Facility

Houston Zoo

Closing Date

Description

The ZooMobile Guide travels to schools and community events throughout the Houston area providing unique and educational experiences to a variety of audiences, including early childhood, school-age, college-age adults and families. The goal of ZooMobiles is to connect communities to the Houston Zoo through engaging programs, fascinating ambassador animals and passionate Zoo educators. Do you enjoy sharing stories and are you passionate about saving wildlife? If so, this just be might a perfect fit for you!
This is a part time position that averages 8-16 hours per week. Hours for each week will vary and could increase during the heavier months of March – August. Schedules are created 2-4 weeks in advance. This position requires considerable flexibility, a high level of enthusiasm, creativity, and the ability to work with groups of all ages in variable settings. ZooMobile Guides are responsible for handling multiple species of ambassador animals including, but not limited to, tarantulas, rabbits, owls and snakes. Must have a valid Texas issued Driver License at time of hire with clean motor vehicle report.
Job Duties
• Responsible for preparing and breaking down materials used in ZooMobile programs. Must be able to carry and/or lift up to 50 lbs.
• Responsible for conducting ZooMobile programs for groups and individuals of all ages to promote an understanding of and appreciation for the Houston Zoo and the natural world in a fun and exciting manner.
• Deliver ZooMobile programming at indoor and outdoor facilities throughout the community. When outdoors, exposure to changing weather conditions including heat, rain, and wind likely.
• Ability to handle a variety of situations, including those that may be complicated or challenging, with positivity and empathy.
• Must be able to interact positively with volunteers, be willing to teach and be supportive of all volunteers’ abilities.
• Establish and maintain a positive atmosphere to ensure the highest level of performance and guest service while enforcing and complying with safety procedures and guidelines.
• Provide world class service to guests and team members.
• Will handle live animals for programs and activities. (Training provided)
• Handle and care for ambassador animals with respect and in accordance with AZA standards.
• Driving Zoo vehicle (car, SUV or van) to outreach location throughout the greater Houston area.

Education and Pre-requisites

• Ability to work a varied schedule to include weekdays, weekends, evenings and holidays
• Ability to work a minimum of two ZooMobiles programs per week
• Minimum of 6 months’ relevant work experience with children is required
• Experience in an informal setting is preferred
• Experience working with adult volunteers preferred
• Experience working with animals preferred
• Experience working independently and cooperatively with other educators in a positive, team-oriented environment
• Ability to communicate with all levels of management
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Excellent oral and written communications skills
• Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills
• First Aide certification (Training can be provided)

Compensation and benefits

ABOUT HOUSTON ZOO
The Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education! There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests. We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild.
Join the Houston Zoo and become a part of an organization that is focused on the preservation of wildlife and their habitats by combining conservation with education and promotion of sustainable livelihoods in the local communities.

Application instructions

Applicants can visit www.houstonzoo.org/careers to download an application
E-mail resume and completed application to careers@houstonzoo.org
Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer