Job Details | Interpretive Programs Assistant

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Chicago Zoological Society

Location: BrookfieldIL 60513 Document ID: AA256-08EJ Posted on: 2016-10-1310/13/2016 Job Type: Regular

Job Schedule:Full-time
2016-11-12
 

Interpretive Programs Assistant

Since the opening of Brookfield Zoo in 1934, the Chicago Zoological Society has had an international reputation for taking a cutting-edge role in animal care and conservation of the natural world. The Society is an active partner in wildlife protection programs around the world, including the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, the world's longest-running study of bottlenose dolphins, and the Punta San Juan Program, which supports the conservation and management of a marine protected area. We have pioneered the field of conservation psychology, the study of how people connect with animals and nature. We are able to reach so many audiences each year, including 2 million zoo guests engaged by unique exhibits and programs; some 250,000 schoolchildren, campers, and families who participate in award-winning science education programs; nearly 24,000 teachers who take part in our professional development workshops; and, diverse communities across Chicagoland. The animals at Brookfield Zoo are ambassadors to those in the wild. Through care and breeding and, in some cases, reintroduction to their natural habitat, we replenish nature many times over. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Brookfield Zoo provides state-of-the-art care through top-notch medical, husbandry, and nutrition programs to thousands of animals representing over 500 species. In fact, animal care technologies developed at Brookfield Zoo are employed in 165 countries.

The Interpretive Programs Assistant contributes to the success of the Chicago Zoological Society by engaging guests and providing informative and innovative education to increase guests' appreciation of animals and nature and to contribute to providing an excellent guest experience. This position also supports specific strategic CZS initiatives including social media and conservation-oriented projects. The basic function of this position is to primarily to narrate daily dolphin presentations, curate specific Conservation Leadership social media accounts, assist Interpretive Program Manager in the development and implementation of Communities and Nature conservation programs and connect guests with wildlife and nature through close-up animal encounters and presentations.

The successful candidate will be expected to:
  • Narrate daily the Dolphins In Action presentations. Provide interpretive presentations such as daily Zoo Chats throughout the Zoo as needed.
  • Create and implement daily content for the Candid Croc social media platforms, including but not limited to Twitter, Instagram and others as directed.
  • Engage in appropriate two-way social media communication with appropriate social media personalities. Track and respond to comments in addition to tracking social media statistics.
  • Assist Interpretive Programs Manager in developing a style guide for the use of a 1st person social media animal persona and other personas as they arise.
  • 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. Participate in off-site outreach events.
  • Assist the Interpretive Programs Supervisor in the daily mentoring, scheduling and coaching of seasonal Roving Naturalist staff and interns.
  • Assist the Interpretive Programs supervisory staff in developing presentations and social media projects.


Position Requirements and Specifications
The requirements include:
  • Minimum two years of college coursework in life sciences preferred or an equivalent combination of training and/or work experience in an informal educational setting, ideally in 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 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.
  • Experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
  • A valid driver's license is required on date of hire. If an Illinois resident, must possess a valid Illinois driver's license at the time of hire or must obtain one within 90 days of hire. A valid out-of-state driver's license is required at time of hire for out-of-state residents.
The preferred 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
The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Affirmative Action Employer - Minorities / Women / Veterans / Disabled.

The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer
     
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