Job Title: Wildlife Theater Performer Location: Bronx Zoo
Department: Education
Reports to: Manager of Live Interpretation

Type: Temporary/Seasonal

Pay rate: $21 per hour; returning performers are eligible for a higher hourly rate, which increases based on years of service, up to a maximum of three years.

Schedule:

• Duration of role: June 2025 through January 2026
• July & August: performances are primarily Friday - Sunday, and holidays
• September & October: performances are weekends, holidays, and additional Thursday - Sunday evenings
• November, December & January: performances are evenings throughout the week
• Typical shift length is 5-7 hours
• Holiday, weekend, evening, and occasional early morning availability required
• **Must be available for all rehearsal dates prior to the launch of each Wildlife Theater season. Rehearsals occur on select days throughout the weeks of 6/23 & 6/30 (summer) 9/15 & 9/22 (fall), 11/3 & 11/10 (winter).

POSITION SUMMARY The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is seeking talented performers to work in a part-time capacity as a valued member of the Education Department at the Bronx Zoo. Our Wildlife Theater program inspires participants to learn and care more about animals and the natural world through storytelling, original music and song, puppets, and dancing. You will reach thousands of zoo visitors through thematic wildlife-oriented performances and activities scheduled throughout the day. This is a great opportunity for those interested in exciting the public about science and conservation, as well as those seeking to practice hands-on applied theater techniques and learn more about informal environmental education, live interpretation, and museum studies. You will report to the Manager of Live Interpretation and work closely with the Coordinator of Live Interpretation and the Assistant Director of Live Interpretation. Bilingual actors with Spanish language fluency are strongly encouraged to apply.

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. Operating across all five WCS parks—Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and

the New York Aquarium—we provide innovative, high-quality learning experiences that empower individuals to care for and protect the natural world.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Attend rehearsal dates and learn multiple shows in a quick time period
• Perform short plays, songs and puppet shows for audiences in outdoor spaces across varying weather conditions
• Comfortable using puppets or willing and excited to learn how
• Setup and breakdown stage and sound equipment throughout the day
• Maintain sound equipment, props, costumes, puppets, and other materials
• Work with various teams across WCS including Business Services Dept, IT, Admissions, Guest Services, and other Education Dept. staff to ensure programming is high quality, effective, and safe
• Provide a friendly face in the park for visitors between performances, frontline customer service and offer wayfinding assistance
• Learn and implement interpretation best-practices to help visitors make connections between exhibits, wildlife conservation, and their daily lives
• Engage with other Live Interpretation initiatives, which may include puppeteering, assisting with special events, supporting related education programs
• Be comfortable performing songs and portions of performances in Spanish
• Participate in the upkeep of a fun and lively learning environmen

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Interested candidates should at minimum be working towards their Bachelors Degree, or be part of an acting conservatory program, and should have a strong interest and/or background in theater, communications, animal sciences and/or education
• OR have graduated from improv training programs (like UCB or The Pit)
• OR have 2 years experience as an actor/performer
• OR have presented live interpretive programs at a cultural organization
• You must have availability for the full employment period and be available on select days throughout weeks of 6/23, 6/30 , 9/15, 9/22, 11/3 & 11/10 for seasonal rehearsals to be considered for this position. These dates coincide with the start of each new Wildlife Theater programming season.

Preferred

• You are in pursuit of or have recently completed a college degree. Those with a background in education, theater, early childhood development, psychology, and/or environmental science are encouraged to apply.

OTHER SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

• You must be at least 18 years old at the time your application is submitted
• You have excellent customer service skills, and are friendly and outgoing
• You are a confident public speaker and have enthusiastic presentation skills
• You are comfortable and can remain motivated while working outside in different weather conditions
• You have a high level of self-motivation; you are reliable, flexible and accountable
• You enjoy being imaginative & connecting with nature and sharing that experience with others
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time and travel efficiently across long distances within the zoo
• You have the ability to work independently, as part of a team and across departments
• You have excellent verbal communication skills to help interpret science concepts in a fast paced learning environment
• You must have the ability to lift up to 20 lbs and stand and speak for long periods of time
• You are available for both daytime and evening shifts.
• Bilingual is a plus
• You have worked with children and/or the public in formal or informal learning environments
• You have worked with large groups and/or with learners of all ages
• You are reliable, flexible and accountable
• You are comfortable improvising and adjusting to changing circumstances
• You have enthusiastic presentation skills
• You have the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• You have a positive performance style

WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT

• We work in a fun environment, in a natural, park-like setting, surrounded by amazing wildlife
• We value team members and community partners from all backgrounds and cultures with different skills, abilities, and perspectives
• We ensure that everyone has an opportunity to fully contribute to our mission
• As a highly visible front line staff member, you may be video and/or audio recorded, photographed or otherwise documented by guests or the Wildlife Conservation, and your image may appear in WCS-related media
• You will be required to work most weekends and holidays, with few exceptions, throughout the employment period. Conflicts must be announced at the time of hiring

PERKS

• Opportunities to grow at WCS through enrichment opportunities, such as, a career exposure lunchtime series and a professional development workshop series
• Parking at the Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium with a staff permit
• 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
• And more!