- 370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville, FL, USA
- Mar 01, 2023
Interpretive Guide (Part-Time) Jacksonville Florida
Join the Education Department as an Interpretive Guide who is a proud steward to providing friendly hospitality with educational narratives on various species, assisting visitors with inquiries, and animal encounters. You are optimistic with an energetic attitude to impact the visitor’s experience. The position requires record keeping for an inventory of animal food and cleaning supplies to ensure animal and human well-being. This position requires you to access all parts of our facility spanning over 100 acres. Assignments for the role are throughout the Zoo exhibits that are indoor or outdoor. The interactive exhibits include Lorikeet Aviary, Range of the Jaguar Field Research Station, Giraffe Overlook, Animal Care Yard, African Forest, Stingray Bay, and Asian Bamboo Garden & Nature Agents. Your experience or coursework in life science, working with children, and handling exotic animals have prepared you for this role.
We are committed to our future growth and value our diverse team members to help us meet our mission of “Connecting the community to wildlife with wild places.”
- A degree or working towards an education in life science (Zoology, Biology, Animal Science, etc.) or equivalent combination of training and work experience?
- Public speaking experience?
- A desire to engage and inspire visitors of all ages?
- Experience to consistently work around a variety of animals including invertebrates, reptiles, birds, and mammals?
- A passion for conservation, education, wildlife, and an eagerness to make a difference in our natural world?
- Ability to pass a Level 2 background check?
- Certification in First Aid & CPR
- Experience supervising all ages in water play areas.
- Ability to work outdoors and indoors under all environmental conditions and temperatures.
- Ability to work with a variety of animals including invertebrates, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
- Able to consistently speak (enunciate) clearly in conversation, public speaking, and general communication with of public audiences.
- Ability to transport and move items occasionally up to 25 pounds without difficulty.
- Ability to consistently remain on feet for prolonged periods of time.
- Ability to access and navigate each department at the organization on foot and/or operate a motorized cart.
- Ability to operate hand or power tools.
- Exceptional visual acuity required, along with the ability to communicate, comprehend and decipher information accurately, using a two-way radio.
- Manual dexterity for standing, reaching, flexibility, and body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling, stoop, bend, lift, kneel, crawl, climb, jump, dig and prolonged standing/sitting.
- Grasp, turn, and manipulate objects of varying size and weight, requiring fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
- Visual and auditory acuity appropriate for animal care, safety and to discern differences for computer screens, documents and/or labels.
- Auditory acuity for verbal communication/conversation/responses via telephone, telephone systems, two-way radio, and face-to-face interactions.
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens embraces diversity in a meaningful way and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of a person's actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, place of birth, sex, age, religion, creed, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, weight, or height.
EOE / DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE
Mission
Our mission is to foster understanding of the interaction of people, wildlife, and their environment by:
- Creating experiences that engage our guests
- Providing fun and innovative educational opportunities
- Funding operations, expansion, and programs through an entrepreneurial spirit with public and private partnerships
- Instilling passion in the next generation as responsible stewards of the future
Vision
Awards & Recognition
For more than 100 years, we have tackled critical issues surrounding animal and plant conservation, inspired appreciation of wildlife, and delivered educational curriculum through innovative experiences. We are proud to be recognized both on a local and national level as a leader in education and conservation of the world's plants and animals.
AZA Accredited For More Than 30 Years
Since 1987, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has been an accredited AZA member. The accreditation process includes a detailed application and a meticulous on-site inspection by a team of trained zoo and aquarium professionals. The inspecting team observes all aspects of the organization’s operations, including animal care and welfare; keeper training; visitor, staff and animal safety, educational programs; conservation initiatives; veterinary programs; financial stability; risk management; and more. AZA accreditation is valid for five years and then the accreditation process is repeated to ensure all standards and best practices are being upheld. Accreditation standards are updated every year.