POSITION INFORMATION
Interpreters create meaningful connections between guests and the animals and conservation stories of Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. They deliver a variety of highly engaging, informal educational opportunities for guests that convey Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium's animal and conservation messages.
 
Interpreters are part of the Conservation Engagement Department and work in a collaborative team with adult and youth volunteers as well as staff from many other departments.
 
We're looking for individuals with great people skills (especially with children!), able to work as part of a team and independently, are energetic, flexible, creative, with a positive sense of humor and a passion for the environment!

[NOTE: this is not an animal handling position.] 

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to conform to the following:

• Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
• Interact professionally with other employees, customers and suppliers.
• Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
• Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
• Observe applicable safety requirements, use safety equipment provided, implement appropriate safety practices at all times and report immediately any unsafe working conditions or hazards.

Essential Duties

• Initiate interactions with guests through interactive activities, interpretive chats, and scheduled presentations.
• Use available props, animal artifacts/biofacts, and exhibit elements in combination with interpretive training to share Zoo messages with guests in an engaging and accurate manner.
• Encourage, inspire, and motivate guests to take on conservation actions in their daily lives.
• Oversee guest/animal interactions at Stingray Cove, Tidal Touch Zone, and Budgie exhibits including demonstration of proper touching or feeding techniques as well as conveying conservation messages.
• Maintain a safe and enjoyable experience as a Theater Host during live animals shows at the Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater by providing kind and gentle direction to audience members.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience working with children required; experience working in an educational setting preferred.
• Must have well-developed interpretive skills, ability to engage the public, and knowledge of current conservation issues.
• Must have a desire to work with large groups of adults and children, especially children ages 4-13, with enjoyment, enthusiasm, patience, and a sense of fun.
• Must have excellent customer service skills.
• Must exhibit consistent professional characteristics such as a positive attitude, ability to show initiative, emotional maturity and self-responsibility.
• Have or working toward a degree in the natural sciences, education, or related field preferred.
• Ability to work as a team member with Zoo staff, adult and youth volunteers.
• Able to commit to upholding all Zoo safety and personnel policies, and support the overall mission.
• Flexible schedule as weekend, holiday, and some evening work are required.
• At least 18 years old with reliable transportation.