Application Deadline: This position will remain open until 18 January 2026 or until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. We reserve the right to close the posting early if a well-qualified candidate pool has been established. Early submission is encouraged. Early submission is encouraged.
Are you passionate about wildlife, conservation, and inspiring people of all ages?
At Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens, we’re on a mission to "Connect the community to wildlife with wild places". We’re seeking an Interpretive Guide (Part-Time) to join our Education Department and create unforgettable guest experiences that spark curiosity, encourage conservation, and leave a lasting impression.
Imagine engaging visitors with fascinating wildlife stories, facilitating memorable animal encounters, and welcoming guests to stunning habitats like the Lorikeet Aviary, Range of the Jaguars, and Giraffe Overlook. If you thrive in a guest-facing environment and care deeply about animals and the natural world, this could be the perfect role for you.
Join us in creating unforgettable experiences and fostering a deeper appreciation for wildlife and conservation.
What You’ll Do:
- Lead engaging presentations, tours, and interactive programs for audiences of all ages.
- Provide exceptional hospitality to all guests, ensuring a welcoming, safe, and inclusive experience.
- Share captivating educational narratives about our animals, their habitats, and conservation efforts.
- Maintain accurate records of animal diets, feeding schedules, and cleaning supplies.
- Work both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions, including evenings and peak seasonal events.
- Collaborate with team members, volunteers, and other departments to deliver seamless, high-quality guest experiences.
What You’ll Bring
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Available Part-Time for 24 hours per week, including at least one weekend day.
- Ability to work a schedule that includes a Saturday or Sunday.
- Willing to work evening shifts during peak seasonal events (5 PM – 10 PM).
- Enrollment in coursework related to environmental science, ecology, life sciences, or up to six (6) months of relevant experience in a guest-focused, educational, or conservation-related role (paid or unpaid).
- Ability to perform the physical demands of a 6–8 hour shift, including working outdoors in Florida weather, with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Allergy-free to fish, plants, or animals that may interfere with job duties.
- Ability to pass pre-employment screenings, including drug screening, Level II background check, fingerprinting, and sex offender registry check.
- Excellent public speaking and presentation skills, confident leading tours, talks, and demonstrations.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to connect with diverse audiences.
- Composure in fast-paced or high-volume environments.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and related tools for communication and data entry.
- Pre-Employment Requirements: Candidates selected for this position must successfully complete all pre-employment screenings prior to their start date. Compliance with these requirements is mandatory to ensure the safety of staff, animals, and visitors. These include:
- Level II, Criminal Background Check
- 5 panel drug screen
- Non-DOT physical examination
A plus…
- Bilingual fluency (Spanish preferred).
- First Aid & CPR certification.
- Bachelor’s degree in Life Science or related field.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to consistently remain on your feet for 6-8 hours on shift.
- Ability to walk, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, and reach.
- Visual acuity for reading, writing, and observing surroundings, and auditory acuity for communication.
- 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
- Ability to lift, carry, and move objects up to 20 pounds.
- Ability to work with a variety of animals including invertebrates, reptiles, and small companion mammals.
- Ability to safely operate a motorized cart.
WORK CONDITIONS
- Exposure to various weather conditions, including extreme heat, sunlight, cold, rain, and wind.
- Potential exposure to allergens (dust, animal dander, pollen, etc.), bloodborne pathogens, zoonotic diseases and injuries from animals.
- Irregular work hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays are sometimes required.
- Exposure to hazards such wildlife, waste, equipment, loud noises, chemicals, and heights.
We are an equal opportunity employer and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local employment regulations. EOE / DRUG FREE WORKPLACE
