The Photo/Video Specialist is responsible for producing high-quality, mission-driven video and photography content that supports the Houston Zoo’s public relations, marketing, sales, and internal communications goals. This role focuses on daily short-form content, impactful still images, and supports long-format projects led by the Multimedia Journalist. Reporting to the Multimedia Journalist, the Photo/Video Specialist serves as a second shooter, editor, and production assistant, ensuring consistent execution of the Zoo’s visual storytelling strategy and adherence to brand standards. This position has a key role in enhancing digital engagement, increasing visitor attendance, and advancing the Zoo’s conservation messaging across platforms.
Our Mission: Connect communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.
Our Vision: Be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
Produce daily short-form video and photo content in collaboration with PR & Marketing teams to enhance social media, digital advertising, email, and web platforms.
Capture and edit compelling still photography for marketing, PR, and sales initiatives.
Serves as a second shooter on multi-camera productions and long-format projects.
Assists in scripting, shooting, and editing video content aligned with the Zoo’s mission.
Delivers assigned photo and video assets within agreed turnaround times, communicating proactively when timelines or project scope need adjustment.
Consistently applies Houston Zoo’s visual identity guidelines and content standards in framing, composition, color, typography, and graphic elements to maintain a cohesive brand look and feel.
Participates in brainstorming and planning sessions, offering ideas and visual approaches within the direction set by the Multimedia Journalist.
Maintains and organizes video and photography equipment and studio space.
Supports production logistics including equipment setup, talent coordination, and location scouting.
Contributes to internal communications and training content as needed in partnership with appropriate stakeholders.
Stays current with video and photography technology and trends.
Contributes to saving animals in the wild through reduction of waste, water and energy use and inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife protection actions.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
Associates degree (AA) from a two-year college or university in related field, or six months to one year of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum of two (2) years’ videography experience with professional digital video camera equipment (e.g., DSLR, mirrorless, or broadcast cameras) in both live and taped production environment. s
Experience with principles and practices of videography.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in the Zoo community and beyond.
Proven storytelling ability
Proficiency in Adobe Premiere, After Effects, Audition; working knowledge of Photoshop and Illustrator.
Strong visual storytelling and editing skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
About Houston Zoo
The Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education! There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests. We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild.
Join the Houston Zoo and become a part of an organization that is focused on the preservation of wildlife and their habitats by combining conservation with education and promotion of sustainable livelihoods in the local communities. Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
