Join in creating the adventure and inspiring conservation leadership!

As part of the Chicago Zoological Society's mission, we work each day to ensure that the conservation movement reaches out to and hears from every person and community at every income level and ability. Our beautiful park like setting has an amazing 216 acres of meticulously landscaped grounds, the Discovery Center and Pavilions provide indoor and outdoor event facilities, three major restaurants provide delicious food options, and there are over 20 different animal exhibits.

The Interpretive Programs Supervisor provides daily supervision to Interpretive Programs staff who educate guests, connect guests to wildlife and nature, and provide extraordinary guest experience. The Interpretive Programs Supervisor supervises the following positions: Interpretive Program Coordinator/Writer, Seasonal Senior Roving Naturalists, Seasonal Roving Naturalists, and Seasonal Assistant Roving Naturalists. The supervision includes but is not limited to: scheduling, job assignments, training and development, counseling, performance evaluations, and recognition; recommends salary adjustments, promotions, disciplinary action, separations and other employment actions as appropriate. This also includes supervision of interpretive programming institution-wide for quality and consistency, including evaluation of programs; provides coaching, direction, and instruction to designated staff to assure consistency of programs and to assure institutional quality standards and messages are maintained. Working closely with Animal Programs staff, the Interpretive Program Supervisor supervises Interpretive Programs, Roving Naturalists, and other assigned staff, to ensure they are appropriately trained on handling animals, particularly reptiles and invertebrates; supervises daily operations of the Critter Cart and/or other assigned animal ambassador interactions, ensuring animal welfare is maintained by checking daily weather patterns, including warm/cold temperatures and potential severe weather. (The Critter Cart is generally operated between Memorial Day and Labor Day Weekends.) In this position, you will also supervises staff who narrate public presentations e.g., daily Dolphins in Action Presentations, voice-overs, special events, and other programs; serves as narrator and voice-over artist when needed. Furthermore, you will design, plan, coordinate, deliver and/or source instructors, and evaluate interpretive training programs and coaching for paid staff; co-facilitate at least one Certified Interpretive Guide Workshop per year; and working collaboratively with Volunteer Engagement staff, assist Docent Program Coordinator with interpretive training programs and coaching for Docents (volunteer educators). You will design, plan, coordinate, deliver and/or source instructors, and evaluate public speaking training programs and coaching for paid staff. You will be responsible for operating audiovisual equipment/systems required for presentations; identifying any deficiencies in such systems and promptly alert supervisors; work closely with AV contractors on equipment and recordings; and will be responsible for the acquisition, editing, and recording of music for Dolphins in Action Presentations.

Position Requirements and Specifications

The requirements for this position include the following:

• Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Education, Ecology, Conservation/Wildlife Biology, Zoology, or related field, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Minimum two years relevant public speaking, museum theatre/educational program presentations, and/or show narration experience.

• Minimum two years supervisory experience.

• Certification as a Certified Interpretive Guide Instructor through NAI required on hire or within one year of attaining position.

• Exceptional public speaking, verbal communication, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to master scripts and effectively respond to any situation, including emergencies, during the course of a presentation.

• Experience handling variety of live animals during presentations.

• Must be able to maintain confidential information

• Experience working with audiovisual equipment such as all functions of a CD player including recording music, wireless microphones, and in-park communication radios.

• Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

• Experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.

• Valid driver's license required. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois license within 90 days of hire.

• This is a full-time, 40 hour per week, rotating schedule position. Must be available as needed for evenings, weekends and holidays.

The desirable qualifications include the following:

• Work experience in non-profit organization

• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Additional Information
The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer - Minorities / Women / Veterans / Disabled.