Prospect Park Zoo

Temporary/Seasonal

PPZ-EDUCATION

Job Title: PPZ Visitor Engagement Associate
Location: Prospect Park Zoo
Department: Education
Reports to: Coordinator of Live Interpretation
Type: Temporary/Seasonal
Pay rate: $20/hour
Schedule: 3-4 days per week, 10:00a-4:30p; Must be able to work a combination of weekdays and weekends, holidays and special events.

POSITION SUMMARY
You will work in a seasonal part-time position for the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) as a valued member of the Education Department at the Prospect Park Zoo and report to the Coordinator of Live Interpretation. You will educate thousands of zoo visitors by leading engaging activities and giving talks at exhibits throughout the zoo.

Visitor Engagement Associates will utilize educational techniques to help connect our visitors (both in small and large groups) to our animals, conservation programs, and the WCS mission. 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

• Facilitate engagement activities, utilizing interpretive techniques and the arts (singing, narration, storytelling).
• Facilitate public chats and narrations for small and large crowds at a variety of zoo exhibits
• Learn, memorize, and perform a selection of short, engaging, theatrical sing-alongs at various times throughout each day.
• Work alongside fellow Visitor Engagement Associates and volunteers to model and participate in parallel, open-ended play with children, families, and school groups throughout the zoo.
• Provide visitors with a memorable and positive experience by demonstrating the best possible customer service at all times.
• Work closely with members of staff to ensure that interpretive stations/locations are well staffed, well stocked, well maintained, and safe for guests at all times.
• Teach visitors to make connections between animal 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.
• Assist with special early morning and evening events, and other Education department programming as needed (this may include members events, birthday parties and summer camp).

EDUCATION
Minimum

• You are a high school graduate that has a strong interest and/or background in environmental science, theater, and/or education.

Preferred

• You are in pursuit of or have recently completed a college degree at the undergraduate or graduate level. Those with a background in education, early childhood development, psychology, and/or environmental science are encouraged. A background and/or experience in the theatrical/performance arts is preferred.

OTHER SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Applicants must be a minimum of 18 years of age at the time the application is submitted.
• You have worked with young children or groups in formal or informal learning environments.
• You enjoy being imaginative & connecting with nature and sharing that experience with others.
• You have the ability to remain patient, even in a busy, high-energy environment.
• You have a high level of self-motivation; you are reliable, flexible and accountable.
• You have excellent customer service skills and are friendly and outgoing.
• You have the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Bilingual (in any language) skills are a plus.

PERKS

• Access for employees to visit WCS Zoos & Aquarium on days off with their staff ID.
• Courtesy guest tickets after 45 days of employment in good standing to visit WCS Zoos & Aquarium.
• Employee discounts on food, merchandise, and programs.

$20/hour