Conservation Interpreter Seasonal Jobs

General Purpose:

The Seasonal Conservation Interpreter will be responsible for assisting the Conservation Interpretation Manager with the facilitation and implementation of environmental education programing on zoo grounds. The primary focus of this position is to provide support for evening events through the holidays and beginning of the calendar year. This is a seasonal position that will last 6 months or less, depending on operational needs. Additionally, they will incorporate the Zoo’s ongoing conservation engagement into guest encounters and the outside community.

This seasonal part-time position is eligible for Paid CA Sick time earned on an accrued basis. The pay range for this position is $16.00 - $18.00 per hour. Offers will be based on the successful candidate's experience.

Essential Functions:

• Adhere to National Association for Interpretation (NAI) and Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) guidelines for guest education and interpretation.
• Present on-microphone exhibit orientation and instruction.
• Assists with school groups, animal husbandry, and exhibit flow.
• Assisting the Manager in the implementation of conservation projects, messaging, and themes to be used in exhibit programs.
• Completes other duties as assigned by management.
• Assist with the maintenance and cleanliness of exhibits and the surrounding areas.
• Providing guests of all ages and backgrounds with a memorable and educational experience focusing on applicable conservation connections.
• Engage and inspire varied audiences with interactive conservation education on exhibits, animals, natural habitats.
• Assists with crowd control as needed during peak attendance periods and special events.
• Maintains accurate, up-to-date knowledge of the Zoo’s animals; including, but not limited to, natural history, animal names, behavior traits, and other details to inspire guest learning and enjoyment.
• Assists and directs volunteers as needed.
• Assists with education programs as needed.
• Effectively communicate the role the Zoo plays in both local and global conservation of species within and outside the Zoo.
• Communicates with guests of all age levels, demonstrating good listening skills, friendliness, enthusiasm, patience, and humor. Answers guest questions with age-appropriate information and encourages ongoing curiosity about animals and conservation.
• General observation of areas including animals and guests.
• Skilled at generating enthusiasm and fun among team members that translates into stand-out experiences for our guests.
• Walks throughout assigned area(s) to maintain a visible presence in the Zoo for guests. Greets guests in a friendly, professional manner and demonstrates an approachable, service-focused demeanor.
• Communicates effectively with the team and management.
• Monitors guest activity and addresses violations of Zoo rules in a professional manner. Requests assistance from Safety and Security management for incidents requiring additional attention.
• Keen observation skills and desire to be proactive about contemporary and sensitive environmental challenges, visitor needs, and guest environment.
• Assists in clean-up and maintains awareness of guest activity to ensure the safety and well-being of animals in assigned areas.
• Assist with education and research projects which involve and reflect the Zoo’s exhibits and conservation messaging.

Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements:

• Ability to interact in a friendly, sensitive, professional manner with a wide variety of people, while accommodating visitor needs and guest environments.
• Interest and experience in ecology, biology, zoology, environmental studies/science, communication, or education.
• Ability to work evenings, weekdays, weekends, and holidays as late as 10:30pm.
• Minimum of two years’ experience in guest experience, education (environmental or formal), theater/acting, or interpretive occupations preferred.
• Strong verbal English communications skills required. Bilingual (Spanish or Hmong) communication skills a plus.
• Familiarity with memorizing scripts and presenting educational material in a digestible format to large groups on a microphone preferred
• Strong public speaker required.
• Willingness to perform project task and assignments
• High School Diploma or equivalent (GED) degree required.

Physical Requirements:

These are physical and mental requirements of the position as it is typically performed. Inability to meet one or more of these physical or mental requirements will not automatically disqualify a candidate or employee from the position. Upon request for a reasonable accommodation, the Zoo may be able to adjust or excuse one or more of these requirements, depending on the requirement, the essential functions to which it relates, and the proposed accommodation.

• Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication (in person and via telephone), at normal speaking levels with or without correction.
• The employee is regularly required to lift and/or carry up to 10 pounds, and occasionally up to 25 pounds.
• This position requires the employee to stand and walk continuously throughout the shift. The employee may be required to bend, stoop, or crouch to assist Zoo guests.
• Visual acuity to read printed instructions and safety information, and to assess animal and guest activity at close range and at a distance.

Work Environment:

• The position primarily functions outdoors, with exposure to heat, cold, and inclement weather.
• Occasional local travel may be required.
• The employee is regularly exposed to a variety of animals with risk of animal bites, zoonotic disease, and other animal-related injury.