Facility
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Animal Care
Seasonal Conservation Education Specialist
Job Description
Mission: The mission of the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is to create compelling experiences that connect people and community with wildlife; and inspire personal responsibility for conservation of the natural world.
Education. Conservation. Adventure. Community.
Job Title: Seasonal Conservation Education Specialist
Position:
This is a seasonal entry-level position in the Guest Engagement division of our Animal Care department. The primary responsibility of this position engages guests by assisting with presentations and animal adventures. They will also assist with the daily care of the team’s animal ambassador collection- including species such as sloths, kangaroos, parrots, and tortoises. They will also assist in giraffe feedings with guests. A positive guest centered attitude is a must. This position is expected to work well within a team and to enthusiastically deliver hands-on educational information to our guests.
Overall Expectations:
To meet the goals of our mission, successful conservation educators work to achieve the following expectations.
Education
● Candidates must be comfortable speaking in public
● Extensive interaction with the public which may include on and off grounds educational and media presentations.
● Candidates must be able to convey information, both written and verbal, clearly and concisely
● Conducts behind-the-scenes tours as scheduled.
Conservation
● Personally strive for and inspire coworkers to provide the best possible welfare for every animal in their area.
● Maintain area above and beyond USDA Standards at all times
● Appropriately interpret animal behavior and conservation messages for the guests.
● Provide appropriate enrichment for the animals to engage visitors and enhance their animal appreciation and knowledge.
● Work with industry professionals, researchers and others on research benefitting our animal collection and animals in the wild
● Inspire coworkers and guests to become more involved in conservation.
Adventure
● Must do their part to ensure that each guest has a great experience at the Zoo, learns something new, and has fun doing it!
Community
● Make eye contact with guests, and smile at every person.
● Wear an identification badge.
● Offer assistance to guests when needed.
● Assume ownership of potential safety hazards (wipe-up spill, pick up trash).
Teamwork
● Maintain a positive attitude, pleasant tone of voice (remember it is not what you say, but how you say it).
● Help coworkers maintain guest service expectations.
● Be effective handling problems in the workplace, including anticipating, preventing, identifying, and solving problems as necessary
● Keepers may be called upon to perform facility and exhibit maintenance, including but not limited to, trash and debris removal, floor cleaning, painting, building repair, horticultural duties, etc.
● Utilize the power of teamwork to give excellent service and guest experience.
● Know when to involve management.
● Inspire your team to succeed!
Key Responsibilities of the Seasonal Conservation Educator:
● Provide production assistance and and perform scripted presentations and adventures (i.e., running music, speaking at shows, contributing to a positive guest experience, ect.) (This makes up 60% of duties)
● Enhance the guest experience by initiating conversations, answering questions, and educating the public
● Enthusiastically deliver hands-on educational programming to audiences of all ages
● Assist in the daily care and enrichment of the animals in the Guest Engagement team’s collection (This makes up 20% of duties)
● Work to consistently improve knowledge of interpretation techniques and conservation education content
● Other duties as needed, including non-animal related tasks and cooperation with departments outside of animal care (maintenance, retail, amusements, etc.)
The above listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. They do not exclude other duties as assigned.
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Education and Pre-requisites
Experience:
● Preference will be given to applicants that have at least 3 months paid/unpaid internship experience.
● Must be comfortable with engaging guests, public speaking and professional writing
Education:
● Preference will be given to candidates who are pursuing an education in conservation, zoology, biology, animal science or related field.
Licensure/Certification:
● Must maintain a valid Alabama Driver’s License
Software Requirements:
● Proven competency in the application of Microsoft Office, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel computer programs is required.
Machinery/Tools/Equipment Requirements:
● Must have the ability to use mobile devices, computer, fax, scanner, phone and copy machine.
● Basic knowledge of hand tools is considered an asset.
Physical Requirements:
● Physically demanding work several hours a day.
● Sitting or standing, bending, stooping, and per OSHA regulations: Heavy work involving lifting no more than 75 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or varying of objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
● Constant adequate range of motion and mobility required.
● Visual acuity is required to read printed instructions and safety information, and to assess animal behavior.
● Ability to receive and convey detailed information through oral communication (in person and via telephone/radio), at normal speaking levels with or without correction is necessary to safely carry out this position.
Environmental/Working Conditions:
● Long hours are sometimes required including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
● Ability to do physical labor, often in tropical heat or other inclement weather is required.
● Ability to work under and handle stress in an appropriate manner required.
● Ensure that off-exhibit areas are maintained in a clean, organized, and safe fashion.
● Candidates must be able to work effectively with minimal supervision and approach all encounters with employees and guests in a friendly, service-oriented manner.
● Exposure to disinfectants and other chemicals, zoonotic diseases, animal bites and other animal-related injuries may occur in the normal course of duty.
● Candidates must assist with pest control for their section.
Personal Attributes: Strong interpersonal skills; ability to communicate well with a wide variety of people. High attention to detail. Commitment to continually making the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo a better place for its animals, its staff, and its guests.
Hours:
This is a seasonal 40 hour per week position. The position typically lasts through late September or early October depending on guest attendance. Working hours for this position are currently 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM and are not flexible. All animal care staff may be required to work weekdays, weekends, and holidays, as well as occasional after-hours events.
Drug Screening:
Applicants must consent to drug screening within 48 hours of being offered a position
Compensation and benefits
Seasonal Conservation Education- Specialist $10 per hour- temporary through Sept.
Application instructions
Applicants are instructed to apply on Indeed.com by entering Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo into the search bar or they can send resumes and cover letters directly to humanresources@algulfcoastzoo.org.