Nature Engagement Guide - Northwest Trek Wildlife Park - Part-time

Based on our internal equity review process, the starting hourly wage for this position will be $18.13 per hour

Parks Tacoma is a CAPRA-accredited and AZA-accredited, independent park district that leads efforts to build a healthy, sustainable community, headquarters located in Tacoma, Washington. The system is comprised of many different park facilities that offer residents a variety of recreational opportunities. From waterfront access to local neighborhood parks to large regional facilities and attractions, the Parks Tacoma system is both a local community asset and regional destination.
 
OUR CORE VALUES  These eight core values will guide future decisions, business and operations, and the manner in which Parks Tacoma treats staff, customers and the community:
•Innovation •Excellence •Equity •Inclusiveness •Sustainability •Accountability •Safety •Fun

NORTHWEST TREK WILDLIFE PARK  Northwest Trek Wildlife Park is dedicated to conservation, education and recreation by displaying, interpreting, and researching native Northwest wildlife and their natural habitats. The 725-acre zoological park was established in 1975 and attracts over 200,000 visitors annually. It is nationally accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), which ensures rigorously high standards of animal welfare, veterinary care, conservation, education and more. Northwest Trek is operated by Parks Tacoma, the oldest independent park district in Washington. For more information, visit 

POSITION INFORMATION  Under the direction of Lead Naturalist, provide assistance in tram and tour station operations and nature engagement programs; develop and narrate tours and presentations related to park wildlife, plants and facilities; provide quality recreational and educational experiences to visitors.
In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to:

• Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
• Interact professionally with other employees, customers and suppliers.
• Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
• Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
• Observe applicable safety requirements, use safety equipment provided, implement appropriate safety practices at all times and report immediately any unsafe working conditions or hazards.

• Develop and present engaging and entertaining programs and experiences to the visiting public about native Northwest animals and plants.
• Narrate thematic nature engagement programming during multiple daily tram tours through a 435-acre free-roaming animal habitat.
• Operate a motor vehicle while leading or assisting with Wild Drive tours.
• Inspect and conduct thorough routine cleaning of the trams and facilities.
• Staff the Tram Tour Station.
• Engage with visitors at the Cheney Discovery Center, Baker Research Cabin, Education Program Carts and Core Area exhibits.
• Participate in special event related education activities and programs.
• Other duties as required.

• Education or equivalent experience in interpretation, natural sciences, education, or related field desired.
• Must have the desire to work with large groups of children and adults.
• Must have the ability to adapt to changing priorities.
• Must be customer service oriented.
• Must have a positive, cheerful and professional attitude.
• Must be able to speak and hear in order to communicate in person and via a two-way radio.
• Valid driver's license, with good driving record, required.

HOURS:
We will be conducting several hiring waves, with the first positions scheduled in February 2025.
Work schedules, hours and days per week may vary. 
Position will not exceed 1400 hours per calendar year.
Must be able to work weekends.

ENVIRONMENT:
Indoor and outdoor environment in a variety of weather conditions.
Extensive contact with the public.
Driving a vehicle and potentially a tram to conduct work.
May work in close contact with wild animals.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES:
Sitting for extended periods of time.
Lifting and carrying boxes as needed.
Walking throughout the park.
Reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally to clean the tram.
Bending, kneeling or crouching to clean the tram.
Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate controls of the tram.

HAZARDS:
Cleaning chemicals.
Operate a tram in extreme weather conditions.
Exposure to wild and/or dangerous animals.

PARKS TACOMA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation, disability or any other merit factor. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veterans, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.
 
Parks Tacoma employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
 
Parks Tacoma is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource (253) 305-1089 or angelas@tacomaparks.com.
 
Employment is subject to a national background check.
 
This position is an at-will position with no written or implied contractual agreement.