Job Title: BZ Visitor Engagement Associate Location: Bronx Zoo Department: Education Reports to: Manager of Live Interpretation
Type: Temporary/Seasonal
Pay rate: $20 per hour
Schedule:
● Position Timeline: This position spans from March 2026 - January 2027. Shifts are available 7 days per week with some variation depending on the time of year. During spring & fall seasons, work is primarily scheduled on weekends, holidays, and school breaks. Employees will be expected to work 2-5 days/week (equivalent to 15-35 hours/week) and a combination of weekdays, weekends, some holidays, and various morning and/or evening events as needed.
● Shift Times: Spring, summer & fall daytime shifts are typically 9:30 AM–5:30 PM (but there is some room for variation depending on assignment). Fall and winter evening shifts are typically 4:00 PM–9:30 PM.
POSITION SUMMARY You will work part-time for the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) as a valued team member of the Education Department. Visitor Engagement Associates (VEAs) will report to the Manager of Live Interpretation and work closely with the Coordinator of Live Interpretation and the rest of the Bronx Zoo Live Interpretation Team. You will reach thousands of members of the public primarily by facilitating nature play based activities and exhibit based learning experiences. You will also support special events and help visitors understand the flow of the zoo and how to safely enjoy exhibits. This is a great opportunity for those interested in exciting the public about science and conservation, as well as those seeking hands-on experience in informal environmental education, live interpretation, and museum studies.
WCS Education is a pioneer in zoo-based learning, inspiring over 1.5 million people each year across New York City. Since 1929, we have been at the forefront of science education, fostering the next generation of conservation advocates by creating meaningful connections to wildlife and nature. We provide innovative, high-quality learning experiences that empower individuals to care for and protect the natural world.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
● Model outdoor play, and participate in parallel play, with children, families, and school/camp groups throughout the Nature Trek exhibit in all weather conditions.
● Provide support for thematic programming, guest engagement, and event operations across spring, summer, and fall special events, in addition to ongoing year-round thematic programming.
● Learn and apply best practices for developing outdoor interpretive experiences.
● Provide visitors with a memorable and positive experience by demonstrating the best possible customer service at all times.
● Teach visitors to make connections between zoo exhibits, wildlife conservation, & their daily lives.
● At exhibits, engage with guests and speak on our animals and related WCS conservation efforts.
● Lead engaging and interactive tours highlighting key areas of the zoo to orient newly hired staff members and make connections to WCS’s larger mission.
● Support education programs for programs ranging from youth (including summer camp) to adults (professional development/teacher training) as needed.
● Assist with special early morning and evening, and special events, as needed.
● Establish and maintain positive, cooperative, and effective working relations with Adult Volunteers, Youth Discovery Guide Volunteers, and other departments.
● Support admissions and visitors services to provide a friendly face at points in the park that need extra attention on any given day.
● Participate in the upkeep of a safe, fun, and lively learning environment for all visitors and staff by providing and accepting feedback.
● Daily cleaning and upkeep of personal microphone and other interpretive supplies and work areas.
● Tidy setup and breakdown of activity, play, and learning stations/storage areas.
Internal Qualification RequirementsEDUCATION
Minimum
● You are a high school graduate who…
○ …has a strong interest and/or background in environmental science, theater, and/or education
or
○ …has acting experience or improvisational training
Preferred
● You are in pursuit of or have recently completed a college degree. Those with a background in education, theater, early childhood development, psychology, and/or environmental science are encouraged to apply.
OTHER SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS
● You must be at least 18 years old at the time your application is submitted
● You are a confident public speaker and have enthusiastic presentation skills
● You are comfortable and can remain motivated while working outside in different weather conditions.
● You have a high level of self-motivation; you are reliable, flexible and accountable.
● You enjoy being imaginative & connecting with nature and sharing that experience with others.
● Must be able to stand for extended periods of time and travel efficiently across long distances within the zoo.
● You have excellent customer service skills, and are friendly and outgoing.
● You have the ability to work independently, as part of a team and across departments.
● You have excellent verbal communication skills to help interpret science concepts in a fast paced learning environment.
● Bilingual (in any language) a plus
● You have worked with children and/or the public in formal or informal learning environments (plus).
● You have worked with large groups and/or with learners of all ages (plus).
WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT
● We work in a fun environment, in a natural, park-like setting, surrounded by amazing wildlife
● We value team members and community partners from all backgrounds and cultures with different skills, abilities, and perspectives
● We ensure that everyone has an opportunity to fully contribute to our mission
PERKS
● Opportunities to grow at WCS through a professional development workshop series
● Parking at the Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium with a staff permit
● Access for employees to visit WCS Zoos & Aquarium on days off with their staff ID
● Courtesy guest tickets after 45 days of employment in good standing to visit WCS Zoos & Aquarium
● Employee discounts on food, merchandise, and programs
● And more!
