Job Title: Queens Zoo Visitor Engagement Associate Location: Queens Zoo Department: Education Reports to: Volunteer & Visitor Engagement Coordinator
Type: Temporary/Seasonal
Pay rate: $20 per hour
Schedule:
● 13-35 hours per week, 2-5 days/week; Shifts fall between 10am-5:30pm with some variation depending on programmatic need.
● **Must be able to work a combination of weekdays and weekends, holidays, and various morning and/or evening events as needed.
POSITION SUMMARY You will work part-time for the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) as a valued team member of the Education Department. You will report to the Coordinator of Volunteers and Visitor Engagement and will work closely with other management in the QZ Education Department. You will reach thousands of members of the public primarily by facilitating exhibit based learning experiences. You will also support special events and help visitors understand the flow of the zoo and how to safely enjoy exhibits. This is a great opportunity for those interested in exciting the public about science and conservation, as well as those seeking hands-on experience in informal environmental education, live interpretation, and museum studies.
WHO WE ARE WCS saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature. To achieve this, we harness the power of our Global Conservation Program in nearly 60 nations, in all the world’s oceans, and our five wildlife parks in New York City - Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and New York Aquarium - visited by 4 million people annually. We combine our expertise in the field, zoos, and aquarium to achieve our conservation mission. WCS Education is a pioneer in zoo-based learning, inspiring over 1.5 million people each year across New York City. Since 1929, we have been at the forefront of science education, fostering the next generation of conservation advocates by creating meaningful connections to wildlife and nature. We provide innovative, high-quality learning experiences that empower individuals to care for and protect the natural world.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
● Learn and apply best practices for delivering interpretive experiences.
● At exhibits, lead engaging presentations for guests about animals within our collection and conservation efforts led by WCS (small and large groups; approximately 5-100 people).
● Provide visitors with a memorable and positive experience by demonstrating the best possible customer service at all times.
● Establish and maintain positive, cooperative, and effective working relations with staff and volunteers
● Support admissions and visitor services to provide a friendly face at points in the park that need extra attention on any given day.
● Teach visitors to make connections between zoo exhibits, wildlife conservation, & their daily lives.
● Participate in the upkeep of a safe, fun, and lively learning environment for all visitors and staff by providing and accepting feedback.
● Daily cleaning and upkeep of interpretive equipment as needed.
● Support education programs for youth (including summer camp) and adult (professional development/teacher training) as needed.
● Assist with special early morning and evening events, as needed.
● Survey guests and collect data for education based research projects.