Interpreter

Interpreter - Part-time 

Position is responsible for creating an environment that provides unique, interactive, and educational experiences focusing on nature and conservation for guests. Promotes Sedgwick County Zoo by having a positive, unique and memorable impact on guests as they visit the Children’s Farms, Stingray Cove, Giraffe Feeding Station and Conservation Boat Tours.  

Primary Job Functions 

Guest Experience 

• Provide quality guest experiences throughout the Zoo by providing hands-on activities, interpretation, and demonstrations.
• Interact with guests to encourage positive encounters and nature play activities.
• Interact with a wide variety of ages, learning levels, and abilities. 
• Highlight conservation work and conservation value of breeds and species.
• Ensure participants’ safety by promoting all relevant policies, and maintaining a safe work environment.
• General facility upkeep, including but not limited to: cleaning graphics, sweeping cement areas, cleaning railings, cobweb removal, and raking up soiled animal substrate.
• Assist with training and mentoring new staff and volunteers.
• Provide customer service to the zoo defined customers – collections, conservation, contractors, co-workers, donors, students, professional colleagues, vendors, visitors & volunteers.
• Form and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, customers, and team participants.
• Maintain a pleasant demeanor and positive attitude while working under any conditions. 

Monitor Animal Experiences 

• Greet guests as they enter the animal experience areas, clearly explaining expectations with positive language and techniques to ensure safe interaction with animal(s). 
• Correct undesired behaviors with positive techniques. 
• Replace supplies in the designated storage area(s) and tidy all work areas.
• Return animals to the experience areas as needed by using approved handling and communication techniques; assists with securing animal areas as needed.
• Monitor animal behavior and notify appropriate staff if unusual behaviors are observed.
• Assist as requested by zookeeper and animal care staff with specific tasks.  

Interpretation

• Adjust techniques and methods to each guest to create personal connections to and empathy for wildlife, wild places and the natural world.
• Inspire respect and conservation for wildlife and wild places using proven interpretive and communication techniques.
• Maintain a positive disposition and practice active listening during all interpretive interactions.  
• Regularly attend meetings to remain up-to-date on any Zoo news, happenings and messaging. 
• Attend trainings to build and hone interpretive skill and the use of preferred techniques. 

Secondary Job Functions 

• Uses time efficiently to complete assigned tasks and is adaptable to changes that may occur at any time with or without notice. 
• Safely and properly uses assigned equipment, including requesting maintenance when necessary. 
• Represent the Zoo and/or Sedgwick County at various offsite events such as regional, national, and international conferences, meetings, community events, outreach programs, etc. 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• 16 years in age.
• Valid US driver’s license without restrictions or School ID.
• Experience with public speaking or informal education experience.
• Must be available to work 4 half-day shifts per week during peak season. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• 18 years in age.
• National Association for Interpretation Certified Interpretive Host training. 
• Experience with domestic animals, hoof stock, or aquatic species.
• Previous experience working with the public in a formal or informal learning setting (i.e. zoo, aquarium, museum, science center or classroom).

Working Environment/Conditions

The employee is subject to activities that occur in both inside and outside environmental conditions. The employee is subject to any potential hazards of working in a zoo. The employee is subject to potential hazards of working with and near dangerous animals. The employee may be exposed to zoonotic diseases. Employee must be able to work a schedule that may involve working weekends, holidays, or after regular work shifts.

Physical requirements

Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.  May be required to walk or stand for extended periods of time and do repetitive tasks with few breaks within indoor and outdoor environments. The employee is required to have visual acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned or to make general observations of facilities or animals.

Direct reports

N/A