Guest Engagement Educator (Part Time)

Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium; Kansas City (KS); On-site; USD 19,000 - 27,000; Part time

Job summary

The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is seeking a part-time Guest Engagement Educator to deliver educational content to guests at animal encounter opportunities across the Zoo, including touch pools and feedings. This role supports inclusive, memorable onsite experiences and requires a flexible schedule that includes weekends, evenings and holidays, with a maximum of 29 hours per week.

Candidates should have a high school diploma (or GED) and strong presentation and communication skills; starting pay

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Experience in informal education or interpretation is welcomed.
• Strong communication and presentation abilities are essential.

Responsibilities

• Engage guests by initiating conversations and answering questions about animals.
• Deliver educational content through various forms of interpretation for diverse audiences.
• Communicate conservation messages and maintain safety during encounters.
• Participate in program development and support exhibit operations as needed.

Skills

Presentation skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Computer skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

MS Office

Job description

GUEST ENGAGEMENT EDUCATOR (PART TIME)

DEPARTMENT Conservation/Education

CLASSIFICATION Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO Animal Engagement Supervisor

STARTING PAY $16.50/hour

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

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.

POSITION DUTIES & ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Guest Engagement and Interpretation

• 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.

*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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. EDUCATION & FORMAL TRAINING:
   
   
   
   1. High school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate
   
   


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


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

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