Conservation Engagement Interpreter I: Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium - Part-time

About the DepartmentParks Tacoma is an independent park district in Pierce County, Washington, proudly accredited by both the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) & the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA). As a leader in promoting a healthy, sustainable community, Parks Tacoma manages a diverse range of facilities that provide our communities with exceptional recreational opportunities—from local neighborhood parks and scenic waterfront access to large regional attractions. Serving as both a vital community resource and a regional destination, Parks Tacoma plays a central role in enhancing quality of life throughout the area.


Our Mission: Awakening a connection to Wild Life with everyone in the Pacific Northwest.  Learn more 

Position Information - Conservation Engagement Interpreters deliver engaging, informal educational opportunities for guests that support Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium’s mission of awakening a connection to wildlife with everyone in the Pacific Northwest. Interpreters oversee guest interactions with marine invertebrates at the Tidal Touch Zone and Tropical Reef Aquarium touch experiences. This includes demonstration of proper touching as well as conveying empathy and conservation messages. Interpreters act as Theater Hosts during live animals shows at the Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater, maintaining a safe and enjoyable experience by providing kind and gentle direction to audience members.

We are looking for individuals with great people skills (especially with children!) who are able to work as part of a team and independently, are energetic, flexible, creative, with a positive sense of humor and a passion for the environment!

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.

Position Duties

• Initiate interactions with guests through interactive activities and interpretive conversations.  
• Provide an inclusive, welcoming, and accessible environment for all guests.
• Use available props and exhibit elements in combination with interpretive training to share animal and conservation messages with guests in an engaging and accurate manner.  
• Encourage, inspire, and motivate guests to take on conservation actions in their daily lives.  
• Oversee guest interactions with marine invertebrates at the Tidal Touch Zone and Tropical Reef Aquarium touch experiences, including demonstration of proper touching as well as conveying conservation messages. 
• Maintain a safe and enjoyable experience as a Theater Host during live animal shows at the Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater by providing kind and gentle direction to audience members.
• Assist with set-up and take-down of events and facilitating activities during events. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Education or equivalent experience in interpretation, natural sciences, education, or related field desired.
• Must have a desire to work with large groups of adults and children, especially children ages 4-13, with enjoyment, enthusiasm, patience, and a sense of fun.
• Must exhibit consistent professional characteristics such as a positive attitude, ability to show initiative, emotional maturity, and self-responsibility.
• Must be customer service oriented.
• Ability to work as a team member with Zoo staff, adult and youth volunteers.
• At least 18 years old with reliable transportation.

 Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with children
• Public speaking and/or performance experience 
• Ability to speak multiple languages

Other Qualifications

Physical Demands:

• Navigate across steep and uneven, paved surfaces throughout zoo grounds. 
• Perform duties in indoor and outdoor environments in a variety of weather conditions.
• Audibly exchange accurate information with guests and staff and communicate via a two-way radio.

The successful candidate for this position will have a personality and attitude that fosters a friendly environment by proactively engaging our guests. If you feel passionate about our efforts and believe that you have the skills to contribute to the growth of our organization, we want to hear from you!

We recognize the historical and ongoing exclusion of diverse voices in conservation, particularly impacting under-resourced groups including people of color, individuals from working-class backgrounds, people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA communities. Therefore, we actively welcome applications from individuals with these identities or those belonging to under-resourced communities.
 
Schedule Information:

• This is a part-time position that will work 3-4 days per week for a total of 21-29 hours per week. 
• The Zoo is open daily April-September, and Thursday-Monday October-March.
• Must be able to work Saturdays and Sundays, including holidays such as Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, and Labor Day.
• The first day of work will be April 15th. The end date is flexible between September 8th and October. Year-round positions may be available at the conclusion of this position and can be discussed with the supervisor. 

Orientation & Training

This position has a set orientation and training schedule. Candidates must be able to attend all of the trainings. Trainings are paid (training topics are subject to change).

       

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 .

Employment is subject to a national background check.
This position is an at-will position with no written or implied contractual agreement.