Interpreter

Description

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

Position Description

Position Title: Interpreter

Department: Education

Supervisor: Interpretation Manager/Historic Site Manager

Company Overview:

Nashville Zoo is dedicated to inspiring a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation, and leadership. With a diverse collection of animals and a commitment to wildlife preservation, we provide engaging experiences for visitors of all ages.

Position Description:

The Maintenance Mechanic is responsible for scheduled preventative maintenance and repair of all zoo trucks, vans, utility vehicles along with large and medium size mobile equipment. Work schedule may include early or late start times and working weekends and holidays as required for meeting the zoo’s operating needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as an on-grounds interpreter at various locations throughout the zoo, including but not limited to: Veterinary Center, Historic Croft Home and Farm, animal exhibits and other locations throughout Zoo grounds. This includes providing narration during surgical procedures and guided tours of the historic home.
• Designing and facilitate a variety of inspiring educational interactions including tours, experiences, classes, chats, etc.
• Engage with guests on a regular basis, providing excellent service to ensure a positive guest experience.
• Lead behind the scenes experiences and walking tours.
• Participate in interpretation and activities as a part of special events, including but not limited to: Boo at the Zoo, Zoolumination, Great Backyard Bird Count, Avian Awareness Day, Party for the Planet, World Tiger Day, and World Rhino Day
• Participate in regular training opportunities and stay up to date on Zoo related information and current interpretive best practice
• Perform regular cleaning and maintenance of interpretive elements including signage, electronic displays, historic furnishings and collections, outbuildings, and farm equipment.
• Serve as utility educator to teach other departmental programming when the schedule necessitates including other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Skills:

The successful candidate must have:

• Desire to work with and speak to the general public.
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal communication skills and be able to collaborate effectively with other zoo departments.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills to represent the zoo.
• Ability to work well independently without direct supervision.
• Excellent multitasking and time management ability
• Ability to respond to emergency situations calmly and follow protocols.

Desired Skills:

The following skills and experience are desired and are considered a plus:

• Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) or be willing to obtain certification as part of employment.
• Familiarity with technology relevant to use in a zoo education setting.
• Knowledge and experience with live animal education programming
• Prior experience in an interpreter role

Education/ Experience:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or GED equivalent.

Physical Responsibilities:

• Ability to work outdoors year-round, including in inclement weather.
• Ability to stand and walk for an extended period.
• Ability to climb, bend, stoop, crawl, kneel, twist, reach and extend themselves, etc., as required for assigned tasks. 

Work Schedule:

• Must be available to work any of seven days of the week.
• Must be available to work special needs or events that may occur outside of regular work schedule, including evenings, weekends, or holidays, as required. 

Pre-employment requirements:

• Nashville Zoo is an EEO Institution and a Drug Free Workplace.
• Candidates for this position must submit to a criminal background check and pass a drug test.
• Candidates for this position must submit to an annual Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) check.
• Candidates for this position are subject to pre-employment and annual Tuberculosis Screenings.

Qualifications

Salary : $15