Education Interpreter (Variable)

Fort Wayne Zoo; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free Staff Membership

Concessions and retail discounts

Development opportunities

Appreciation programs

Job summary

Fort Wayne Zoo is hiring Education Interpreters for a seasonal, temporary position during the Zoo season. Interpreters engage guests, share species information, and support educational programs and special events. The role emphasizes guest service, safety, and collaboration within the Education Department.

The position requires a high school diploma or GED and preferred experience in hospitality, cultural attractions, or an educational setting. Flexible weekend/evening hours may be required.

Qualifications

• Ability to accurately convey scientific information to children and adults.
• Master key messages about species information and exhibits.
• Attend to guests one-on-one and speak to groups.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Engage guests of all ages and communicate key messages.
• Present clear interpretive messages to varied groups.
• Learn and share information on species and conservation efforts.
• Maintain habitats and assist with events and programs.
• Communicate with staff using radio systems.
• Represent the Zoo with a positive, guest-focused attitude.
• Support DEI and belonging initiatives within the team.

Skills

Guest engagement

Public speaking

Explain species information

Multi-age communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Experience in hospitality/attractions/education

Job description

Applications are being accepted for Education Interpreters to join the Fort Wayne Zoo team. This is a variable (temporary) position assigned for specific dates and duties during the Zoo season. The number of available positions and hours may vary throughout the Zoo season. All team members receive Team Member Perks such as a free Staff Membership, concessions and retail discounts, development opportunities, and appreciation programs.

Essential Functions And Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Actively seeks out interactions with guests of all ages, engaging with them and communicating key messages.
• Presents clear and engaging interpretive messages to guests of varying ages and varying group sizes.
• Learns and communicates key messages regarding species information, FAQs, and conservation efforts as well as opportunities for guests to support these conservation efforts.
• Embodies a positive attitude and welcoming presence to guests with the ability to field questions.
• Maintains the overall assigned habitat areas, including requirements to open and close the areas and keep the spaces clean and safe.
• Assists with special events and other educational programs as needed.
• Communicates with staff using radio systems.
• Maintains knowledge of Zoo facilities, programs, animals, and team members.
• Represents the Zoo in a positive manner by maintaining a positive attitude and delivering exceptional guest service.
• Serves as a team player in the Education Department by supporting the department’s goals.
• Supports the zoo's commitment to continued growth of diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and belonging for zoo team members, volunteers, guests, and supporters.
• Assists with special projects and helps other zoo team members as needed.
• Actively contributes to positive guest experiences.

Education And Experience

To perform this job successfully, an individual must have the following education and/or experience.

• High school diploma or GED is preferred.
• Experience in a hospitality, cultural attraction, or educational setting is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to accurately convey scientific information in a meaningful way to children and adults using a variety of interpretive techniques.
• Ability to master key messages and species information on a variety of exhibits.
• Ability to attend to guests one-on-one as well as speak publicly to a large group of guests.
• Strong verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Strong interest in education and conservation.
• Ability to work a highly flexible schedule as required to successfully perform the requirements and functions of the position, including required weekend, evening, holiday, and irregular hours.
• Ability to handle confidential information.
• Ability to understand and follow all safety regulations.
• Ability to track and manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Ability to arrive at work when scheduled and maintain a positive attendance record.
• Ability to serve as a goodwill ambassador, in every respect and at all times, for the Fort Wayne Zoological Society and the Fort Wayne Zoo in contacts with guests, partners, and the community.
• Ability to deal tactfully and politely with guest questions and misbehavior.
• Excellent communication skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships with team members, volunteers, partners, and the community.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to stand for extended periods of time in various weather conditions with or without accommodations.
• Ability to professionally and appropriately interact and communicate with others in person.
• Ability to regularly travel assigned areas several times per day and efficiently enter all assigned areas.
• Ability to properly lift and carry items up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to stand and sit for periods of time and to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Ability to perform focused work with close attention to detail.
• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors, with exposure to extreme temperatures and inclement weather conditions; the environment may include wet, icy, or muddy conditions.
• This position may include exposure to hazardous materials, fumes/odors, dirt, and dust; potentially dangerous or venomous animals; zoonotic diseases; noxious native plants; and native biting insects and arthropods.

This description is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.