Conservation Interpreter; Temporary

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Located three miles south of downtown Dallas, the 106-acre Dallas Zoo is the oldest and largest zoo in Texas. Founded with just two deer and two mountain lions in 1888 as the first zoo in the Southwest, this City of Dallas-owned but privately managed zoo is a thriving example of a successful public-private partnership. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) for 35 years, the Zoo provides a home for more than 2,000 animals representing over 400 species.

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible temporary position on the Zoo's Education team during I Spy Butterflies at the Dallas Zoo. While this role is time-limited, it offers hands-on experience in a nationally recognized zoo education program. This is an entry-level position responsible for facilitating mission-driven programming on and off the Dallas Zoo campus. Interpreters will actively engage audiences through education programming, including interpretation and camps.

Interpreters must be comfortable interpreting any topic relevant to the zoo and wildlife conservation to a wide variety of audiences. Bilingual in English/Spanish is a plus! The selected candidate must be available for some evenings, weekends, and holidays.

• Deliver engaging, mission-driven experiences to inspire conservation action on behalf of wildlife.
• Reinforce and encourage interest in wildlife, in age-appropriate, developmentally appropriate, positive engagement with zoo guests and program participants via programming focused on wildlife conservation and nature connections.
• Actively encourage interest in and empathy for wildlife through positive interaction with guests via interpretive presentations focused on Dallas Zoo conservation priorities.
• Assist in developing mission-driven programming as assigned.
• Prepare and update records, reports, and surveys. Assist in research projects as necessary.
• Keep current on conservation issues, interpretive techniques, and conservation psychology/community-based social marketing best practices.
• Perform general maintenance and repair of exhibits: painting, repair of bio-facts, garden maintenance.
• Interact positively and professionally with Dallas Zoo staff and volunteers in accordance with the Zoo’s “Best Day Ever” guest engagement policy.
• Assist as new hire trainer for volunteers and interns as assigned;
  Act as a trainer for new hire Conservation Interpreters 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 trash and debris whenever you see it.
• Assist with and raise awareness for AZA SAFE programs and Dallas Zoo conservation efforts.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• An Associate’s degree in any field related to interpretation, biology, education, or conservation plus two years of interpretation experience are required; a Bachelor’s degree in any field related to interpretation, biology, education, or conservation plus one year of experience in interpretation or education related to science, natural history, outdoor, environmental, or related field is preferred.
• Excellent presentation and public engagement skills required.
• Strong knowledge of best practices in interpretation required, National Association for Interpretation (NAI)…