Guest Engagement Educator (Part Time)

Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium; Kansas City (KS); On-site; USD 18,752 - 26,708; Part time

Job summary

Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium seeks a part-time Guest Engagement Educator who will deliver engaging educational experiences to visitors. The ideal candidate should have a high school diploma and skills in education and animal engagement.

This role requires a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays, while maintaining a positive visitor interaction experience. Candidates with experience in informal education or related fields will be prioritized.

Qualifications

• Previous interpretation or informal education experience welcomed.
• Experience in zoo, aquarium, or museum settings.
• Ability to communicate conservation messages effectively.

Responsibilities

• Enhances guest experience through education and engagement.
• Maintains knowledge of animals and conservation projects.
• Works autonomously during animal encounters.

Skills

Strong presentation skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Strong computer skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Audio-visual equipment

Job description

Guest Engagement Educator (Part Time)

Position: Guest Engagement Educator. Department: Conservation/Education. Classification: Non-Exempt. Reports To: Animal Engagement Supervisor. Starting Pay: $16.50/hour.

The Guest Engagement Educator delivers educational content to our guests as they visit animal encounter opportunities throughout the Zoo. This position helps foster an inclusive and welcoming educational environment through various forms of positive, unique, and memorable onsite encounters such as the Aquarium touch pools, goat habitat, giraffe feedings, etc. This position will work a maximum of 29 hours per week and must be willing to work a flexible schedule that includes weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Enhances the guest experience by initiating conversations, answering questions, and educating about the animals.
• Implements inclusive teaching strategies, modifies interpretation styles, and incorporates learning models to provide a successful learning experience for all audiences.
• Showcases ability to work autonomously by pivoting during animal and guest encounters and using best judgement to make decisions regarding safety.
• Maintains a general understanding of the animal collection, conservation projects and sustainability initiatives to effectively communicate appropriate conservation messaging to audiences.
• Embraces a variety of teaching and learning styles as appropriate for each engagement.
• Maintains a positive disposition and practices active listening during visitor interactions.

95% Assists education leadership in the development and enhancement of programs, including:

• Resource gathering and maintenance.
• Administrative support.
• Working to consistently improve knowledge of animal welfare, interpretation techniques and science education techniques.
• Assists in facilitating and implementing the Zoo and Aquarium’s mission, strategic plan, and core values.

5% This position may at times be requested to perform other duties or special projects as assigned, which are in the best interest of the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Formal Training

• High school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate

Experience

• Previous interpretation or other informal education experience welcomed.
• Previous zoo, aquarium, or museum related experience welcomed.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office and audio-visual equipment.
• Strong presentation, verbal, and written communication skills.

Other Minimum Requirements

• Must have valid driver’s license.
• Can move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without assistance. Assistance depending upon task.
• Must be willing to become CPR/First-Aid certified.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays and overnight/evening hours, in all weather extremes.
• Must pass a background and drug screening.

All employees must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily and, upon request, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Please be aware that this position will consistently have exposure to nuts and shellfish.