6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030, USA Job Description Posted Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 5:00 AM The Houston Zoo is seeking an experienced Interpretation Specialist to join our conservation education team Through interpretation, songs, games, storytelling, comedy, costumes, improvisation and physical theater, the Interpretive Specialist provides and implements inspiring, fun and educational opportunities focused on the Houston Zoo’s conservation messages for our guests, with the goal of changing behaviors to save animals in the wild. Our Mission: Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife. Our Vision: Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife. Job Duties and Responsibilities Make decisions with the best interest of the Zoo: our mission, our guests and our animal collection. Helps to maintain facilities and props used for on-site programs and activities. Will be required to work some holidays, weekends, and evenings. Regular schedule will be 40 hours per week from Saturday to Wednesday. Assists with the daily scheduling and delivery of interpretive and theatrical presentations including activities on a timely and routine basis. Collaborates with various Zoo departments on conservation messages, interpretive programming and guest engagement. Develops and implements interpretive and theatrical presentations as well as activities for preschool to adult seniors to promote our conservation story and connections to our animals as ambassadors for their wild counterparts. Implement programming using costumes and stage props and wearing mascots. Prepares and creates necessary materials for use in interpretive and theatrical presentations. Assists the Interpretative Programs Supervisor in evaluating interpretation curriculum for appropriateness and effectiveness through sound zoo and education philosophies and support of the institution’s mission. Uses appropriate animal handling techniques to give live animal demonstrations. Assist with pre-scheduled on-site education programs for individuals and groups including toddlers, adults, school groups, professional development for educators, summer and winter camps, early childhood programs, hospital programming and high school conservation activities, as well as distance learning programming. Assist with animal handling training workshops for staff, teens, volunteers, or interns. Understands the interpretive and theatrical programs budget and works within those constraints. Assists in the development of presentation curriculum to include, but not limited to, age-appropriate conservation messages. Attend and participate in department meetings and zoo committees. Contributes to saving animals in the wild through reduction of waste, water and energy use and inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife protection actions. Performs other duties as assigned. Education and Experience BA/BS degree in related field Minimum of two (2) years’ relevant work experience Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Excellent oral and written communications skills Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills Ability to partner across teams and with all levels of staff. Preference given to Certified Interpretative Guide from National Association of Interpreters About Houston Zoo Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests. We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild. Disclaimer The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as a complete inventory of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an at-will basis. Benefits Full-time, regular positions are offered the following benefits. Medical and Prescription Drug Vision Basic Life AD&D (100% Employer Paid) Short Term Disability (100% Employer Paid) Long Term Disability (100% Employer Paid) Supplemental Life Flexible Spending Account / Health Savings Account 401k, with employer match Full-time and Part-Time, regular positions are offered the following additional benefits. Free Zoo Membership Free Guest Passes Discounts on Food, Merchandise, Attractions, Admission and Programs Free parking Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. 6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030, USA J-18808-Ljbffr
