The Houston Zoo is seeking an experienced Interpretation Specialist to join our conservation education team! Through interpretation, songs, games, storytelling, comedy, costumes, improvisation the Interpretive Specialist provides and implements inspiring, fun and educational opportunities focused on the Houston Zoo’s conservation messages for our guests, with the goal of changing behaviors to save animals in the wild.
Our Mission: Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.
Our Vision: Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Engage with Zoo-guests to help ensure a positive Zoo experience through spontaneous interactions, animal ambassadors, and planned programming.
- Uses appropriate techniques to confidently handle and present ambassador animals to Zoo guests in an engaging and age-appropriate manner prioritizing exemplary animal care, health, and well-being. Ambassador animals include, but are not limited to snakes, turtles, lizards, birds, spiders, and small mammals.
- Will be required to work some holidays, weekends, and evenings. Regular schedule will be 40 hours per week.
- Assists with the daily scheduling and delivery of interpretive programs on a timely and routine basis.
- Collaborates with various Zoo departments on Saving wildlife messages, interpretive programming and guest engagement.
- Develops and implements interpretive programming and activities for preschool to adult seniors to promote our wildlife saving story and connections to our animals as ambassadors for their wild counterparts.
- Assists the Interpretative Programs Supervisor in the evaluating of interpretation curriculum for appropriateness and effectiveness through sound zoo and education philosophies and support of the institution’s mission.
- Helps to maintain facilities and props used for on-site programs and activities.
- Assist with pre-scheduled on-site education programs.
- Assist with animal handling training workshops for staff, teens, or volunteers.
- Understands the interpretive programs budget and works within those constraints.
- Assists in the development of presentation curriculum to include, but not limited to, age-appropriate wildlife saving messages.
- Attend and participate in department meetings and zoo committees.
- Contributes to saving animals in the wild through reduction of waste, water and energy use and inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife protecting actions
- Performs other duties as assigned
Education and Experience
- BA/BS degree in related field
- Minimum of two (2) years’ relevant work experience
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Excellent oral and written communications skills
- Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills
- Ability to partner across teams and with all levels of staff
About Houston Zoo
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.
Disclaimer
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as a complete inventory of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an at-will basis.
Benefits
Full-time, regular positions are offered the following benefits.
- Medical and Prescription Drug
- Vision
- Dental
- Basic Life AD&D (100% Employer Paid)
- Short Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
- Long Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
- Supplemental Life
- Flexible Spending Account / Health Savings Account
- 401k, with employer match
Full-time and Part-Time, regular positions are offered the following additional benefits.
- Free Zoo Membership
- Free Guest Passes
- Discounts on Food, Merchandise, Attractions, Admission and Programs
- Free parking
Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer
We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.