• Job Description

  Req#: 1231
  
  

  The Houston Zoo Conservation Education department is seeking energetic and nature-loving individuals for our upcoming overnight program seasons. This position offers hands-on experience for professionals looking to spend their evenings outdoors working with children and adults in an informal, educational environment. The Zoo is our classroom, and we spend most of our time exploring animal exhibits, storytelling, and facilitating experiences in natural green spaces around the Zoo. If you are a self-starter, love to be silly, and thrive in a high-energy space –this is the summer job for you!

  Houston Zoo overnights allow children ages 6+ and their caregivers to explore the Zoo after hours. Each overnight, participants learn about animals and the role of zoos and communities in helping to save them. They also connect with other like-minded individuals and participate in practicing basic camping etiquette. Overnight Guides are responsible for fostering curiosity and creating memorable experiences through activities, games, stories, crafts, exhibit interpretation, and age-appropriate learning projects. They will also facilitate special live animal presentations and back-of-house opportunities. Participant comfort and safety are a top priority and a substantial portion of a Guide’s role is group management and ensuring after-hours procedures are followed. We strive to create an overnight experience for all that encompasses the needs and interests of each person attending.

  Our Mission: Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.

  Our Vision: Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.

  As an Overnight Guide, you will:

  • Collaborate with Overnight Guide peers, maintaining a respectful and inclusive workspace.
  • Facilitate age-appropriate hands-on activities, games, and crafts.
  • Independently supervise, guide, and teach children ages 6+ and their caregivers.
  • Interact with caregivers, Zoo visitors, and other staff in a professional manner.
  • Conduct after-hours programming with minimal direct supervision.
  • Serve as a role model and leader for our guests, ensuring they have a safe and fun experience.
  • Engage guests through educational, animal-focused storytelling.
  • Support the Zoo’s mission and conservation initiatives by sharing and modeling environmentally conscious behaviors.

  This position includes:

  • Interacting on a child’s level, chairs and tables are available.
  • Maneuvering on uneven terrain.
  • Spending up to three hours at a time leading groups outdoors.
  • Navigating zoo-grounds after hours, which have varying light, noise, and temperature levels.

  Experience Required:

  An ideal candidate will be working towards or hold a degree in a science, education, or related field and have a demonstrated affinity and skill for working with children either in a formal or informal setting. Candidates should have clear writing and communication skills, a positive attitude, and enjoy time spent in nature. Selected candidates must pass a background check and drug screening, provide documentation to work in the United States, and be able to attend all required training and scheduled shifts. Bilingual candidates encouraged.

  Commitment:

  • Attend mandatory training days to be scheduled at a mutually agreed upon time.
  • Weekend availability – most shifts (and trainings) occur on Saturdays, from 5:00 pm – 9:15 am the following day.
  • Additional weekday availability a plus.

  Compensation: $16.50 per hour, starting

  We encourage applications from candidates who may not traditionally see themselves represented in the zoo or aquarium career fields and welcome applicants whose degrees may be outside of the traditional education tracks.

  If you need reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know by contacting education@houstonzoo.org. In your application, please feel free to select which pronouns you use (For example – she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs).

  Disclaimer
  
  The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as a complete inventory of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an at-will basis.
  
  Benefits
  Full-time, regular positions are offered the following benefits.

  • Medical and Prescription Drug
  • Vision
  • Dental
  • Basic Life AD&D (100% Employer Paid)
  • Short Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
  • Long Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
  • Supplemental Life
  • Flexible Spending Account / Health Savings Account
  • 401k, with employer match

  
  Full-time and Part-Time, regular positions are offered the following additional benefits.

  • Free Zoo Membership
  • Free Guest Passes
  • Discounts on Food, Merchandise, Attractions, Admission and Programs
  • Free parking

  Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer
  
  We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

• About the company

  The Houston Zoo is a 55-acre zoological park located within Hermann Park in Houston, Texas, United States.

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