Zoo Education Interpreter

Zoo Education InterpreterLocation: Saint Louis Zoo – Forest ParkDepartment: EducationClassification: Non-Exempt/HourlyPosition Type: Part-Time/Seasonal

Salary: March to November starts at $15.50

             May to August starts at $15.00

Position Summary: The role of the Interpretive Team is to celebrate the natural world by facilitating Zoo-wide experiences for our guests to connect with our animals, mission, nature, and conservation stories.

Responsibilities: Our team engages with guests throughout the Zoo and at exhibits such as: Stingrays at Caribbean Cove, Penguin Puffin Coast, Cypress Swamp, Sea Lion Tunnel, and Butterfly Dome and through scheduled interpretive programs. Providing Mission Driven Interpretive Training that focuses on guest centered and positive interactions helps us to be better stewards for the world. Additional props, costumes, bio-facts, and on-going support/coaching creates a dynamic team atmosphere.  Becoming a member of our Interpretive Team is perfect for budding educators, performers, and curious minds alike. 

• Availability March to November:
  • Must be available for training and working beginning March 10

• Availability May to August (dates TBA)
  • Must be available for trainings, virtual and in-person starting early May

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required with at least 1-2 years post-secondary (high school) life/work experience.
• Some college or experience in science, education, theatre/performing arts, and/or interpretation preferred.
• Ability to provide exceptional guest service daily to staff, volunteers, and guests that build relationships and develop/deepens connections.
• Must be flexible and be able to work efficiently, effectively, and independently in a high energy and ever-changing outdoor public environment. Must be able to stay calm and function during stressful situations with the ability to think on your feet and willingness to support and be supported by the team.
• Must be a team player and be able to work in line with the Zoo’s values of community, creativity, openness, integrity, and life-work balance to create and promote the best experiences for our guests and each other.
• Strong public speaking and interactive communication skills along with an energetic personality are required.
• Must have a positive attitude and be self-motivated, resourceful, adaptable, proactive and forward thinking.
• Foreign language and/or American Sign Language skills are a plus.
• Experience in informal, outdoor, environmental education is helpful.
• National Association for Interpretation certificate is a plus.
• All successful candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check and a drug test. As this is a safety-sensitive role, a negative drug test result is mandatory. The drug test screens for five substances, including marijuana.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions for up to 4 hours at a time while moving about the Zoo.
• Ability to work in contact with salt water and shellfish required.

Work Schedule:

• Work hours will include weekends, holidays and early/late hours.

About the Saint Louis Zoo: The world-renowned Saint Louis Zoo is dedicated to saving species and bringing people and wildlife together. The Saint Louis Zoo cares for approximately 12,000 animals, many of which are endangered, and is dedicated to local and global conservation to save wildlife. Learn more at: https://stlzoo.org/

The Zoo is committed to the Three Keys (Animals Always, People Matter, and Operational Excellence) and Core Values (Community, Creativity, Openness, Integrity, and Life-Work Balance. Learn more at: https://stlzoo.org/

About St. Louis, Mo: From Explore St. Louis: “Urban explorer, outdoor adventurer, aficionado of family fun – no matter your travel persona, you’ll find plenty to do in St. Louis. The city is brimming with free, world-class attractions and boasts an arts-and-culture scene that’s second to none. Plus, fans of fresh air will be surprised and delighted by our flourishing public parks, miles of trails and exhilarating waterways. Sprinkle in a bit of our secret sauce – the warmth and hospitality of the residents – and you’ll discover that St. Louis dishes up undeniably epic travel experiences. Don’t take our word for it, though. Come and see for yourself.” Learn more at https://explorestlouis.com/