Application Deadline: This position will remain open until September 25, 2025, or until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. We reserve the right to close the posting early if a well-qualified candidate pool has been established. Early submission is encouraged. Early submission is encouraged.
Are you passionate about wildlife, conservation, and inspiring people of all ages?
- At Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens, we’re on a mission to "Connect the community to wildlife with wild places".
- We’re seeking an Interpretive Guide (Part-Time) to join our Education Department and create unforgettable guest experiences that spark curiosity, encourage conservation, and leave a lasting impression.
- Imagine engaging visitors with fascinating wildlife stories, facilitating memorable animal encounters, and welcoming guests to stunning habitats like the Lorikeet Aviary, Range of the Jaguars, and Giraffe Overlook.
- If you thrive in a guest-facing environment and care deeply about animals and the natural world, this could be the perfect role for you.
- Join us in creating unforgettable experiences and fostering a deeper appreciation for wildlife and conservation.
What You’ll Do:
- Lead engaging presentations, tours, and interactive programs for audiences of all ages.
- Provide exceptional hospitality to all guests, ensuring a welcoming, safe, and inclusive experience.
- Share captivating educational narratives about our animals, their habitats, and conservation efforts.
- Maintain accurate records of animal diets, feeding schedules, and cleaning supplies.
- Work both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions, including evenings and peak seasonal events.
- Collaborate with team members, volunteers, and other departments to deliver seamless, high-quality guest experiences.
What You’ll Bring
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Enrollment in coursework related to environmental science, ecology, life sciences, or up to six (6) months of relevant experience in a guest-focused, educational, or conservation-related role (paid or unpaid).
- Available 29.5 hours per week, including at least one weekend day.
- Willing to work evening shifts during peak seasonal events (5 PM – 10 PM).
- Physical ability to endure a shift for 6–8 hours in all Florida weather conditions.
- Allergy-free to fish, plants, or animals that may interfere with job duties.
- Ability to pass pre-employment screenings, including drug screening, Level II background check, fingerprinting, and sex offender registry check.
- Excellent public speaking and presentation skills, confident leading tours, talks, and demonstrations.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to connect with diverse audiences.
- Composure in fast-paced or high-volume environments.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and related tools for communication and data entry.
- A plus…
- Bilingual fluency (Spanish preferred).
- First Aid & CPR certification.
- Bachelor’s degree in Life Science or related field.
- Experience with childcare, exotic animal handling, or supervising water play areas.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to consistently remain on your feet for 6-8 hours on shift.
- Ability to walk, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, and reach.
- Visual acuity for reading, writing, and observing surroundings, and auditory acuity for communication.
- Ability to be allergy free to fish, plants or animals that may interfere with the preparation of food/diets to the collection of various species
- Ability to lift, carry, and move objects up to 20 pounds.
- Ability to work with a variety of animals including invertebrates, reptiles, and small companion mammals.
- Ability to safely operate a motorized cart.
WORK CONDITIONS
- Exposure to various weather conditions, including extreme heat, sunlight, cold, rain, and wind.
- Potential exposure to allergens (dust, animal dander, pollen, etc.), bloodborne pathogens, zoonotic diseases and injuries from animals.
- Irregular work hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays are sometimes required.
- Exposure to hazards such wildlife, waste, equipment, loud noises, chemicals, and heights.
- We are an equal opportunity employer and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local employment regulations.
- EOE / DRUG FREE WORKPLACE
Salary
- 15.00
