Nashville Zoo Position Description
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
Interpreter
Position/Title: Interpreter
Department: Education
Supervisor: Interpretation Manager/Historic Site Manager
Description:
Nashville Zoo is seeking a friendly and enthusiastic individual to educate and inform intergenerational audiences about our history, our animals, conservation efforts, and how they can become stewards to the environment.
Duties and Responsibilities:
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Serve as an on-grounds interpreter at various locations throughout the zoo, including but not limited to: Veterinary Center, Historic Croft Home and Farm, animal exhibits and other locations throughout Zoo grounds. This includes providing narration during surgical procedures and guided tours of the historic home.
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Designing and facilitate a variety of inspiring educational interactions including tours, experiences, classes, chats, etc.
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Engage with guests on a regular basis, providing excellent service to ensure a positive guest experience
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Lead behind the scenes experiences and walking tours.
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Participate in interpretation and activities as a part of special events, including but not limited to: Boo at the Zoo, Zoolumination, Great Backyard Bird Count, Avian Awareness Day, Party for the Planet, World Tiger Day, and World Rhino Day
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Participate in regular training opportunities and stay up to date on Zoo related information and current interpretive best practice
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Perform regular cleaning and maintenance of interpretive elements including signage, electronic displays, historic furnishings and collections, outbuildings, and farm equipment
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Serve as utility educator to teach other departmental programming when the schedule necessitates including
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Other duties as assigned
Job Requirements
Minimum Requirements:
Required Skills:
The successful candidate must have:
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Excellent written and oral communication skills to represent the zoo
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Ability to work well independently without direct supervision
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Excellent multitasking and time management ability
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Ability to respond to emergency situations calmly and follow protocols
Desired Skills:
The following skills and experience are desired and are considered a plus:
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Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) or be willing to obtain certification as part of employment
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Familiarity with technology relevant to use in a zoo education setting
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Knowledge and experience with live animal education programming
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Prior experience in an interpreter role
Physical Requirements:
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Ability to move items up to 25 pounds
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Ability to work outdoors in temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit
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Ability to move around zoo grounds for extended periods of time
Employee Requirements:
Prior to hire, the successful candidate must:
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Submit to a criminal background check and drug screen
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Provide proof of a negative TB test as a pre-requisite to handling animals
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Provide proof of a valid drivers license
Nashville Zoo offers a competitive benefit package. Compensation level for the Interpretive Coordinator is dependent on experience.