Part-time Educator (On-Call Conservation Interpreter)

dallaszoo; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 16,531 - 24,796; Part time

Job summary

Dallas Zoo in Dallas, TX is seeking entry‑level interpreters to facilitate mission‑driven programming on and off campus. Two openings; interpreters engage audiences through education programming, interpretation and camps. Bilingual in English/Spanish is a plus. This is a variable hour position with a maximum of 29 hours per week, and must be available for evenings, weekends, and holidays.

This position concludes in late November.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in interpretation, biology, education, or conservation (preferred)
• Associate’s degree with two years interpretation/education experience (acceptable)
• Excellent presentation and public engagement skills required
• NAI certification preferred
• Excellent wildlife knowledge with scientific accuracy
• Flexible, energetic team player with creativity

Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging, mission‑driven experiences to inspire conservation action.
• Reinforce wildlife interest through age-appropriate, positive engagement with guests and participants.
• Interact with guests via interpretive presentations focusing on Dallas Zoo priorities.
• Assist in developing mission‑driven programming and updating records/reports.
• Assist with training volunteers and new Conservation Interpreters.
• Collaborate with zoo staff on media events, tours, and public relations projects.
• Follow safety protocols and participate in emergency procedures.
• Support beautification and maintenance of exhibits and grounds.

Skills

Public speaking

Bilingual English/Spanish

Audience engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in interpretation/biology/education/conservation

Associate’s degree + 2 years interpretation/education experience

Job description

Job Summary

This is an entry-level position responsible for facilitating mission‑driven programming on and off the Dallas Zoo campus. We have two openings for this position. Interpreters will actively engage audiences through education programming, including interpretation and camps. Interpreters must be comfortable interpreting any topic relevant to the zoo and wildlife conservation to a wide variety of audiences. Bilingual in English/Spanish is a plus! This is a variable hour position with a maximum of 29 hours per week, and must be available for evenings, weekends, and holidays.

This position concludes in late November.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging, mission‑driven experiences to inspire conservation action on behalf of wildlife.
• Reinforce and encourage interest in wildlife, in age‑appropriate, developmentally appropriate, positive engagement with zoo guests and program participants via programming focused on wildlife conservation and nature connections.
• Actively encourage interest in and empathy for wildlife through positive interaction with guests via interpretive presentations focused on Dallas Zoo conservation priorities.
• Assist in developing mission‑driven programming as assigned.
• Prepare and update records, reports, and surveys. Assist in research projects as necessary.
• Keep current on conservation issues, interpretive techniques, and conservation psychology/community‑based social marketing best practices.
• Perform general maintenance and repair of exhibits: painting, repair of bio‑facts, garden maintenance.
• Interact positively and professionally with Dallas Zoo staff and volunteers in accordance with the Zoo’s “Best Day Ever” guest engagement policy.
• Assist as new hire trainer for volunteers and interns as assigned; act as a trainer for new hire Conservation Interpreters as assigned.
• Collaborate with other zoo personnel as needed to meet the Dallas Zoo’s mission. This can include, but is not limited to, assisting and participating in media events, special tours, and public relations projects.
• Participate in and support zoo‑wide initiatives, committees, and work groups; understand and support Dallas Zoo’s Strategic and Master Plans and departmental goals.
• Follow all safety protocols and understand the position’s role in emergency procedures, responding to emergencies as required.
• Assist with the beautification of our park by removing trash and debris whenever you see it.
• Assist with and raise awareness for AZA SAFE programs and Dallas Zoo conservation efforts.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in any field related to interpretation, biology, education, or conservation plus one year of experience in interpretation or education related to science, natural history, outdoor, environmental, or related field is preferred; or an Associate’s degree in any field related to interpretation, biology, education, or conservation plus two years of interpretation experience.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish is a plus.
• Excellent presentation and public engagement skills required.
• Strong knowledge of best practices in interpretation required; National Association for Interpretation (NAI) certification preferred.
• Excellent natural history and wildlife conservation knowledge with attention to scientific accuracy.
• Must maintain a high level of enthusiasm, energy, and creativity while performing interpretive programs on a regular basis.
• Must be comfortable working with and handling live animals.
• Must be a flexible, efficient, self‑motivated team player, and solution‑oriented: finding creative solutions to complex challenges.
• Must be able to establish and maintain an effective rapport with all levels of management, employees, interns, volunteers, and zoo guests.
• Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, following instructions and documenting information appropriately.
• Ability to represent the Dallas Zoo in a professional manner at all times.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in emergency situations and to respond with appropriate action.
• Must be able to walk, stand, sit, kneel, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above head, pull bend, climb stairs and ladders and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to work holidays and weekends, both regular and irregular hours as required.
• Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance is an essential function of this position.
• Must be able to actively work outdoors in hot, cold, or inclement weather.
• Successful candidates must complete pre‑employment drug screening, background check, and TB test.
• Must have a valid driver’s license to operate zoo vehicles and reliable transportation.