Seasonal Interpretive Educator (Visitor Education And Engagement)

The ideal Candidate will have weekend availability.

Ensuring our guests have a wonderful and safe experience visiting the animals of the Kangaroo Walkabout, Reptile Keeper Lab, Discovery Reef Touch Pool, Lorikeet and Asia Aviaries, Giraffe Feeding and Manatee Coast is the main role of the Seasonal Interpretive Assistant. Plan to work in a variety of these areas during each day in this position. Encourage our guests to connect with the animals in our care through stories, engaging conversation and memorable experiences such as feeding a giraffe, touching a snake or turtle, or feeding a lorikeet! We are looking for someone who is engaging, good with people, proactive and has a strong sense of responsibility.

• May operate motorized vehicle.
• Maintains grounds and building in Habitat Hollow (e.g. picks up litter, rakes, sweeps, mops floors, cleans tables, shovels snow, removes fallen leaves).
• May participate in programs requiring animal handling, including reptiles and birds.
• Hangs/takes down ornamental lighting for special events (Boo at the Zoo/Wildlights)
• Performs minor landscaping duties (e.g. mowing, mulching, planting, watering, weeding) using horticulture tools (e.g. rakes, wheelbarrows, hoses).
• May be asked to provide feedback and develop materials related to the programs mentioned above.
• Operates motorized equipment (e.g. small power tools).
• May lead and participate in on-grounds programs such as Tours or Interpretive Talks under the direction of the Visitor Education & Engagement Director and in conjunction with the Visitor Education & Engagement Instructors.
• Creates a positive guest experience by providing educational information, and answering questions in the Kangaroo Walkabout, Lorikeet Garden, Touch Pool at Discovery Reef, Reptile Lab, Manatee Coast, Asia Quest Aviary and Giraffe Feeding areas.
• Delivers educational information to, and facilitates interactive activities with, Zoo visitors (mainly children and families) on topics related to local wildlife and conservation in the Habitat Hollow exhibitory.
• Maintains friendly and positive attitude towards guests and coworkers.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Becomes knowledgeable about Zoo animals and related conservation initiatives, as well as animal habitats.
• Assist with projects in other areas of the Education Department (e.g. preparing craft material, stuffing envelopes)

• Able to maintain courteous and helpful behavior and work without direct supervision.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Able to work as a team with other staff members.
• Understanding of the concepts of environmental education, interpretation, natural resources and conservation.
• Able to maintain appropriate employee appearance (see uniform guidelines in the employee handbook).
• Able to work in varied weather conditions (i.e. extreme heat, rain).
• New-Hire TB testing required.
• Subject to Criminal Background check including fingerprinting.
• Able and willing to rotate time within and outside of assigned region.
• Able to communicate well verbally to groups of all sizes and ages.
• Able to balance multiple assignments in a time efficient manner successfully.
• Able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Pursuing BA/BS or previous work-related experience in education, communication, or natural sciences preferred.
• Subject to Drug Free Workplace Policy.
• Subject to BMV check.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.