Education Lead Interpreter, Destination Discovery – (Full-Time)

Education Lead Interpreter, Destination Discovery – (Full-Time)
Location: Saint Louis, Missouri
Classification: Non-Exempt/Hourly
Hourly Rate: Starting at $21.66/hr.

Position Summary: The Saint Louis Zoo is seeking applicants for the position of Lead Interpreter specifically for work in Destination Discovery, the Zoo’s new family and children’s play experience.  The position is part of a robust and diverse team that provides high quality customer service and personal interpretation to our Zoo guests.

The Lead Interpreter, Destination Discovery is responsible for working with guests, particularly those families and caregivers with children under the age of 8. They will facilitate experiences for guests that build their understanding of the natural world and encourage growth in empathy and kindness towards others, through hands on sensory experiences.

Join a mission-driven team committed to creating a safe, joyful, inclusive space where children can truly thrive and discover their place in the natural world. The Lead Interpreter, Destination Discovery will support child-led exploration, welcome and orient caregivers, and help co-create a vibrant and inclusive experience.

Ideal candidates bring experience with (or deep interest in) emergent, child-led learning, outdoor play, and strong interpersonal skills for working with both children and adults.

The role of the Interpretive Team is to celebrate the natural world by creating Zoo-wide opportunities for our guests to connect with our animals, mission, nature, and conservation messages in a fun and energetic manner.  Our team engages guests throughout the Zoo at exhibits, animal habitats and through scheduled interpretive programs.  Interpreters also facilitate safe and fun encounters with stingrays and sharks at the Stingrays at Caribbean Cove exhibit as well as engaging guests at Penguin Puffin Coast, Insectarium Butterfly Dome, and Sea Lion Tunnel, and Destination Discovery.  We use props such as bio-facts and costumes in combination with interpretive training.  The Interpretive team includes seasonal/part-time interpreters, the Assistant Manager, Interpreters, the Manager of Docents and Interpreters, an administrative assistant, and a large group of volunteer educators called Docents. Becoming a member of our Interpretive Team is perfect for performers, early childhood educators, and curious minds alike.  

Responsibilities: 

• Support planning and management of the Zoo’s Interpretation Program through an early childhood lens.
• Provide exceptional service daily to staff, volunteers, other Zoo team members, and guests
• Provide personal and guest-centered interpretive experiences.
• Compile information on new and temporary exhibits through research and developing working relationships with relevant departments/programs/staff
• Create and write Conversation Guides and Interpretive Plans for programs and personal interpretation experiences
• Coach and mentor seasonal/part time staff and volunteers
• Assist with training and coaching new hires and Volunteer Docents
• Attend and present at relevant conferences and attend and support professional development opportunities

Qualifications:

• Four-year college degree preferred in science, environmental education, early childhood education and/or interpretation
• Background and experience in play facilitation
• Minimum 1-3 years of experience in outdoor/environmental early childhood education
• Minimum 1-3 years of experience in interpretation in an informal setting
• If not already a Certified Interpretive Guide from the National Association for Interpretation, then must be able to pursue the certification (Zoo covers cost) within first year of employment
• Experience working in public facing position(s) and in conflict resolution and de-escalation
• Strong public speaking and interactive communication skills along with an energetic personality
• Successful applicants must have a positive attitude and be self-motivated, resourceful, adaptable, proactive and forward thinking
• Must be a team player and be able to work in line with the Zoo’s values of community, creativity, openness, integrity, and life work balance to create and promote the best experiences for our guests and each other
• Excellent written interpretation skills
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills
• Experience with Microsoft Office 365 Suite – Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
• All successful candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check and a drug test. As this is a safety-sensitive role, a negative drug test result is mandatory. The drug test screens for five substances, including marijuana.

Competencies:

• Guest Service – evaluating the guests’ needs; making the guest satisfaction a high priority in all areas of responsibility
• Teamwork – Supporting, facilitating, and participating in activities that promote team effectiveness; demonstrating sensitivity for the feelings and needs of team members and supporting team goals
• Integrity and Trust – Maintaining social, ethical, organizational values and norms – building trust and confidence with staff, volunteers, and guests
• Concern for Detail – Pays attention to every portion of any task, down to the smallest item
• Judgment – Deciding on and committing to an action on the examination of the facts at hand; finding creative solutions to situations and opportunities that arise; taking strategic risks when necessary
• Work Standards – Applies high-performance standards to all work-related activities
• Initiative – Taking actions to achieve goals; orienting action rather than responding only to the actions of others; anticipating the needs of both internal and external constituencies
• Leadership (non-supervisory) – Demonstrates leadership by enhancing the wellbeing of fellow team members. Acts as a key player on the team who is looked to for guidance.  Requires little supervision, stays on task, and independently completes more than assigned.  Assumes a leadership role when action is required and influences other employees to perform at their best.  Helps build and maintain positive relationships.  Shows open-mindedness and flexibility.

Nice to Haves:

• Foreign language and/or American Sign Language skills 
• Certified Interpretive Guide

Physical Requirements: This job requires specific training, the ability to think on your feet, and to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Work Schedule: The schedule for this position includes working weekends, holidays, and some evenings. Days off will be Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Please attach your Philosophy of Interpretation Statement (200 words maximum) to this application

About the Saint Louis Zoo: The world-renowned Saint Louis Zoo is dedicated to saving species and bringing people and wildlife together. The Saint Louis Zoo cares for approximately 12,000 animals, many of which are endangered, and is dedicated to local and global conservation to save wildlife. Learn more at: https://stlzoo.org/ 

The Zoo is committed to the Three Keys (Animals Always, People Matter, and Operational Excellence) and Core Values (Community, Creativity, Openness, Integrity, and Life-Work Balance. Learn more at: https://stlzoo.org/

About St. Louis, Mo: From Explore St. Louis: “Urban explorer, outdoor adventurer, aficionado of family fun – no matter your travel persona, you’ll find plenty to do in St. Louis. The city is brimming with free, world-class attractions and boasts an arts-and-culture scene that’s second to none. Plus, fans of fresh air will be surprised and delighted by our flourishing public parks, miles of trails and exhilarating waterways. Sprinkle in a bit of our secret sauce – the warmth and hospitality of the residents – and you’ll discover that St. Louis dishes up undeniably epic travel experiences. Don’t take our word for it, though. Come and see for yourself.” Learn more at https://explorestlouis.com/