Job Summary:
This is a seasonal entry-level position in the Guest Engagement division of our Animal Care department. We are looking for an individual with great people skills, a passion for animals and education, and an energetic, positive personality. The primary responsibility of this position is to engage with our guests while assisting with formal and informal animal presentations, as well as conducting animal adventures and experiences. They will also assist with the daily care of the team's animal ambassador collection- including species such as ringtail lemurs, sloths, armadillos, parrots, and tortoises. They will also assist with the giraffe feeding experience with guests. This position is expected to work well within a team and to enthusiastically deliver hands-on interpretative information to our guests. This is a temporary position that will last through mid-September.

Key Responsibilities of the Seasonal Conservation Education Keeper:

• Provide production assistance and and perform scripted presentations and adventures (i.e., running music, speaking at shows, contributing to a positive guest experience, ect.) (This makes up 60% of duties)
• Enhance the guest experience by initiating conversations, answering questions, and educating the public
• Enthusiastically deliver hands-on educational programming to audiences of all ages
• Assist in the daily care and enrichment of the animals in the Guest Engagement team’s collection (This makes up 20% of duties)
• Work to consistently improve knowledge of interpretation techniques and conservation education content
• Other duties as needed, including non-animal related tasks and cooperation with departments outside of animal care (maintenance, retail, amusements, etc.)

The above listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. They do not exclude other duties as assigned.

Experience:

• Preference will be given to applicants that have at least 3 months paid/unpaid internship experience.
• Must be comfortable with engaging guests, public speaking and professional writing

Education:

• Preference will be given to candidates who are pursuing an education in conservation, zoology, biology, animal science or related field.

Licensure/Certification:

• Must maintain a valid Alabama Driver’s License

Software Requirements:

• Proven competency in the application of Microsoft Office, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel computer programs is required.

Machinery/Tools/Equipment Requirements:

• Must have the ability to use mobile devices, computer, fax, scanner, phone and copy machine.
• Basic knowledge of hand tools is considered an asset.

Physical Requirements:

• Physically demanding work several hours a day.
• Sitting or standing, bending, stooping, and per OSHA regulations: Heavy work involving lifting no more than 75 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or varying of objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Constant adequate range of motion and mobility required.
• Visual acuity is required to read printed instructions and safety information, and to assess animal behavior.
• Ability to receive and convey detailed information through oral communication (in person and via telephone/radio), at normal speaking levels with or without correction is necessary to safely carry out this position.

Environmental/ Working Conditions:

• Long hours are sometimes required including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to do physical labor, often in tropical heat or other inclement weather is required.
• Ability to work under and handle stress in an appropriate manner required.
• Ensure that off-exhibit areas are maintained in a clean, organized, and safe fashion.
• Candidates must be able to work effectively with minimal supervision and approach all encounters with employees and guests in a friendly, service-oriented manner.
• Exposure to disinfectants and other chemicals, zoonotic diseases, animal bites and other animal-related injuries may occur in the normal course of duty.
• Candidates must assist with pest control for their section.

Personal Attributes:

Strong interpersonal skills; ability to communicate well with a wide variety of people. High attention to detail. Commitment to continually making the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo a better place for its animals, its staff, and its guests.

Job Type: Temporary

Pay: $12.00 per hour

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Holidays
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Relocate:

• Gulf Shores, AL 36542: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person