Job description

The Education Interpreters are the Mission Ambassadors for the Zoo. They inspire our guests to make the world a better place for wildlife. This is achieved through exhibiting a positive and welcoming attitude towards all our guests, effectively communicating knowledge of animals and conservation issues, and empowering all audiences to make changes in their lives to support wildlife and wild places. Essential duties include exhibit interpretation, scripted and non-scripted programming, enhancing animal-human interactions, surveying guests about their experiences, and any other educational programming requirements dictated by the Zoo. Interpreters will ensure safe, fun, and engaging interactions between animals and guests and provide exemplary guest service at all times.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Ensure safe and positive interactions between guests and animals at various contact or close-contact exhibits throughout the Zoo, including Wings of Asia, McNeil Avian Center, the Barnyard, and the Giraffe Encounter.
• Exceed the expectations of the Zoo guests by providing friendly, outgoing, and exemplary service in accordance with the Zoo’s culture of excellence and commitment to the guest experience.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of the animals under the Zoo’s care and specific knowledge of Zoo grounds.
• Possess knowledge of all exhibit policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure the safety and security of animals and guests.
• Handle guest concerns and resolve problems in a manner that is polite, helpful, and accurate.
• May be asked to present engaging and educational formal or informal guest experiences that inspire conservation action among the general public, schools, and other education audiences.
• Support Zoowide surveying initiatives through the collection of data in multiple forms from guests as they navigate their personal Zoo experience.
• Support the functions of the Conservation Education Department through daily tasks and all other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Willingness to educate guests about the animals under the Zoo’s care and conservation topics through casual conversations and structured and informal educational experiences.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while facilitating guest experiences throughout the Zoo.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and sustain effective working relationships with peers and supervisors. Ability to work effectively with diverse personalities.
• Excellent presentation skills and demonstrated ability to effectively use interactive instructional methods.
• Minimum availability of three full days per week with the possibility of scheduled hours up to 32 per week. Must have weekend availability.
• Willing and able to work a flexible schedule that will include weekends, evenings, and holidays.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to work around animals and plants.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Ability to remain on feet for extended periods, climb stairs, bend and stoop.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks, including; criminal records and PA Child abuse clearance. FBI clearance is required for all non-PA residents.
• COVID-19 considerations:

All employees will be required to have received a completed Covid 19 and booster vaccination (when applicable).

Zoo Perks * A 35% discount on food when you show your I.D. badge.

• A 30% discount on most retail purchases when you show your photo I.D. badge.
• Seasonal Employee Membership

Job Types: Part-time, Temporary or Part-time

Pay: $13.25 per hour