Zoo Engagement Program Manager

Position Title: Zoo Engagement Program Manager 

Department: Learning & Engagement

Reports To: Director of Engagement 

Location: Audubon Zoo

Position Type: Full-time

Who We Are 

Audubon Nature Institute comprises Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium, Audubon Insectarium, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species, Woldenberg Riverfront Park, and Audubon Wilderness Park

At Audubon Nature Institute, we are more than a collection of parks, museums, and conservation centers—we are a dedicated team with a shared mission to celebrate, protect, and connect people to the wonders of nature. Our work is guided by our culture code, which is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in Activating Impact by integrating tangible, real-world outcomes into all our initiatives, fostering a culture where every action contributes to a positive environmental impact. We are committed to Empowering Optimism, using positivity to inspire others to act and believe in their capacity to create meaningful change. We strive to Create Connection by engaging with people from all walks of life, knowing that the collective strength of a diverse community can address the most pressing challenges facing our natural world. At Audubon, we embody the spirit of Le Bon Temps, infusing the joy and vibrant culture of Louisiana into our everyday work, celebrating our unique heritage while advancing our mission. As Leaders of the Pack, we constantly seek smarter, innovative solutions, challenging conventions to drive the change we want to see in the world.

What You’ll Do (Summary of role)

The Guest Engagement Manager (“Manger”) is a key member of the Learning & Engagement (L&E) Team and is responsible for the management and development of guest facing interpretive programing and staff at the Audubon Zoo. The scope of this programming includes live exhibit interpretation, chats, Ambassador Animal encounters, interpretation stations, behind-the-scenes and facility tours, community outreach, and special event programming.  The Supervisor is responsible for ensuring a high level of welfare for all animal ambassadors used in programming. This position will work in partnership with the L&E Ambassador Animal team to ensure the best practices in animal ambassador presentation and training are maintained by all who facilitate animal encounters.   

The main responsibilities of this position are hiring, scheduling, training, and supervision of Zoo Engagement staff, interns, and volunteers; managing and implementing on-site engagements, assuring guest and animal safety procedures are followed; overseeing Ambassador animal handling and presentations; working cooperatively with animal care and operational staff to maximize the guest experience; and evaluating and developing Zoo Engagement staff, interns, volunteers, and programming.  The Manager may be called upon as a leader to provide general operational support for the Zoo as needed.  

As a leader on the L&E team, the Manager participates in strategic and financial planning, effective resource management, proactive communication both internally and externally, and promotes appropriate professional development opportunities for the entire team.  

As a member of the L&E Department, this position will participate in and support a variety of Learning and Volunteer programming as necessary. The Manager will support the needs of Audubon Nature Institute and its various facilities as required.

Day to Day Responsibilities 

•    Supervising, scheduling, training, evaluating and coaching Zoo Engagement supervisors, coordinators, specialists, interns, and volunteers at Audubon Zoo

•    Recruiting, interviewing, hiring and onboarding Zoo Engagement staff, interns and volunteers with the support of the Director of Engagement

•    Working with L&E leadership to develop and implement a comprehensive evaluation plan for all programs 

•    Developing and implementing multi-faceted training and support resources for guest engagement staff, interns, and volunteers

•    Working directly and cooperatively with animal care teams in all aspects of interpretive programming collaboration, animal welfare and animal handling

•    Preparing for all programs by training staff and volunteers, maintaining inventory of supplies, and securing all physical space, as needed 

•    Conducting analysis of programming and the changing needs of audiences to update programs as needed

•    Serving as a model for professional behavior, display courtesy, tact, discretion, good judgement, consideration, and respect 

•    Actively collaborating with Marketing, Development, Membership, Special Events, and Animal Care teams to support non-routine special events

•    Actively seeking up-to-date information on informal educational methodologies and trends

•    Actively seeking out and participating in professional development opportunities as approved by supervisor.

Additional/Overall Skills:

•    Maintain a positive attitude and a strong sense of accountability, fostering a collaborative team environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute.

•    Thrive in a team environment, using your organizational and technical skills to ensure the smooth execution of creative projects that resonate with our audience.

•    Celebrate the successes of your team and bring enthusiasm to your work, reflecting the joyful culture that is at the heart of Audubon’s mission.

•    Stay adaptable and open to learning new skills, embracing change and innovation as opportunities to lead and grow.

•    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.

What We’re Looking For

Must Haves:

•    5 years working experience in an informal learning environment and demonstrated experience working in animal encounters and naturalist chats

•    Experience in developing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs tailored to diverse audiences

•    Proven leadership experience of a large team 

•    Bachelor’s degree required in Education, Biology, Zoology, Communications, Ecology, Environmental Education or other related field, and/or equivalent work experience.

•    Demonstrated experience in effective management and communication with youth and adults from diverse backgrounds

•    Experience handling animals or ability to learn to handle animals  that may include reptiles, birds, mammals, and invertebrates. 

•    Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines effectively

•    Exemplary presentation and oral communication skills

•    Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, for program coordination and communication

•    Must be able to work holidays, weekend and occasional after hour events.

•    Must have a valid, state-issued driver’s license. 

Nice-to-Haves:

•    Experience in an AZA institution and familiarity with AZA standards 

•    Experience working with Ambassador Animal programming  

•    Experience working with or overseeing volunteers 

•    Extensive knowledge of wildlife biology and conservation 

•    Experience working with program accessibility and inclusion 

•    Experience with BioFact collections management

•    Certified Interpretive Guide certification or equivalent credential

Physical Requirements

•    Physical Demands:

o    Ability to stand and walk for up to 2/3 of the day.

o    Ability to pass annual TB tests.

o    Ability to lift and carry objects up to 20 pounds.

o    Must be able to reach above shoulder level, stoop and squat to retrieve kennels and animals, which also may require stepping on stools.

o    Ability to perceive visual, odor, or behavioral changes in animals to determine changes in animals’ stress level or general wellbeing. Must have excellent peripheral vision, depth perception, and quick motor response for animal and audience control during presentations.

o    Ability to speak loudly to crowds in a variety of situations included moderate to loud crowds. 

o    Frequent use of hands and arms to operate office equipment and manual tools.

o    Visual ability to read, write, and operate standard office machinery.

•    Environmental Conditions:

o    May be exposed to high, medium, or low noise intensity

o    Works effectively in a moderately noisy office

o    Constant contact with co-workers required

o    Exposure to fluctuations in temperature is required

o    Exposure to extreme heat and outdoor conditions is required