Title: Zoo Education Interpreter
Seasonal 25-35 hours per week Early March – Early November OR Mid May – Mid August
Department: Education
Location: Saint Louis Zoo
Start Date: March 11 or Early May
Pay: March to November starts at $15.50
May to August starts at $15.00
Description/Responsibilities: The role of the Interpretive Team is to celebrate the natural world by creating Zoo-wide experiences for our guests to connect with our animals, mission, nature, and conservation stories. Our team engages with guests throughout the Zoo at exhibits and through scheduled interpretive programs. These and other areas include Stingrays at Caribbean Cove, Penguin Puffin Coast, Cypress Swamp, Sea Lion Tunnel, and Butterfly Dome. Props such as bio-facts and costumes along with interpretive training and on-going support help us to inspire positive action for the world. 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 11
- 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-year 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.
- Must be flexible and be able to work efficiently and effectively in a high energy and every changing outdoor public environment. Must be able to stay calm and function during stressful situations with the ability to think on your feet.
- 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.
- 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.
- Flexibility in your available hours including weekends, holidays and early/late hours is necessary.
- Foreign language and/or American Sign Language skills are a plus.
- Experience in informal, outdoor, environmental education is helpful.
- National Association for Interpretation certification is a plus.
- Job also requires drug testing, along with passing a background check.
Please note, that we understand that not all applicants will meet every qualification listed. Please apply anyway as we are looking for energetic people with a positive attitude and good work ethic to join our team.
