Encounter Interpreter [Part-Time]
About The Position
The Encounter Interpreter works in the Animal Care Department and reports to the Animal Encounter/AAT Manager. This role leads conservation-focused encounters at various exhibits and interpretive stations throughout San Antonio Zoo, delivering interactive, informal, mission-aligned experiences between zoo animals and guests. Interpreters combine meaningful objects such as artifacts, biofacts, and graphics with exhibit animals and personal interactions to inspire guests to adopt behaviors that secure a future for wildlife. The role may also include leading guided tours, participating in outreach engagements, and supporting special events. The position requires providing safe, engaging guest experiences while sharing accurate biological, historical, and conservation information. Encounter Interpreters help maintain their encounter area, collaborate with zoo staff and support volunteers, and provide hospitable guest service. Team members must complete assigned online training and be available for at least three full days per week, including days, nights, weekends, and occasional after-hours assignments. The work takes place in varying climate and weather conditions.
Requirements
- Strong desire to work with the public.
- Ability to work comfortably with a wide variety of people.
- Previous public-speaking experience required.
- Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
- Clear, concise verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to establish and maintain positive, cooperative, and productive working relationships with fellow employees.
- Strong natural history, ecology, or interpretive background, as demonstrated by previous experience.
- Ability to communicate effectively in English on a microphone and present biological, historical, and conservation information professionally and engagingly.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and related programs.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Availability for at least three full days per week.
- Must successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening and background check.
- Must be at least 18 years old and have a clean driving record for vehicle operation.
- Ability to work in varying climate and weather conditions, including rain, snow, heat, and cold.
- Availability for days, nights, weekends, and occasional special after-hours assignments.
Responsibilities
- Lead conservation-focused encounters at zoo exhibits and interpretive stations.
- Follow established protocols to ensure the safety of guests and exhibit animals; explain and abide by encounter policies and procedures.
- Provide guests with accurate, enthusiastic, conservation-focused information.
- Engage guests by asking and responding to questions.
- Maintain the cleanliness and overall aesthetic of the encounter area.
- Collaborate with zoo staff to ensure accurate information is shared and zoo resources support conservation education.
- Deliver interpretive encounters using exhibit spaces, animals, and/or biofacts to encourage conservation behaviors.
- Provide support for volunteers and other San Antonio Zoo staff as needed.
- Follow company policies outlined in the Zoo Standard Operating Procedures, Team Member Handbook, and Code of Business Conduct.
- Provide excellent guest service and demonstrate hospitality inside and outside the zoo.
- Complete assigned online training curriculum by deadlines.
- Perform other work-related duties as required and assigned.
- May lead guided tours, participate in outreach engagements, and support special events.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Education Level
No Education Listed
