Education Lead Interpreter, Destination Discovery – (Full-Time)

Saint Louis Zoo • St. Louis, MO

7d • $22 • Onsite

About The Position

The Saint Louis Zoo is seeking applicants for the position of
Lead Interpreter specifically for work in Destination Discovery, the Zoo’s new
family and children’s play experience.  The position is part of a robust and
diverse team that provides high quality customer service and personal
interpretation to our Zoo guests.

The Lead Interpreter, Destination Discovery is responsible for working with
guests, particularly those families and caregivers with children under the age
of 8. They will facilitate experiences for guests that build their understanding
of the natural world and encourage growth in empathy and kindness towards
others, through hands on sensory experiences.

Join a mission-driven team committed to creating a safe, joyful, inclusive space
where children can truly thrive and discover their place in the natural world.
The Lead Interpreter, Destination Discovery will support child-led exploration,
welcome and orient caregivers, and help co-create a vibrant and inclusive
experience.

Ideal candidates bring experience with (or deep interest in) emergent, child-led
learning, outdoor play, and strong interpersonal skills for working with both
children and adults.

The role of the Interpretive Team is to celebrate the natural world by creating
Zoo-wide opportunities for our guests to connect with our animals, mission,
nature, and conservation messages in a fun and energetic manner.  Our team
engages guests throughout the Zoo at exhibits, animal habitats and through
scheduled interpretive programs.  Interpreters also facilitate safe and fun
encounters with stingrays and sharks at the Stingrays at Caribbean Cove exhibit
as well as engaging guests at Penguin Puffin Coast, Insectarium Butterfly Dome,
and Sea Lion Tunnel, and Destination Discovery.  We use props such as bio-facts
and costumes in combination with interpretive training.  The Interpretive team
includes seasonal/part-time interpreters, the Assistant Manager, Interpreters,
the Manager of Docents and Interpreters, an administrative assistant, and a
large group of volunteer educators called Docents. Becoming a member of our
Interpretive Team is perfect for performers, early childhood educators, and
curious minds alike.

Requirements

• Four-year college degree preferred in science, environmental education, early childhood education and/or interpretation
• Background and experience in play facilitation
• Minimum 1-3 years of experience in outdoor/environmental early childhood education
• Minimum 1-3 years of experience in interpretation in an informal setting
• If not already a Certified Interpretive Guide from the National Association for Interpretation, then must be able to pursue the certification (Zoo covers cost) within first year of employment
• Experience working in public facing position(s) and in conflict resolution and de-escalation
• Strong public speaking and interactive communication skills along with an energetic personality
• Successful applicants must have a positive attitude and be self-motivated, resourceful, adaptable, proactive and forward thinking
• Must be a team player and be able to work in line with the Zoo’s values of community, creativity, openness, integrity, and life work balance to create and promote the best experiences for our guests and each other
• Excellent written interpretation skills
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills
• Experience with Microsoft Office 365 Suite – Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
• All successful candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check and a drug test. As this is a safety-sensitive role, a negative drug test result is mandatory. The drug test screens for five substances, including marijuana.

Nice To Haves

• Foreign language and/or American Sign Language skills 
• Certified Interpretive Guide

Responsibilities

• Support planning and management of the Zoo’s Interpretation Program through an early childhood lens.
• Provide exceptional service daily to staff, volunteers, other Zoo team members, and guests
• Provide personal and guest-centered interpretive experiences.
• Compile information on new and temporary exhibits through research and developing working relationships with relevant departments/programs/staff
• Create and write Conversation Guides and Interpretive Plans for programs and personal interpretation experiences
• Coach and mentor seasonal/part time staff and volunteers
• Assist with training and coaching new hires and Volunteer Docents
• Attend and present at relevant conferences and attend and support professional development opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees