Our mission is to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world. The initiative of our Interpretive staff is to share this mission while teaching guests and families about conservation. We are currently on the search for an Interpretation Specialist to add to our Education team!
Ideal candidates are committed to advancing the Zoo's mission to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world. The Interpretation Specialist is a key member of the Interpretation team, whose role is engaging experiences to Zoo guests. The Interpretation Specialist serves as the team's liaison and mentor to all adult Wild Ambassador and teen Naturalist Volunteers. The specialist will develop, provide, and evaluate on-grounds interpretation experiences in which interpretive volunteers will take part. This position requires experience working with both adult and teen volunteers.
The Interpretation Specialist will work closely with the Interpretation Manager to develop a variety of trainings for education volunteers. The candidate will also work collaboratively with the Manager of Volunteer Services to recruit, select, orient, and train the interpretive volunteers and set schedules for the year. The Interpretation Specialist will also present and/or facilitate formal and informal interpretative experiences to Zoo guests. The successful candidate will possess non-profit and/ or informal education institution experience. Two (2) or more years' experience working with and/ or mentoring volunteers is highly desired. A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in a related field such as Education, Non-Profit Management, or Museum Studies is required. This is a full-time, forty (40) hour per week, position that will require flexible availability to work early or late shifts due to peak season needs and varied programming schedules.
Responsibilities and Experience for this position include, but are not limited to:
- Works closely with the Interpretation Manager to develop and provide team trainings, such as interpretation, customer service, and animal handling.
- Works with the Interpretation Manager to develop departmental strategies and responses for addressing departmental goals, specifically regarding on-grounds interpretation and interpretive volunteers.
- Serves as the liaison and supervisor for adult and teen volunteers engaged in the Wild Ambassador and Naturalist programs at the Zoo.
- Creates and manages regular communication with the Teen Naturalists and adult Wild Ambassadors.
- Collaborates with the Volunteer Services Team to recruit, onboard, and supervise (including evaluate) Zoo Teen and adult volunteers.
- Develops programs, curriculum, and educational opportunities for the Zoo Teen Naturalists to engage in, including guest engagement opportunities, career exploration, and behind the scenes tours.
- Collaborates with the Interpretation Manager to develop, facilitate, update, and maintain Discovery Carts and other activities.
- Provide meaningful interpretive experiences for Zoo guests.
- Must be able to achieve and maintain Indianapolis Zoo Ambassador Animal Handling certification as well as be willing to provide animal experiences for the public.
- Communicates effectively with Collections staff, Security, Guest Services and Education team to maintain seamless delivery of all programs.
- Exhibits a professional, cooperative, and positive attitude is an expected at all times while interacting with peers, volunteers, coworkers and the public.
- This is a full-time, 40 hours per week (normally five days), position with varied days off and schedules. Early shift times and/ or late shift times depending on season needs. Days of the week will vary based on team needs. Daily shifts can vary with programming and attendance throughout the year.
- This working condition of this position is approximately 50% indoors and 50% outdoors. Outdoor environmental conditions include inclement weather, cold and hot temperatures, and humidity. For on-grounds events (outside the office environment), outside work will be required.
- Must follow Universal Protection Precautions and Blood-borne Pathogens Guidelines. Possible exposure (Category C employee) to human blood-borne pathogens.
- Ability to detect, assess, identify, and observe surroundings to make sound judgments, along with the ability to communicate verbally, comprehend and decipher information accurately, using a two-way radio and telephone.
- Position requires the ability to move from one area to another frequently, and to transport items (up to 20 lbs.) across grounds for various needs.
To apply:
- Interested candidates must submit an application to the Indianapolis Zoo's website.
- Interested candidates must include a resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to be considered.