Wild about nature? Is it always a good day to play outside? Do wonders inspire you under the sun? Ready to get your hands dirty? As a Part-Time Interpreter: Nature Play, you will lead children's play within San Antonio Zoo's Kronkosky's Tiny Tot Nature Spot. This imaginative exhibit engages young children in the natural world. Nature Play Interpreters encourage nature exploration, outdoor play, and wild activities. Do you want to be part of a dynamic nonprofit organization that focuses on educating young minds and securing a future for wildlife? If so, please read on!

Fun perks include discounts on entry, food, and merchandise! If this sounds like your dream to use your knowledge and skills to be part of an organization sharing our passion for animal care, education, and conservation, apply today!

A DAY IN THE LIFE AS AN INTERPRETER: NATURE PLAY

As an Interpreter: Nature Play, you will lead nature-based children's play within San Antonio Zoo's Kronkosky's Tiny Tot Nature Spot. This exhibit engages young children (ages birth to five) in the natural world. Nature Play Interpreters are responsible for performing various functions, including facilitating exhibit/nature exploration, leading outdoor play, developing, coordinating, and leading nature-based activities, presenting animals to the public, storytelling, and much, much more. The Nature Play Interpreter may also engage zoo guests throughout the zoo by supporting special events, exhibit encounters, and leading tours. The Nature Play Interpreter works in the Education Department and reports to the Guest Encounters Interpretation Manager.

You must be fully committed to San Antonio Zoo's mission to create awareness that inspires action to care for the wildlife we steward and animals we protect. You take pride in knowing your hard work is making a difference in wildlife conservation.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR INTERPRETER: NATURE PLAY

• Desire to plan, create, implement, promote, and evaluate early childhood education activities reflecting environmental themes
• Effective written and verbal communication skills preferred
• Desire to work outdoors with small children and their families in varying weather conditions, with multiple distractions
• Ability to relate effectively with the public, especially very young children as well as older adults
• Completed 48 college-level units and/or two years of college-level coursework in Education, Zoology, Biology, or a related field (or equivalent work experience)
• Willingness to work with animals: reptiles, amphibians, mammals, birds, and insects
• Experience working with children under 5; understanding of developmental stages and special needs of children in an informal learning environment
• A strong desire to share the wonders of the natural world with all audiences is required. I prefer individuals with experience in informal environmental education
• Energy, enthusiasm, and patience, along with a strong commitment to the importance of play in early childhood education
• Ability to communicate effectively on a microphone in English, presenting biological, historical, and conservation information in a professional and engaging manner
• Proficient in using Microsoft Word, Excel, and related programs
• Ability to remain calm under pressure
• Successful candidates must complete a pre-employment drug screening and background check.
• Must be able to work in varying climate and weather conditions (rain, snow, hot, or cold)

We enjoy year-round operation: all staff must be available day, nights, weekends, and occasional special after-hour assignments. Do you have the ability to work independently with minimal direction? Do you adhere to the highest ethical standards at all times? If so, then you might be perfect for this Interpreter Nature Play position!

WORK SCHEDULE

We are a year-round operation; this position requires a flexible schedule to work weekends, holidays, and occasionally after hours for special assignments.