Encounter Educator [Part-Time]

Job Details

Description

As an Encounter Educator, you will lead conservation-focused encounters at various exhibits and interpretive stations throughout San Antonio Zoo. Encounter Educators perform a variety of tasks associated with delivering interactive experiences through informal, mission-aligned encounters between zoo animals and guests. Encounter Educators intertwine meaningful objects (artifacts, bio facts, graphics), exhibit animals, and personal moments that inspire guests to adopt behaviors that secure a future for wildlife. Encounter Educators may also engage zoo guests by leading guided tours, attending outreach engagements, and supporting special events. The Encounter Educator works in the Education Department and reports to the Guest Encounters Interpretation Manager.

Essential Duties

• Ensure the safety of guests and exhibit animals referring to established protocols. Explain, and abide by, the policies and procedures of the encounter.
• Empower guests with accurate and enthusiastic conservation-focused information while visiting the exhibit.
• Engage conservation-minded guests by asking and responding to questions.
• Maintain the cleanliness and overall aesthetic of the encounter area.
• Collaborate with zoo staff to ensure accurate dissemination of information and maximize the zoo's resources to support conservation education.
• Deliver a wide variety of interpretative encounters incorporating exhibit spaces, exhibit animals, and/or biofacts, that empower guests to adopt conservation behaviors that secure a future for wildlife.
• Provide support for volunteers and other members of the Education Department as needed.
• Uphold all company policies as outlined in the Zoo Standard Operating Procedures, Team Member Handbook, and Code of Business Conduct.
• Provide awesome guest service to all zoo guests.
• Consistently exhibit an attitude of service inside and outside of the zoo, showing hospitality to all.
• Be fully committed to the mission of San Antonio Zoo to create awareness that inspires action to care for the wild world we steward and the animals we protect.
  
  

Other Responsibilities

• Perform other work-related duties as required and assigned.
  
  

Skills/Qualifications

• Strong desire to work with the public
• Ability to work comfortably among a wide variety of people
• Previous experience with public speaking required.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to establish and maintain positive, cooperative, and productive working relations with fellow employees
• Strong natural history/ecology/interpretive background as indicated by previous experience
• Ability to communicate effectively on a microphone in English, presenting biological, historical, and conservation information in a professional and engaging manner
• Proficient in using Microsoft Word, Excel, and related programs
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to remain calm under pressure
• Responsible for the completion of all online Training Curriculum by assigned deadline
• Must have a minimum of 3 full days of availability per week.
• Successful candidates must complete a pre-employment drug screening and background check
• Must be 18 years of age or older with a clean driving record for vehicle operation
• Must be able to work in varying climate and weather conditions (rain, snow, hot, or cold)
  
  

We enjoy year-round operation: all team members must be available day, nights, weekends, and occasional special after-hour assignments