Interpretive Ambassador (Bilingual Candidate Fluent in Spanish) Temporary. Part-Time

As part of the Society’s Zoo University and Ambassador Programs, this position will use a hybrid of animal care, educational, conservation and public speaking opportunities to support the mission of the San Francisco Zoo to connect people with wildlife, inspire caring for nature, and advance conservation action primarily through revenue producing programs and mixes animal care with public connection.

INTERPRETIVE AMBASSADOR-SALARY:    $18.00 PER HOUR.

The San Francisco Zoological Society (“Society”) is a non-profit institution that manages and raises funds for San Francisco Zoo and Gardens (“Zoo”).  The Society’s mission, supra, is summarized as the 3 c’s: to connect our visitors with wildlife so that they care about nature and ultimately conserve it.  The Society’s leadership team is comprised of a President & Executive Director as well as a professional team of Senior Managers. The Society endeavors to meet or exceed the standards of its industry peers, including those established by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (“AZA”). For over 25 years, the Society has been continuously accredited by the AZA.

Upholds the Society’s mission, core values and other policies/procedure outlined in the Employee Handbook and elsewhere.

The primary responsibilities of the incumbent(s) are to assist Youth Engagement Instructor in the spring youth engagement education and conservation programs and any and all activities related to the Zoo’s on-going Diversity, Equity, Access & Inclusion (DEAI) initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1.      Assists Youth Engagement Instructor in youth engagement education and conservation program and Zoo’s DEAI activities.

2.      Public interpretation throughout the Zoo, especially at animal exhibits, presentations, tours and shows.

3.      Uses excellent oral and written communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a high performing team.

4.      Interacts with Zoo guests in a polite and courteous manner at all times.

5.      Responsible for the safety of program participants and able to assist with emergencies if necessary.

6.      May lead VIP Tours, events and presentations.

7.      May conduct visitor exit surveys as directed.

8.      Other duties may be assigned or required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to carry out each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

QUALIFICATIONS:  The ideal candidates for the position will possess a high school diploma or equivalent.  A candidate that has completed some coursework in biology, zoology, ecology, education, or a related area is preferred. The candidate should have a basic understanding of conservation and wildlife issues, excellent public speaking skills and customer service skills, a positive outlook, and be calm under pressure. The candidate must have good organizational skills and exceptional people skills, including the ability to communicate well with zoo visitors of all ages.

EDUCATION: High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required. Undergraduate degree or pursuing a degree preferred; coursework in education, environmental education, biology, zoology, and/or theatre is ideal.

EXPERIENCE: Bilingual candidate who is fluent in Spanish.  Public speaking and interpretation. Experience working with youth (all ages) and adults with enthusiasm and passion for sharing information about animals. Previous presentation, theatre, entertainment, and or teaching experience is desirable.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS: Minimum age requirement is 18 years.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to sit, reach with hands and arms, and climb or balance. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions including inclement weather.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to potentially hazardous animals.

APPLICATION: Please apply via our web site at www.sfzoo.org. Please attach a cover letter with your resume detailing your experience as it relates to this position.

How to apply:

Please apply via our web site at www.sfzoo.org. Please attach a cover letter with your resume detailing your experience as it relates to this position.