Encounter Interpreter [Part-Time]

Job Description

Job Description

Encounter Interpreter

Collaborate with a passionate Zoo Crew in San Antonio
Choosing where to grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it’s equally important you know that the place you choose to work at will support and guide you. With a diversity of passionate people, San Antonio Zoo is a place where you can collaborate with others securing a future for wildlife.

The Impact You’ll Make in this Role
As an Encounter Interpreter, you will lead conservation-focused encounters at various exhibits and interpretive stations throughout San Antonio Zoo. Encounter Interpreters perform a variety of tasks associated with delivering interactive experiences through informal, mission-aligned encounters between zoo animals and guests. Encounter Interpreters intertwine meaningful objects (artifacts, biofacts, graphics), exhibit animals, and personal moments that inspire guests to adopt behaviors that secure a future for wildlife. Encounter Interpreters may also engage zoo guests by leading guided tours, attending outreach engagements, and supporting special events. The Encounter Interpreter works in the Animal Care Department and reports to the Animal Encounter/AAT Manager.
As an Encounter Interpreter, you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative and diverse people in San Antonio. Here, you will make an impact by:

• 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 San Antonio Zoo staff 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:

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

Your Skills and Expertise
To set you up for success in this role from day one, the San Antonio Zoo recommends the following 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 deadlines
• 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

The San Antonio Zoo is an equal opportunity employer. San Antonio Zoo will not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.