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.

As Interpretive Programs Assistant (Temporary/Seasonal) you will be engaging guests and providing informative and innovative education to increase guests' appreciation of animals and nature while providing an excellent guest experience. The basic function of this position is to primarily focus on, but not be limited to, connecting guests with wildlife and nature through close-up animal encounters and presentations.

In this position you will narrate daily the Dolphin's In Action presentations; engage Zoo guests in celebrating animals and nature by providing all guests with the opportunity to have a quality, close-up encounter with, but not limited to, a variety of domestic and exotic animals; and participate in outreach events off zoo grounds. Furthermore, you will assist the Interpretive Programs Supervisor in the daily supervision, scheduling, coaching and mentoring of Seasonal Roving Naturalist staff; offer interpretive presentations such as daily Zoo Chats throughout the Zoo as needed; and, assist the Interpretive Programs supervisory staff in developing presentations and social media projects.

Position Requirements and Specifications
The requirements for the position include the following:

• Minimum two years of college required, with coursework in life sciences preferred or an equivalent combination of training and/or work experience in an informal educational setting, ideally at a zoo, aquarium, or nature
  center providing quality interpretive experiences.


• Minimum one year experience in the Society's Roving Naturalist program or equivalent work experience in an informal educational setting presenting animals required.


• Minimum six months experience performing animal presentations.


• Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills required.


• Must be comfortable speaking in front of the public and using a microphone.


• Must be outgoing and able to work independently with little supervision.


• Must be willing and able to work with a variety of invertebrates, including arachnids, crustaceans and insects, as well as reptiles, amphibians, fish and a variety of domestic and exotic animals.


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


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

The desirable qualifications include:

• Minimum six months supervisory experience preferred, but not required.


• Large audience presentation experience preferred.


• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Additional Information:

Interpretive Program Assistants are assigned to work outdoors at a variety of locations along pathways and throughout the Zoo. Incumbent must have the ability to work evenings, weekends and holidays as needed. Local travel will be required.

Additional Information
This requisition is for a temporary/seasonal opening for 2016 with an anticipated start date of January 2016. Please continue to visit our website at czs.org/careers for additional opportunities.

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