Lead, Interpretive

Sedgwick County Zoological Society Inc•Wichita, KS

7d•$0 - $13•Onsite

About The Position

The Interpretive Lead is responsible for training and mentoring staff to create an environment that provides interactive and educational experiences focusing on nature and conservation for Zoo guests. The incumbent promotes Sedgwick County Zoo by exhibiting and training staff to have a positive, unique, and memorable impact.

Requirements

18 years of age
High School Diploma or equivalent
Valid US driver’s license without restrictions
Experience providing customer service in a sales or guest-focused environment
Must be available to work a varied schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays

Nice To Haves

Associate's degree and/or Interpretive certification
Experience working in a formal or informal learning setting
One year of experience working with domestic animals, ambassador animals, and/or exhibit animals
One year of supervisor experience in guest services or a related field

Responsibilities

Provides quality guest experiences by providing hands-on activities, interpretation, and demonstrations
Interacts with guests to encourage positive animal encounters and nature play activities
Communicates to a variety of ages, learning levels, and abilities
Constantly adjusts techniques and methods as needed to be most effective
Highlights conservation work and conservation value of breeds and species
Creates interpretive presentations, trains staff to facilitate presentations, and recognizes deficiencies and takes corrective action when needed
Trains and instructs in the proper methods and procedures of work for the area. Includes training on the use of Zoo communication tools, protocol in emergency situations, as well as proper interpretive techniques
Regularly updates the Interpretive Supervisor on staff performance or scheduling concerns
Assists in monitoring goals for staff
Assists in updating SOP’s for part-time interpretive staff
Assists in planning, scheduling, and assigning work duties within area
Form and maintain working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, customers, vendors, and team participants.
Maintain a pleasant demeanor and positive attitude while working under all conditions
Cover supervisor responsibilities during days off, vacations, or absences
Assist as a second interviewer for interpreter candidates.
Provide coaching or small corrections as needed; refer disciplinary matters to the Interpretive Supervisor.
General facility husbandry, including but not limited to: cleaning graphics, sweeping cement areas, cleaning railings, cobweb removal, and raking up soiled animal substrate
Ensures safety by promoting all relevant Zoo policies, and maintains a safe work environment
Maintains supplies in the appropriate locations and tidy work areas
Monitors animals in contact area to ensure animals and guests remain safe and return animals to contact yard as needed using approved handling techniques
Assist and collaborate with other Zoo areas and departments to achieve common goals.
Serve other roles within the education department.
Communicate with professional colleagues, when needed, to further the goals of the area.
Represent the Zoo and/or Sedgwick County at various off-site events such as regional, national, and international conferences, meetings, community events, outreach programs, etc.