Education Interpreter

Tulsa Zoo Management•Tulsa, OK

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Education Interpreter supports the TZMI Education department by providing valuable educational experiences for zoo guests through engaging interactions, exhibit interpretation, and public presentations.

Requirements

Must be 18 years or older, possess a valid driver’s license, and be insurable on TZMI’s insurance carrier
Must have a high school diploma or GED and/or college experience in a related topic; Six months related experience in customer service or an interpretive education setting
Must be able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays
Must have familiarity with a variety of teaching methods and knowledge of age-appropriate cognitive and physical abilities; experience in interpretive education; working knowledge of the natural world; working with small invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals in public and non-public situations
Proficient in public speaking and creative thinking
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
Ability to communicate effectively before groups of customers, employees of TZMI, and the general public.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals
Ability to use Microsoft Office – including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint (or Prezi); Internet Browser(s)- Explorer, Chrome, Safari, etc.; Apple and Samsung tablets

Responsibilities

Provide unique, interactive, and educational experiences for zoo visitors through approved and prepared topics, concepts, and messages from the Education department.
Initiate visitor interactions and answer visitor questions.
Create a friendly and inviting atmosphere for zoo visitors.
Staff interpretive stations within assigned areas of the zoo.
Provide excellent customer service interactions.
Lead presentations outside of animal exhibits and during animal demonstrations as scheduled.
Guide tours of zoo areas, as scheduled.
Ensure visitor safety through practicing professional zoo-visit management, enforcing all policies, and maintaining order at all times.
Handle animals in the Education ambassador animal collection in both public and non-public situations.
Work cooperatively with other TZMI departments.
Assist other divisions of the Education Department as assigned.
Stay current with information and skills pertaining to the Tulsa Zoo, education, the environment, animals, and any other field pertinent to this position.
Assist with daily operation of the Nature Exchange, including opening and closing procedures, interacting with traders, managing inventory, and managing the facility.
Help maintain the Nature Exchange trader database.
Deliver a high level of guest service to traders and their families at the Nature Exchange .
Provide unique, interactive, and interpretive educational experiences for program participants and zoo visitors.
Assist with the non-living collections as needed.
Recognize signs of pest infestation in animal areas and combat pests/nuisance wildlife as directed.
Maintain necessary certifications as required (First Aid, CPR, etc.).
Train, assist, and oversee work of volunteers/interns and ensure their safety while performing duties.
Maintain area compliance with all local, state, federal, and international regulations and standards are met (USDA, AZA, etc).
Attend and participate in staff meetings and assigned training sessions.
Participate in visitor education programs, formal and informal animal presentations and outreach programs, scheduled keeper talks, and provide accurate information to the public.
Maintain necessary testing/vaccinations as required (TB, rabies, etc.).
Maintain facilities to ensure animal, staff, and visitor safety, and in good appearance for public viewing at all times.
Identify and communicate situations for repair and maintenance.
As assigned, assist Animal Health Department with medical treatments.
Observe animal collection daily for injury, illness, aggression, stress, breeding activity, diet intake, and fecal consistency.
Maintain accurate records.
Effectively communicate and demonstrate interpersonal skills with all levels of employees in a clear and professional manner.
Demonstrate and adhere to TZMI’s workplace values.
Know and follow zoo policies and procedures, including emergency protocols.
Attend and participate in staff meetings and assigned training sessions.