Conservation Interpreter I

Virginia Zoological Society•Norfolk, VA

11h•Onsite

About The Position

The Virginia Zoo, founded in 1901 and located in Norfolk, Virginia, is home to more than 700 animals representing over 150 species across 53 acres of outdoor habitats, the World of Reptiles, classrooms, and guest amenities. The Zoo is committed to inspiring our community to take action to save the world’s wildlife and their ecosystems. Our vision is a world where everyone values wildlife and the environment. We prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of every animal in our care. We empower our community to protect wildlife and ecosystems locally and globally. We create meaningful experiences that inspire curiosity, learning, and stewardship. We uphold ethical standards in all operations, partnerships, and interactions. We foster a welcoming environment where diverse perspectives strengthen our mission. We work together—staff, volunteers, city partners, and community to advance shared goals. This position conducts daily informal programming and guest engagement through various interpretation programs, including educator chats, animal encounters, early childhood programs, interpretation at exhibits, veterinary procedures, and community science projects. The role contributes to the preparation, setup, execution, and cleanup of informal guest experiences, and conducts conservation engagement activities during special events. The Conservation Interpreter I also contributes to the design of interpretive activities and programming, maintains guest engagement and personal calendars, and works with adult and teen zoo volunteers. Data collection and reporting on guest interactions, program attendance, and biofact usage are key responsibilities. The role requires following protocols set by the Animal Ambassador team for handling and transporting animal ambassadors, maintaining animal handling certification, and assisting with animal husbandry as needed. Effective adherence to policies and procedures related to programming, scheduling, tracking, and documentation is essential. Staying up-to-date on zoo animals and conservation information using Mission Engagement Department resources is also required.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Excellent interpersonal, customer service, and presentation abilities
Proven organizational, time management, and task-prioritization skills
Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving capability
Ability to effectively engage and speak to large groups for extended periods
Ability to follow policies, procedures, and supervisor directives
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software
Confident, energetic, and self-motivated, with a commitment to delivering an outstanding guest experience
Willingness to actively build knowledge of animals, sustainability, and conservation
Availability to work at least one weekend day per week and some evenings for special events
Ability to maintain a professional appearance, demeanor, and an inclusive mindset when interacting with coworkers and guests
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, including during extended periods of solo work
Ability to pass a background check
Must be fully vaccinated with Tdap

Nice To Haves

Experience working with guest engagement/interpretation.

Responsibilities

Conduct daily informal programming and guest engagement through various interpretation programs, including 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 conservation engagement activities during special events held at the zoo.
Contribute to the designing of interpretive activities and programming.
Maintain guest engagement and personal calendars.
Work with adult and teen zoo volunteers in activities, training, and interpretation.
Collect and report data on guest interactions, conservation engagement program attendance, and biofact usage.
Follow all protocols set by the Animal Ambassador team to safely and independently handle and transport animal ambassadors.
Maintain current animal handling certification through on-going practice and training.
Safely and independently handle Animal Ambassadors for zoo birthday parties and conservation engagement programs.
Assist Animal Ambassador Team with animal husbandry as needed, including, but not limited to, cleaning habitats, preparing diets, feeding animals, and cleaning transports.
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 Mission Engagement Department resources to effectively deliver programs.
Maintain conservation engagement resources as new information is added.
Other duties as assigned.