Education Specialist - Interpretive Supervisor - ZOO

Department:  Zoo 

Pay:  $18.60 per hour  

Work Schedule:   

Sedgwick County offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees that includes health coverages, paid leave, regular compensation reviews, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.  For more detailed information, please visit our benefits page at SCBenefits.

The Interpretive Supervisor is responsible for hiring, on boarding, training, scheduling, and supervising the interpretive staff as well as hiring, onboarding and scheduling program staff to create an environment that provides unique, interactive, and educational experiences focusing on nature and conservation for Zoo visitors. This position promotes Sedgwick County Zoo by exhibiting and training staff to have a positive, unique, and memorable impact on guests and fellow employees.

Guest Experience

• Interact with guests to encourage positive animal encounters and nature play activities.
• Communicate with a variety of ages, learning levels, and abilities.
• Adjust delivery techniques and methods as needed to be most effective.
• Schedule and facilitate informal education events with approval from Interpretive Manager.
• Highlight conservation work and conservation value of breeds and species throughout the Zoo.

Team Supervisor

• Assist with developing informal interpretive presentations, including scope of content.
• Communicate with animal care staff and other subject matter experts to identify and develop new content opportunities.
• Train staff to present presentations, and provide regular feedback to staff on their interpretive techniques.
• Train and instruct staff in the proper methods and procedures of work for the area, including use of Zoo communication tools, protocol in emergency situations, and proper interpretive techniques.
• Ensure that staff schedules are posted in a timely manner, ensuring all areas, programs, and activities have appropriate staff assigned.
• Regularly update manager on staff performance or scheduling concerns.
• Train staff to appropriately correct behaviors of guests as needed to facilitate a positive and safe guest experience.
• Evaluate and update standard operating procedures for part-time interpretive staff.
• Plan, schedule, and assign work duties for part-time education staff.
• Ensure staff is cross-trained on all attraction areas.

Daily Operation

• Maintain physical presence in attraction areas to observe and mentor interpretive staff during daily operations and provide real time mentoring.
• Model appropriate techniques and behaviors in attraction areas.
• Assist with general facility upkeep, including cleaning graphics and railings, sweeping cement areas, cobweb removal, and raking up soiled animal substrate.
• Ensure participants’ safety by promoting all relevant Zoo policies, and maintaining a safe work environment.
• Replace supplies in the appropriate places and tidy all work areas.
• Monitor animals in attraction areas to ensure animals and guests remain safe, and return animals to habitat as needed using approved handling techniques.

Minimum Qualifications: Three years of experience in Interpretation, Outdoor Recreation, Conservation Management, Informal Education, or a related field. Up to two years of experience may be substituted with education that provides applicable knowledge and skills. Per Sedgwick County Policy, this is a driving level position that requires a valid US driver’s license without restrictions and current proof of automobile insurance.  Must have or obtain Certified Interpretive Host Trainer Certification through the National Association for Interpretation within 24 months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications: Three years of experience at an AZA Accredited Zoo or similar organization. One year of experience working with domestic animals, ambassador animals and/or exhibit animals. Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college university in Interpretation, Outdoor Recreation, Conservation Management, or related field. Certified Interpretive Guide.

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