Job Title: Interpretive Guide (levels I, II, or III available dependent on years of experience and education)
Department: Edu - Interpretive Programs
Primary Reporting to:
Levels I & II – Manager of Interpretive Programs
Level III – Animal Immersion Supervisor
Secondary reporting to: Manager of Interpretive Programs
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Job Status: Part-time
Job Grade:
Schedule:
Start Date: February 2026
Mandatory Training Dates:
- February 23rd – 25th 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- March 3rd – 4th 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Interpretive Guide II or III: March 10th or March 12th 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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, Interpretive Guides position is primarily responsible for conducting informal interpretation and interpretive programs to all Zoo visitors.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- Proactively engage guests in interpretive, educational experiences, including informal interpretation, stage presentations, tours, interactive Conservation Carts, storybook readings, and other activities.
- Raise awareness of conservation issues and empower a diverse audience of guests to take action, through interpretation.
- Perform formal interpretive 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 excellent guest service at animal habitats to ensure a positive viewing experience for everyone.
- Maintain positive professional relationships with co-workers, 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.
- Completion of various additional duties as assigned.
- Must be willing to support Zoo Atlanta’s Vision, Mission and Values statement.
- Interpretive Guides II additional Duties & Responsibilities:
- Facilitate the Giraffe Feeding program and provide an enjoyable experience that includes interpretation and safe interactions between animals and guests.
- Manage credit card transactions with Zoo guests for paid programming.
- May complete and maintain animal ambassador handling status, per Zoo Atlanta animal handling policies.
- Interpretive Guide III additional Duties & Responsibilities:
- 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 Giraffe Feeding, Keeper for a Day, and Wild Encounters.
- Must complete and maintain animal ambassador handling status, per Zoo Atlanta animal handling policies.
- Assist in leading program orientations, trainings, and mentorship once proficient in programming.
- Model appropriate behavior and professionalism and be a resource to other Interpretive Guides.
Qualifications:
- Understanding of AZA-accredited institutions and related functions
- Very strong oral and written communication skills
- Strong organizational skills
- Experience working with children and families
- Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions
- Professional dress, appearance, and conduct
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Chrome.
- Bilingual in conversational Spanish desired.
- Interpretive Guide I:
- A minimum of 6 months of experience with interpretation, public speaking, formal or informal education in a zoological, museum, camp, school, non-profit or related setting.
- Interpretive Guide II:
- A minimum of 1 year of experience with interpretation, public speaking, formal or informal education in a zoological, museum, camp, school, non-profit or related setting.
- A minimum of 6 months of experience working in an environment around animals.
- Interpretive Guide III:
- A minimum of 2 years of experience with interpretation, public speaking, formal or informal education in zoological, museum, camp, school, non-profit or related setting.
- A minimum of 1 year of experience working in an environment around animals.
Schedule/Availability:
- Zoo Atlanta is open to the public 363 days out of the year.
- Flexible schedule: weekends, holidays, and some evenings are required
- Must be able to provide at minimum, the following availability:
- 3 consistent days/week, including one consistent weekend day/week.
- Shift time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Shift time may vary based on the season and program.
Education:
- Level I: Associate’s degree or two years of college education majoring in Education, Communication, Interpretation, Biology, Zoology, Environmental Education, or equivalent relevant experience.
- Level II & III: Bachelor’s degree majoring in Education, Communication, Interpretation, Biology, Zoology, Environmental Education, or equivalent relevant experience.
Certificates/Licenses/Registrations:
- National Association for Interpretation, Certificate of Interpretive Guiding (CIG) preferred
Physical Demands:
- Must be able to lift/carry/pull 40 pounds.
- Must be able to stand and walk for extended lengths of time.
Work Environment:
- Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Must be comfortable spending significant amounts of time interpreting in close proximity to all species, including reptiles, amphibians, spiders, and insects.
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.
Zoo Atlanta is an EOE and provides a Smoke-free and Drug-free Work Environment
