Guest Engagement Educator (Part Time)

$32,240 - $32,240/Yr

Kansas City Zoo - Kansas City, MO

Part-time - Entry Level

Kansas City, MO

Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions

About the position

The Guest Engagement Educator is a part-time position at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, primarily focused on delivering educational content to guests during their visits. This role is essential in creating a welcoming and inclusive educational environment through various interactive experiences, such as the Aquarium touch pools and goat habitat. The educator will engage with guests, fostering memorable encounters that enhance their understanding of animal welfare, conservation, and sustainability initiatives. This position requires a flexible schedule, including weekends, evenings, and holidays, and allows for a maximum of 29 hours of work per week. In this role, the educator will enhance the guest experience by initiating conversations, answering questions, and providing educational insights about the animals. They will implement inclusive teaching strategies and modify their interpretation styles to cater to diverse audiences, ensuring a successful learning experience for all. The educator must maintain a general understanding of the animal collection and conservation projects to effectively communicate appropriate messaging to guests. Active listening and a positive disposition are crucial during visitor interactions, as is the ability to work autonomously and make safety decisions during animal encounters. Additionally, the Guest Engagement Educator will assist education leadership in developing and enhancing educational programs, which includes resource gathering, administrative support, and improving their knowledge of animal welfare and science education techniques. The role may also involve performing other duties or special projects as assigned, contributing to the overall mission and strategic plan of the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium.

Responsibilities

• Enhance the guest experience by initiating conversations, answering questions, and educating about the animals.
• Implement inclusive teaching strategies and modify interpretation styles to provide a successful learning experience for all audiences.
• Work autonomously during animal and guest encounters, using best judgment to make safety decisions.
• Maintain a general understanding of the animal collection, conservation projects, and sustainability initiatives to communicate appropriate conservation messaging.
• Embrace a variety of teaching and learning styles as appropriate for each engagement.
• Maintain a positive disposition and practice active listening during visitor interactions.
• Assist education leadership in the development and enhancement of programs, including resource gathering and maintenance.
• Provide administrative support to education leadership.
• Work to consistently improve knowledge of animal welfare, interpretation techniques, and science education techniques.
• Assist in facilitating and implementing the Zoo and Aquarium's mission, strategic plan, and core values.

Requirements

• High school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate.
• Previous interpretation or other informal education experience preferred.
• Previous zoo, aquarium, or museum-related experience preferred.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office and audio-visual equipment.
• Strong presentation, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Must have or be able to obtain a negative TB test.
• Ability to move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without assistance.
• Willingness to be CPR/First-Aid certified.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and overnight/evening hours, in all weather extremes.
• Must pass a background and drug screening.

Benefits

• Starting pay of $15.50/hour
• Flexible scheduling including weekends, evenings, and holidays
• Opportunity to work in a dynamic educational environment
• Engagement with diverse audiences and animal encounters