Senior Conservation Interpreter

This is a senior-level position responsible for advancing the Dallas Zoo’s mission by facilitating experiential learning opportunities. Interpreters will actively engage guests and program participants through educational programming that inspires and empowers audiences to Create a Better World for Animals. Interpreters must be comfortable interpreting any topic relevant to the Zoo and wildlife conservation to a wide variety of audiences on and off the Dallas Zoo campus. Senior Interpreters may assist in the coordination of specific projects, as assigned, and provide crucial guidance and training to newly hired staff, interns, and volunteers.

 

* Proactively engage audiences through mission-driven experiences that inspire and empower audiences to take part in conservation actions on behalf of wildlife:

* Reinforce and encourage interest in wildlife through age-appropriate, developmentally appropriate, positive engagement with guests via programming; 

* Actively inspire and empower audiences to develop an interest in and empathy for wildlife through positive and engaging interactions via experiential education programming focused on Dallas Zoo conservation priorities;

* Deliver education programs to groups of all sizes and ages;

* Keep current on conservation issues, interpretive techniques, and conservation psychology/community-based social marketing best practices;

* Maintain positive, professional relationships with Dallas Zoo staff, guests, and volunteers;

* Assist as new hire trainer and serve as a mentor for volunteers and interns as assigned; Act as a trainer for new hire Conservation Interpreters as assigned;

* Assist in the organization and maintenance of educational materials as needed.

* Assist in the organization and coordination of Education Department events and programs as assigned;

* Collaborate with other zoo personnel as needed to meet the Dallas Zoo’s mission. This can include, but is not limited to, assisting and participating in media events, special tours, and public relations projects;

* Participate in and support zoo-wide initiatives, committees, and work groups; Understand and support Dallas Zoo’s Strategic and Master Plans and departmental goals;

* Follow all safety protocols and understand the position’s role in emergency procedures, responding to emergencies as required;

* Assist with the beautification of our park by removing litter and debris whenever you see it;

* Assist with and raise awareness for AZA SAFE programs and Dallas Zoo conservation efforts;

* Assist with other miscellaneous projects assigned by Dallas Zoo’s Education leadership team;

* Must be willing to support the Dallas Zoo’s Mission and Vision statement. 

* Dallas Zoo is open to the public 364 days out of the year, therefore, all positions at the Dallas Zoo may require employees to work weekends, holidays, and evenings.

* Perform other duties as assigned.

 

• Associate degree is required plus four years of full time, paid experience in interpretation or a related field is required; OR a Bachelor’s degree plus three years of full time, paid experience in interpretation or a related field is preferred; 

• Excellent presentation and public engagement skills required;

• Strong knowledge of best practices in interpretation required; National Association for Interpretation (NAI) certification preferred;

• Bilingual speaking and writing skills preferred;

• Excellent natural history and wildlife conservation knowledge with attention to scientific accuracy;

• Must maintain a high level of enthusiasm, energy, and creativity while performing interpretive programs on a regular basis;

• Must be comfortable working with and handling live animals;

• Must be a flexible, efficient, self-motivated team player, and solution-oriented: finding creative solutions to complex challenges;

• Must be able to establish and maintain an effective rapport with all levels of management, employees, interns, volunteers, and zoo guests;

• Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, following instructions and documenting information appropriately;

• Ability to represent the Zoo in a professional manner at all times;

• Ability to exercise sound judgment in emergency situations and to respond with appropriate action;

• Must be able to walk, stand, sit, kneel, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above head, pull, bend, climb stairs and ladders, and carry up to 50 lbs.;

• Must be able to work holidays and weekends, both regular and irregular hours as required;

• Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance is an essential function of this position;

• Must be able to actively work outdoors in hot, cold, or inclement weather;

• Successful candidates must complete pre-employment drug screening, background check, and TB test;

• Must have a valid driver’s license to operate zoo vehicles and reliable transportation. 

 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by personnel assigned to this job and is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties to be assigned.