Interpretive Programs Specialist

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)

• Interpretive Programs Specialists (“Specialist”) are key members of the Learning & Engagement (L&E) team at Audubon Zoo and bring our mission to life by creating unforgettable moments that help out guests connect with nature and wildlife.
• Specialists deliver engaging informal and interpretive programming that inspires and strengthens a connection to our animals, our mission and our conservation goals.
• As a dynamic storyteller and interpreter, the Specialist delivers engaging animal chats, demonstrations, and interactive presentations.
• This role offers opportunities to present live ambassador animals in meaningful encounters, ensuring both exceptional guest experiences and the highest standards of animal welfare. Specialists collaborate with animal care teams to support contact areas and formal demonstrations.
• Specialists also assist in the supervision and training of interpretive volunteers, ensuring program excellence and consistency.
• Additionally, this position works closely with the Tours & Experiences and Ambassador Animal teams to support wider Learning & Engagement programming needs, ensuring every interaction leaves a lasting impression.
• Success in this role requires excellent large-group public speaking skills, the ability to communicate complex scientific concepts in an accessible way to diverse audiences, and experience working closely with children and families.
• We’re seeking passionate individuals with a talent for communication, a love for animals, and the creativity to make every interaction memorable, inspiring, and impactful.
• As a member of the wider Learning & Engagement team, specialists may be called on to support other programming as needed.

Day to Day Responsibilities (Limit to most important/top 10 duties if possible)

• Delivering engaging, hands-on informal and interpretive programs for guests of all ages and backgrounds while collecting data and feedback to assess impact
• Preparing and setting up all aspects of programming, including organizing materials, ensuring the necessary equipment is ready, and coordinating any logistical details to ensure smooth execution of the activities
• Maintaining both front of house and back of house spaces to be organized/camera ready.
• Supporting the Zoo Engagement leadership team by participating in training and mentoring of new staff, interns and volunteers
• Supporting the Zoo Engagement team to develop and implement programs and presentations directly related to our collection and conservation messages
• Supporting the development and delivery of programming for non-routine special events
• Providing proactive, friendly communication and striving to anticipate guests' needs and desires
• Working in a cooperative manner with the animal care team and respecting the Ambassador Animal collection spaces, protocols, and equipment
• Working collaboratively with front of house departments (Animal Staff, Guest Services, Facilities, etc.) to identify opportunities to improve guest experience
• Communicating issues or concerns to the Zoo Engagement Program Supervisor or Director of Engagement in a timely manner
• Actively seeking up-to-date information on informal education 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: (required for the role)

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Biology, Zoology, Communications, Ecology, Environmental Education or other related field and/or equivalent work experience
• 6 months working experience in an informal learning environment with emphasis on wildlife conservation preferred
• Must be able to work holidays, weekends and occasional after hour events to support special programming.
• Experience handling animals or ability to learn to handle animals that may include reptiles, birds, mammals, and invertebrates.
• Demonstrated experience in effective communications with youth and adults from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines for a wide range of projects
• Exemplary presentation and oral communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Nice-to-Haves: (preferred for the role)

• 1-3 years working in an informal learning environment and demonstrated experience working in animal presentation and naturalist chats preferred.
• Direct experience working with Ambassador Animals for program presentation
• Certified Interpretive Guide certification or equivalent credential
• Physical Requirements

Physical Demands:

• Ability to stand and walk for up to 2/3 of the day.
• Ability to pass annual TB tests.
• Ability to lift and carry objects up to 20 pounds.
• Must be able to reach above shoulder level, stoop and squat to retrieve kennels and animals, which also may require stepping on stools.
• 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.
• Ability to speak loudly to crowds in a variety of situations included moderate to loud crowds.
• Frequent use of hands and arms to operate office equipment and manual tools.
• Visual ability to read, write, and operate standard office machinery.

Environmental Conditions:

• May be exposed to high, medium, or low noise intensity
• Works effectively in a moderately noisy office
• Constant contact with co-workers required
• Exposure to fluctuations in temperature is required
• Exposure to extreme heat and outdoor conditions is required