Conservation Interpreter I

The Virginia Zoo, founded in 1901, is located in Norfolk, VA and is home to more than 700 animals representing over 150 species. It resides on 53 acres and is mostly outdoors with an indoor World of Reptiles exhibit, 3 classrooms, and an indoor restaurant and gift shop.

As Conservation Interpreters of the Virginia Zoo you will deliver informal guest engagement programs to provide a memorable guest experience where guests learn how to support conservation for our wildlife and their ecosystems.

This is an hourly part time non-exempt position. This position reports to the Conservation Engagement Manager.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Conduct daily informal programming and guest engagement through various interpretation programs. Includes but not limited to educator chats, animal encounters, early childhood programs, interpretation at exhibits, veterinary procedures and community science projects.
• Contribute to the preparation, setup, execution and cleanup of informal guest experiences.
• Conduct guest engagement activities during special events held at the zoo.
• Contribute to the designing of educational activities and programming.
• Maintain guest engagement and personal calendars.
• Work with adult and teen zoo volunteers in activities, training, and interpretation.
• Manage data collection of guest engagements and biofact usage.
• Train and maintain certification for handling animal ambassadors.
• Handle Animal Ambassadors for zoo birthday parties and guest engagement programs.
• Assist Animal Ambassador Team with animal husbandry occasionally.
• Effectively follow policies and procedures related to programing, including but not limited to, scheduling, tracking, and documentation.
• Remain up to date on information regarding zoo animals and conservation using educational department resources to effectively deliver programs.
• Maintain conservation engagement resources as new information is added.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong presentation skills.
• Ability to speak in front of large groups and large volumes of people in longer timeframes.
• Ability to prioritize tasks.
• Ability to follow proper policies and procedures.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience working with guest engagement/interpretive preferred.
• National Association of Interpretation Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 35 pounds at times.
• Able to work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.

Additional Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be confident, energetic, and self-motivated with a desire to deliver outstanding guest experience.
• Must be willing to use their time wisely to gain new knowledge of animals, sustainability, and conservation.
• Must be available for at least 1 weekend day per week and some evenings for special events.
• Ability to maintain a professional appearance and manner.
• Ability to maintain an inclusive mindset when interacting with coworkers and guests.
• Ability to work in a team environment or alone for extended periods of time.
• Must be fully vaccinated with Tdap.

At Virginia Zoological Society, we believe that diversity fuels creativity and innovation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, genetic information, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, non-job related physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status.

The Virginia Zoo is a drug free workplace.