium to achieve our conservation mission.
The WCS Education Department works across our Zoos & Aquarium. We inspire a diverse and inclusive movement of conservation advocates by sparking connections with animals and nature, improving scientific literacy through hands-on investigation, and engaging constituents in stewardship and action to conserve wildlife and wild places. The Education Department is seeking energetic individuals with an interest in the interpretation of environmental sciences and animals, superior customer service skills, and a desire to educate about wildlife.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Model outdoor play, and participate in parallel play, with children, families, and school groups throughout the Nature Trek exhibit in all weather conditions (in spring, summer, and early fall)
Learn and apply best practices for developing outdoor interpretive experiences
At exhibits, lead engaging presentations for guests about animals within our collection and conservation efforts led by WCS (small and large groups; approximately 5-100 people)
Lead engaging and interactive tours highlighting key areas of the zoo to orient newly hired staff members and make connections to WCS’s larger mission
Provide visitors with a memorable and positive experience by demonstrating the best possible customer service at all times.
Establish and maintain positive, cooperative, and effective working relations with Adult Volunteers and Youth Discovery Guide Volunteers
Support admissions and visitors services to provide a friendly face at points in the park that need extra attention on any given day
Teach visitors to make connections between zoo exhibits, wildlife conservation, & their daily lives
Participate in the upkeep of a safe, fun, and lively learning environment for all visitors and staff by providing and accepting feedback
Daily cleaning and upkeep of personal microphone and other interpretive equipment as needed.
Support education programs for youth (including summer camp) and adult (professional development/teacher training) as needed
Assist with special early morning and evening events, as needed
WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT
We work in a fun environment, in a natural, park-like setting, surrounded by amazing wildlife
We value team members and community partners from all backgrounds and cultures with different skills, abilities, and perspectives
We ensure that everyone has an opportunity to fully contribute to our mission
PERKS
Opportunities to grow at WCS through enrichment opportunities, such as, a career exposure lunchtime series and a professional development workshop series
Parking at the Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium with a staff permit
Access for employees to visit WCS Zoos & Aquarium on days off with their staff ID
Courtesy guest tickets after 45 days of employment in good standing to visit WCS Zoos & Aquarium
Employee discounts on food, merchandise, and programs
And more!
#LI-DNI
Qualification Requirements
EDUCATION
Minimum
You are a high school graduate who has a strong interest and/or background in environmental science, theater, and/or education
or
You are a graduate from an improvisational training (like USB or The Pit), or an actor with 4 years’ experience
Preferred
You are in pursuit of or have recently completed a college degree. Those with a background in education, theater, early childhood development, psychology, and/or environmental science are encouraged to apply.
OTHER SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS
You must be at least 18 years old at the time your application is submitted
Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19
You are a confident public speaker and have enthusiastic presentation skills
You are comfortable and can remain motivated while working outside in different weather conditions.
You have a high level of self-motivation; you are reliable, flexible and accountable.
You enjoy being imaginative & connecting with nature and sharing that experience with others.
Must be able to stand for extended periods of time and travel efficiently across long distances within the zoo.
You have excellent customer service skills, and are friendly and outgoing
You have the ability to work independently, as part of a team and across departments
You have excellent verbal communication skills to help interpret science concepts in a fast paced learning environment
Bilingual (in any language) a plus
You have worked with children and/or the public in formal or informal learning environments (plus)
You have worked with large groups and/or with learners of all ages (plus)
Salary Range
$20.00/hour