Summary:
The Exhibits Educator is responsible for inspiring, educational interactions and provides excellent guest service to all Zoo guests at several of our seasonal and year-round exhibits. This position works cooperatively with Education staff, other Zoo team members, volunteers, and interns.
Essential Job Functions:
- Responsible for guest engagement and interpretation of seasonal exhibits through hands-on activities and demonstrations.
- Ensures that each guest receives outstanding guest service by providing a guest-friendly environment and having excellent exhibit knowledge.
- Serve as a credible source of information; answer great questions and give directions, ensuring that Zoo guests receive assistance and accurate information as needed.
- Communicates with others immediately when responding to an incident or an emergency.
- Ensures both guest and animal safety through the implementation of Zoo rules and regulations.
- Assists in cleaning, organization, and upkeep of Zoo grounds, interactive spaces, and educational materials.
- Contributes professionally to a collaborative, innovative, and energetic work environment.
- Assists with Education programming needs as required to meet Departmental goals and expectations.
Minimum Education/Experience:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- 2 years of relevant experience, or any equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to do the job.
Preferred Education/Experience:
- Previous experience leading tours or interacting with guests in educational, sports, entertainment, or hospitality organization.
- Basic biology/zoology/science content knowledge.
Competencies:
- Guest focus.
- Communication proficiency.
- Teamwork orientation.
- Stress management/composure.
- Multi-task oriented.
- Time management.
- Public speaking.
Supervisory Responsibility: None
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Education Manager
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
Seasonal positions are defined as temporary work to meet an organization’s temporary needs during certain times of the year and can last up to 6 months. This position can be scheduled to work approximately up to 40 hours per week. Scheduling is at the discretion of the manager. This position is considered non-exempt under the federal and state wage and hour laws.
This position regularly requires flexible hours including weekdays, holidays, and weekends including early morning, daytime, and evening hours to provide coverage during Zoo hours of operation.
Work Environment:
Zoo Grounds: this position primarily works in an outdoor setting and will frequently be exposed to outdoor weather conditions, including low and high temperatures.
Physical Demands:
This position requires frequent standing/walking/bending and may occasionally move or lift objects up to 40 pounds.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Other Duties:Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Other Requirements:
- 18 years or older.
- Clear background check.
- Clear drug screening.
Benefits & Perks
The Memphis Zoo has a comprehensive benefits and employee perks package. Please see our Memphis Zoo Careers page for details.
EEOC and Inclusion Statement:
The Memphis Zoo believes that human diversity is as important as the biodiversity we seek to conserve. World-class zoos are comprised of world-class team members representing a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We value a diverse workplace and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, and veterans to apply.
The Memphis Zoo is an equal-opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws. If you need to request any accommodations for the interview or hiring process, please let the Human Resources team (HR) know. HR can be contacted at hrteam@memphiszoo.org.
The Memphis Zoo participates in E-Verify and is an EEO/ADA/Veteran employer.
All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment screening. Memphis Zoo is a drug-free workplace.
How to Apply:
Applications should be submitted via the Memphis Zoo Careers page. Please note that any other application submissions will not be considered. www.memphiszoo.org/careers.
