Seasonal Conservation Education Keeper

The Seasonal Conservation Education Specialist at Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo engages guests through presentations and animal adventures, assists in animal care, and enhances guest experiences. This entry-level position requires public speaking, teamwork, and a positive attitude. Preference is given to candidates with experience in conservation or related fields. The role is physically demanding and requires working in various weather conditions, including evenings and weekends.
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.

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.

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.

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.

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: $12.00 per hour

Schedule:
• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person