Job Description:

Job Purpose: The Interpretive Programs team advances Zoo Atlanta’s mission by providing engaging experiences that connect our guests to our conservation and research initiatives, our animal ambassadors, and wildlife and wild places through effective interpretation. We empower and inspire guests to take conservation actions to create a better world in which wildlife and humans can flourish together. As a part of the Interpretive Programs Team, the Exhibit Interpreter III position is primarily responsible for facilitating all Animal Immersion Programs, the Giraffe Feeding experience, and conducting informal interpretation and programs Onsite. This position directly reports to the Animal Immersion Programs Supervisor.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Exhibit Interpreter III Specific

• Facilitate all Animal Immersion Programs and provide an enjoyable experience that includes interpretation and safe interactions between animals and guests. Programs include, but are not limited to, Wild Encounters and Giraffe Feeding.
• Manage cash and credit card transactions with Zoo guests at Twiga Terrace, Zoo Atlanta’s Giraffe Feeding area, and elsewhere on-grounds as program needs dictate.
• Assist in leading Exhibit Interpreter and program orientations, trainings, and mentorship once proficient in programming.
• Model appropriate behavior and professionalism and be a resource to other Exhibit Interpreters.

Exhibit Interpreter Responsibilities

• Proactively engage guests in interpretive, educational experiences, including informal interpretation, theater stage presentations, interactive Conservation Carts, story book readings and other activities.
• Raise awareness of conservation issues and empower a diverse audience of guests to take action, through interpretation.
• Perform formal presentations to large crowds using a microphone.
• Move large groups of guests through various animal habitat viewing areas by leading and providing crowd control for up to 60 guests at a time.
• Provide animal ambassador experiences, when appropriate, as part of programming. This includes ensuring the safety of all guests and animals during experiences.
• Must complete and maintain animal ambassador handling status, per Zoo Atlanta animal ambassador handling policies.
• Provide excellent guest service at animal habitats to ensure a positive viewing experience for all.
• Maintain positive professional relationships with staff, volunteers, and guests.
• Commitment to learn and master all content and skills needed to provide quality interpretation and programming to Zoo guests, including review and staying up to date on relevant Zoo information through correct, current, and approved sources.
• Assist in the organization and maintenance of educational materials as needed.
• Must attend all Zoo Atlanta mandatory training (i.e., customer service training) as well as team meetings and workshops.
• Assist with Zoo sponsored events, sometimes in the early morning or evening hours.
• Any other miscellaneous projects assigned by Zoo Atlanta’s Education management team.
• Must be willing to support Zoo Atlanta’s Vision, Mission and Values statement.
• Zoo Atlanta is open to the public 363 days out of the year, therefore, all positions at Zoo Atlanta may require employees to work weekends, holidays, and evenings.
• Flexible schedule as weekends, holidays, and some evenings are required
• Availability: 3 days per week minimum availability required. At least one consistent weekend day required. Sundays preferred.
• Bilingual in conversational Spanish desired.

Experience and Skills:

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum of 2 years of experience with interpretation, public speaking, formal or informal education in a zoological, museum, camp, school, non-profit or related setting.
• A minimum of 1 year of experience working in an environment around animals.
• Understanding of AZA-accredited institutions and related functions
• Very strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Experience working with children and families
• Experience handling cash and credit card transactions preferred
• Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Professional dress, appearance, and conduct
• Must be comfortable handling and working with animals, including snakes and other reptiles, mammals, amphibians, and invertebrates.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Chrome.
• Bilingual in conversational Spanish desired.

SCHEDULE/AVAILABILITY:

• Flexible schedule: weekends, holidays, and some evenings are required
• Availability: 3 consistent days per week minimum availability required. At least one consistent weekend day is required. Sundays preferred.

EDUCATION:

Education level required for positions:

• Bachelor’s degree majoring in Education, Communication, Interpretation, Biology, Zoology, Environmental Education, or equivalent relevant experience.

Certificates/Licenses/Registrations

• National Association for Interpretation, Certified Interpretive Guide Certification preferred

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to lift and carry 40 pounds.
• Must be able to stand and walk for extended lengths of time.
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

MISC:

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Therefore, the employee may be required to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor or other management. The company reserves the right to revise or change job duties as business requirements dictate. It is mutually agreed that this job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.