Conservation Interpreter I

Virginia-Zoological-Society-; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

The Virginia Zoo in Norfolk, Virginia is seeking an energetic team member to lead daily informal programming and engaging experiences for guests across our exhibits and events.

You will design interpretive activities, work with volunteers, track interactions, and help ensure safety and adherence to animal handling policies while maintaining certifications. Weekend availability and vaccination requirements apply.

Qualifications

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, customer service, and presentation abilities.
• Proven organizational, time management, and task-prioritization skills.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving capability.
• Ability to engage and speak to large groups for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Conduct daily informal programming and guest engagement through interpretation programs.
• Prepare, setup, execute and cleanup of informal guest experiences.
• Engage guests during special conservation events and birthday parties.
• Design interpretive activities and programming.
• Collaborate with volunteers in training and interpretation.
• Collect and report data on guest interactions and program attendance.
• Follow Animal Ambassador protocols and maintain animal handling certification.
• Support animal husbandry tasks as needed.

Skills

Verbal & written comms

Interpersonal & customer service

Public speaking to groups

Organizational & time mgmt

Policy adherence

MS Office proficiency

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

Mission & Values

The Virginia Zoo, founded in 1901 and located in Norfolk, Virginia, is home to more than 700 animals representing over 150 species across 53 acres of outdoor habitats, the World of Reptiles, classrooms, and guest amenities. The Zoo is committed to inspiring our community to take action to save the world’s wildlife and their ecosystems. Our vision is a world where everyone values wildlife and the environment.

We prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of every animal in our care. We empower our community to protect wildlife and ecosystems locally and globally. We create meaningful experiences that inspire curiosity, learning, and stewardship. We uphold ethical standards in all operations, partnerships, and interactions. We foster a welcoming environment where diverse perspectives strengthen our mission. We work together—staff, volunteers, city partners, and community to advance shared goals.

Position Summary

• Conduct daily informal programming and guest engagement through various interpretation programs. Includes but not limited to educator chats, animal encounters, early childhood programs, interpretation at exhibits, veterinary procedures and community science projects.
• Contribute to the preparation, setup, execution and cleanup of informal guest experiences.
• Conduct conservation engagement activities during special events held at the zoo.
• Contribute to the designing of interpretive activities and programming.
• Maintain guest engagement and personal calendars.
• Work with adult and teen zoo volunteers in activities, training, and interpretation.
• Collect and report data on guest interactions, conservation engagement program attendance, and biofact usage.
• Follow all protocols set by the Animal Ambassador team to safely and independently handle and transport animal ambassadors.
• Maintain current animal handling certification through on-going practice and training.
• Animal Ambassadors include invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and small mammals.
• Safely and independently handle Animal Ambassadors for zoo birthday parties and conservation engagement programs.
• Assist Animal Ambassador Team with animal husbandry as needed, including, but not limited to, cleaning habitats, preparing diets, feeding animals, and cleaning transports.
• Effectively follow policies and procedures related to programing, including but not limited to, scheduling, tracking, and documentation.
• Remain up to date on information regarding zoo animals and conservation using Mission Engagement Department resources to effectively deliver programs.
• Maintain conservation engagement resources as new information is added.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.

Minimum Qualifications

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal, customer service, and presentation abilities
• Proven organizational, time management, and task-prioritization skills
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving capability
• Ability to effectively engage and speak to large groups for extended periods
• Ability to follow policies, procedures, and supervisor directives
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software
• Confident, energetic, and self-motivated, with a commitment to delivering an outstanding guest experience
• Willingness to actively build knowledge of animals, sustainability, and conservation
• Availability to work at least one weekend day per week and some evenings for special events
• Ability to maintain a professional appearance, demeanor, and an inclusive mindset when interacting with coworkers and guests
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, including during extended periods of solo work

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with guest engagement/interpretation.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Prolonged periods of standing outside in all weather conditions talking to guests.
• Must be able to safely lift up to 50 pounds at times to pick up large tortoises.
• Must be able to safely pull carts of up to 75 pounds across the Zoo for distances up to a quarter mile.
• Able to work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions

Special Requirements

• Ability to pass a background check
• Must be fully vaccinated with Tdap
• 32 hrs/week - prefer Friday, Saturday, Monday, Wednesday - negotiable

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Virginia Zoo is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to

creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

ADA Accommodation Statement

The Virginia Zoo is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to ensure equal access to employment opportunities and the essential functions of each position. Applicants or employees who require accommodation may contact Human Resources to initiate an interactive process.