Lead, Interpretive

Job Description

Job Description

Lead, Interpretive - Part-time

The Interpretive Lead is responsible for training and mentoring staff to create an environment that provides interactive and educational experiences focusing on nature and conservation for Zoo guests. Incumbent promotes Sedgwick County Zoo by exhibiting and training staff to have a positive, unique, and memorable impact.

Primary Job Functions

Guest Experience

• Provides quality guest experiences by providing hands-on activities, interpretation, and demonstrations
• Interacts with guests to encourage positive animal encounters and nature play activities
• Communicates to a variety of ages, learning levels, and abilities
• Constantly adjusts techniques and methods as needed to be most effective
• Highlights conservation work and conservation value of breeds and species

Team Supervision

• Creates interpretive presentations, trains staff to facilitate presentations, and recognizes deficiencies and takes corrective action when needed
• Trains and instructs in the proper methods and procedures of work for the area. Includes training on the use of Zoo communication tools, protocol in emergency situations, as well as proper interpretive techniques
• Regularly updates the Interpretive Supervisor on staff performance or scheduling concerns
• Assists in monitoring goals for staff
• Assists in updating SOP’s for part-time interpretive staff
• Assists in planning, scheduling, and assigning work duties within area
• Form and maintain working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, customers, vendors, and team participants.
• Maintain a pleasant demeanor and positive attitude while working under all conditions
• Cover supervisor responsibilities during days off, vacations, or absences
• Assist as a second interviewer for interpreter candidates.
• Provide coaching or small corrections as needed; refer disciplinary matters to the Interpretive Supervisor.

Daily Operation

• General facility husbandry, including but not limited to: cleaning graphics, sweeping cement areas, cleaning railings, cobweb removal, and raking up soiled animal substrate
• Ensures safety by promoting all relevant Zoo policies, and maintains a safe work environment
• Maintains supplies in the appropriate locations and tidy work areas
• Monitors animals in contact area to ensure animals and guests remain safe and return animals to contact yard as needed using approved handling techniques

Secondary Job Functions

• Assist and collaborate with other Zoo areas and departments to achieve common goals.
• Serve other roles within the education department.
• Communicate with professional colleagues, when needed, to further the goals of the area.
• Represent the Zoo and/or Sedgwick County at various off-site events such as regional, national, and international conferences, meetings, community events, outreach programs, etc.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• 18 years of age
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Valid US driver’s license without restrictions
• Experience providing customer service in a sales or guest-focused environment
• Must be available to work a varied schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate's degree and/or Interpretive certification
• Experience working in a formal or informal learning setting
• One year of experience working with domestic animals, ambassador animals, and/or exhibit animals
• One year of supervisor experience in guest services or a related field

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, including zoonotic diseases, animal-related sounds, odors, and allergens. The employee is subject to potential hazards of working with and near dangerous animals. Employee must be able to work a schedule that may involve working weekends, holidays, or after regular work shifts.

Physical Requirements

This position may require lifting objects weighing up to 50 pounds, exerting up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. The role requires the ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods—sometimes over uneven terrain and in varying weather conditions—and to perform repetitive tasks with limited breaks in both indoor and outdoor zoo environments. The employee must have close visual acuity to perform activities such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing information, viewing a computer terminal, observing animals and exhibits, and operating machinery.