DescriptionSUMMARY:
The Dino Expedition Guide is a seasonal, part-time position responsible for delivering engaging educational experiences connected to Birmingham Zoo’s Dino Safari. This role enhances guest engagement through daily, guided Dino Safari Expedition tours and informal education throughout the zoo. They also help maintain the dinosaur exhibits and displays. This position is required to work Wednesdays-Sundays, 10am-2:30pm, March – early November 2026.
DUTIES
- Leads two (2) Dino Safari Expedition walking tours daily
- Rotates through multiple tour themes and dinosaur focuses
- Assist in regular maintenance of dinosaur exhibits and displays: rope maintenance, dinosaur repair, dig pit repairs and refill
- Provides informal educational experiences throughout the zoo between scheduled tours
- Supports educational programs at our Kiwanis Giraffe Experience and other locations
- Engages guests in a welcoming, educational manner
- Collaborates with Interpretation & Engagement team members
- Maintains accurate attendance and program records
- Follows all safety and guest service protocols
- Other duties as assigned
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
SAFETY ANALYSIS
The Dino Expedition Guide is impacted by hazardous exposures common to an office environment as well as public safety in an outdoor environment. Some of the following exposures will occur daily:
- Hazardous waste management
- The proper use and understanding of cleaning agents
- Thorough understanding of guest safety protocols, particularly with young children.
Specific training and procedures will be provided, designed to maintain safety of people as the highest priority of the zoo followed by the safety of the animal collection.
The use and understanding of a variety of personal safety equipment is mandatory.
All employees of the Zoo are required to be familiar with the Zoo’s overall safety policies as outlined in the employee handbook as well as being responsible for reporting any injury immediately to the first aid department.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee should expect:
- Standing, walking, and talking for long stretches of time (up to four hour)
- Ability to project voice to be heard by a crowd out of doors
- Frequent walking for long distances up and down steep inclines and some uneven and unpaved ground
- Hours at a time spent outdoors with exposure to weather conditions
- Frequent exposure to the elements can be expected
- Exposure to wet surfaces
- Frequent interaction and engagement with the public, including large groups of all ages
QualificationsQUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
The Birmingham Zoo recognizes that skills and knowledge come from both formal and informal experiences including education, paid work, volunteer service, and life experience. Those who meet the majority of the requirements for a position are encouraged to apply.
- Strong public speaking, guest engagement, and customer service skills
- Interest in informal education or interpretation
- Availability to work weekdays, weekends, and outdoors
- Team-oriented and reliable
- Experience in education, interpretation, or customer engagement strongly preferred
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Birmingham Zoo is committed to being a place where everyone feels welcome, whether as a guest, team member, or part of our broader community. Our core values— Passion, Excellence, Teamwork, Stewardship, and Inclusion— shape a work environment where respect, collaboration, and learning are valued. We encourage candidates with unique perspectives and experiences to apply.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
Birmingham Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
If selected, a background check and drug test will be conducted prior to beginning employment.
Birmingham Zoo Inc. is a not-for-profit entity. The rate of pay for this position is $12.00/hour.
