Facility
Not specified.
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Under the general direction of the Conservation Interpretation Manager, this position is responsible for providing an excellent guest experience to all Zoo visitors through professional, educational, and interactive public presentations. Must be comfortable communicating with the public on contemporary environmental challenges, strategies, and inspiring a connection to the natural world through the use of the Zoo’s resources and exhibits. The Presenter will be responsible for assisting the CI Management Team with the facilitation and implementation of environmental education programming and development. This seasonal position will be until 11/01/2022.
We are pleased to offer this Seasonal position an Employee Assistance Program, 401k, Paid CA Sick time on an accrued basis. The minimum pay for this position is $16/hr. Offers will be based on the successful candidate’s experience.
Essential Functions:
Presents on-microphone program presentations.
May serve as a spokesperson to the community through contributions to select print media and public appearances as appropriate.
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.
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.
Communicates with guests of all age levels, demonstrating good listening skills, friendliness, enthusiasm, patience, and humor. Answer guest questions with age-appropriate information and encourages ongoing curiosity about animals and conservation.
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..
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.
Effectively communicate the role the Zoo plays in both local and global conservation of species within and outside the Zoo.
Communicates effectively with the team and management.
Assisting the Manager in the implementation of conservation projects, messaging, and themes to be used in exhibit programs.
Keen observation skills and desire to be proactive about contemporary and sensitive environmental challenges, visitor needs, and guest environment.
Skilled at generating enthusiasm and fun among team members that translates into stand-out experiences for our guests.
Assist with education and research projects which involve and reflect the Zoo’s exhibits and conservation messaging.
Maintenance and accountability of the departmental Google Drive.
Completes other duties as assigned by management.
Education and Pre-requisites
Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements:
High School Diploma
Interest and experience in ecology, biology, zoology, environmental studies/science, communication, or education preferred.
Minimum of two years’ experience in guest experience, education (environmental or formal), theater/acting, or interpretive occupations.
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 projects, tasks and assignments
Ability to work evenings, weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to interact in a friendly, sensitive, professional manner with a wide variety of people, while accommodating visitor needs and guest environments.
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.
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.
The employee is regularly required to lift and/or carry up to 10 pounds, and occasionally up to 25 pounds.
Visual acuity to read printed instructions and safety information, and to assess animal and guest activity at close range and at a distance.
Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication (in person and via telephone), at normal speaking levels with or without correction.
The employee will be required to complete a swim test.
Work Environment:
The position primarily functions outdoors, with exposure to heat, cold, and inclement weather.
The employee is regularly exposed to a variety of animals with the risk of animal bites, zoonotic disease, and other animal-related injury.
Occasional local travel may be required.
Compensation and benefits
Not specified.