Are you passionate about wildlife and education? Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is looking for an Interpretive Guide to join our team of experts in the Education Department!
As an Interpretive Guide, you will engage visitors with educational narratives about various species, provide friendly hospitality, and facilitate unforgettable animal encounters. Your responsibilities will also include maintaining records of animal food and cleaning supplies to ensure the well-being of our animals and guests. Imagine creating an engaging educational narrative for audiences of all ages in one of our indoor and outdoor habitats, including the Lorikeet Aviary, Range of the Jaguar Field Research Station, Giraffe Overlook, and more.
Your background in life science, working with children, and handling exotic animals makes you an ideal fit for this role. Our Zoo is open 363 days a year, allowing visitors to enjoy our beautiful, lush gardens and wildlife, rain or shine. We are looking for an with a positive attitude to enhance our visitors' experience. A commitment to excellent customer service for guests, co-workers, and volunteers is essential, along with safeguarding our animal collection. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills, coupled with the ability to communicate and exemplify the objectives and standards of the department, are required.
Join us in creating unforgettable experiences and fostering a deeper appreciation for wildlife and conservation.
Help us meet our mission to "Connect the community to wildlife with wild places" and be a part of our future growth.
Do you have…
- Some college course work in life science and/or applicable work experience will be considered.
- Ability to consistently remain on your feet for 6-8 hours on shift in Florida weather conditions?
- Ability to publicly speak to audiences of all ages for long periods of time?
- Ability to be allergy free to fish, plants or animals that may interfere with the preparation of food/diets to the collection of various species?
- Experience to consistently work around a variety of animals including invertebrates, reptiles, birds, and mammals?
- Ability to work a schedule that includes a Saturday or Sunday?
- Ability to satisfactorily pass pre-employment screenings; drug, screen, Level II background check, which includes fingerprint check and sex offender registry check?
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to consistently speak (enunciate) clearly in conversation and communications.
- Ability to work with a variety of animals including invertebrates, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
- Ability to consistently remain on your feet for prolonged periods of time.
- Manual dexterity for standing, reaching, flexibility, and body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling, stoop, bend, lift, kneel, crawl, climb, jump, dig and prolonged standing.
- Auditory ability for verbal communication/conversation/responses via telephone, telephone systems, two-way radio, and face-to-face interactions.
- Ability to work outdoors and indoors under all environmental conditions and temperatures.
- Ability to transport and move items up to 25 pounds occasionally, without difficulty.
- Ability to access and navigate each department at the organization on foot, including any construction sites.
- Visual and auditory acuity appropriate for safety and discern differences in documents.
- Exceptional visual acuity is required, along with the ability to communicate, comprehend and decipher/hear information accurately, using a two-way radio.
We are an equal opportunity employer and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local employment regulations. EOE / DRUG FREE WORKPLACE
