Guest Engagement Fellow

Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo is a privately-managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year. Visit us at lpzoo.org. 

ABOUT THE GUEST ENGAGEMENT FELLOWSHIP 

• The Guest Engagement Fellowship program prepares emerging professionals for careers interpreting wildlife and nature.
• In this immersive program, Guest Engagement Fellows learn about efforts in care, conservation & science, and informal learning from zoo experts, and explore ways to meaningfully connect guests to these stories through a nationally recognized training and professionally supported practice on zoo grounds.  

WHY YOU WANT TO BE ONE OF OUR FELLOWS 

• Lincoln Park Zoo connects learners of all ages with nature and wildlife. Located in the heart of Chicago, we welcome over 3.5 million visitors annually.
• This program will prepare you to engage diverse learners in a variety of interpretive programs. As a Guest Engagement Fellow, you will learn new skills and improve upon already developed ones including public speaking, communication, critical thinking, and program development.
• You will also have the opportunity to gain a certificate as an Interpretive Guide through the National Association for Interpretation; Lincoln Park Zoo will provide this training and cover required fees.
• By the end of the program, you will possess the credentials needed to pursue a career in interpretation.  

For more information on CIG visit: 

• https://nai-us.org/interp/nai/_prof_development/cig.aspx?hkey=35e64264-5b58-4f62-9a87-a366d6580f3a 

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT 

• The Guest Engagement Fellowship Programs runs from March 3rd – November 8th, 2025. Shifts consist of four full workdays (including one regular weekend day) for a total of 25-30 hours per week.
• Guest Engagement Fellows are paid an hourly rate of $18/hour for the duration of the program. In this program, you will play an essential role on the Guest Engagement team.
• You will spend the majority of your time facilitating inspiring learning experiences and providing excellent guest service to all visitors by leading daily interpretive programs.
• For a few hours each week you will also participate in staff meetings and weekly professional development sessions focused on skills development, the fundamentals of interpretation, and essential zoo knowledge.
• The rest of your time will be spent completing an independent project. 

YOUR CORE RESPONSIBILITIES  
AS A GUEST ENGAGEMENT FELLOW 

• Communicate the zoo’s care, conservation & science, and community stories to zoo visitors using a microphone and in one-on-one conversations 
• Narrate animal care training demonstrations to large audiences of 50-300 people 
• Lead animal encounters such as Malott Family Penguin Encounters and co-lead various Farm in the Zoo care focused encounter programs. 
• Facilitate mobile learning stations using inquiry-based learning techniques  
• Use technology and biomaterials to engage visitors   
• Complete requirements for a Certificate of Interpretive Guiding (CIG) though the National Association for Interpretation 
• Complete an independent project that aligns with the zoo’s mission, vision, and learning framework 
• Participate in weekly professional development sessions  
• Assist with and deliver special event programming 

THIS PROGRAM MIGHT BE RIGHT FOR YOU IF… 

• You are interested in communicating nature and science to people of all ages, abilities, backgrounds, and knowledge levels 
• You interact positively and energetically in an informal learning environment   
• You communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing 
• You maintain a positive and flexible approach to daily responsibilities  
• You work well in a team environment as well as independently 
• You are courteous and respectful with team members, other staff, volunteers and zoo visitors 
• You have some experience with interpretation at a service-oriented organization 

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU 

• Capable of independently traversing across zoo grounds, remaining stationary for long periods of time, and working in a variety of weather conditions 
• Capable of transporting supplies weighing up to 20 pounds and moving a rolling cart weighing up to 250 pounds  
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook 
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccine 
• Must be available to work onsite. Shift includes one regular weekend day, as well as holidays and evenings as required. Hours are 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays, and 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. all other days.  
• Must be available to come to the zoo for two weeks of training 
• Monday - Friday, March 3rd – 14th, 2025; 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 
• Fluency in a second language is a plus 
•  Application will close Friday, January 3rd, 2025
• Lincoln Park Zoo is committed to an environment that is inclusive and welcoming.
• We celebrate the diverse qualities, perspectives, values and experiences of all people.
• For Wildlife.
• For All. 

Salary

• $18/hr.