Directly Reports to: Carolyn Kelly Department: Guest Experience/Tours Classification: Seasonal/Hourly Position Type: Seasonal/Hourly
Salary or Hourly Rate: $18/hr.
Position Summary:
The Tours program is a mission centric operation that provides fun, engaging, and educational experiences for our guests while generating revenue to support the Zoo. Our tours and programs highlight our world-class institution by providing unique opportunities that allow our guests to connect with animals. The Tour Facilitator role will contribute to this goal by providing behind-the-scenes experiences for all ages with our Keeper for a Day and Sea Lion Trainer for a Day programs, as well as contributing to the overall day to day departmental activities.
Responsibilities:
- Reports to the Manager and Assistant Manager of Tours.
- Facilitate and lead Keeper for a Day and Sea Lion Trainer for a Day programs
o Create an educational, fun, and safe environment for “For a Day” guests
o Modify and lead “For a Day” programs so that messages are developmentally appropriate for guests of all ages
o Supervise and attend the needs of “For a Day” guests
o Use positive techniques to set the behavior expectations for guests and help attendees to meet those expectations with kindness, respect and consistency
o Model responsible conservation behavior
- Assist Tours Department as a Tour Guide, leading guests to tour spaces
- Assist with other tours as needed
- Garner and maintain relationships between Animal Care and Guest Experience:
o Complete training with Animal Care divisions to lead “For a Day” programs
o Adhere to all Animal Care safety protocols
o Maintain cleanliness while working in Animal Care areas
- Work with Volunteer Tour Guides
o Work as a tour guide as needed
o Assist management with volunteer engagement
- Assist with communications for the “For a Day” programs
- Make suggestions for improvements or new programming
- Assist with maintaining the tours calendar
- Assist Tours management with clerical tasks
- Assist in meeting revenue goals and meeting budget expectations
- Weekends, holidays, and potentially some evenings are required
- Hours will fluctuate through the seasons
Qualifications:
- High School diploma required, some college or similar educational experience preferred
- Experience in customer relations and animal care helpful. Preference will be given to candidates with animal care experience and those who are familiar with internal policies, procedures and protocols.
- Successful candidates will thrive in fast-paced, dynamic, team-oriented atmosphere.
- Qualified candidates must possess the following skill sets: strong customer service, public speaking, project and time management, interpersonal and organizational skills, excellent communication and planning along with a working knowledge of or willingness to learn the Microsoft Office suite of products, SharePoint, and point of sales system.
- Must be detail oriented, positive, energetic, and capable of working under pressure and possess ability to set priorities, handle multiple tasks and work independently.
- Must be courteous, patient, respectful and able to connect with children, adults, and coworkers with a wide range of neurodiversities and from diverse financial, cultural, and racial backgrounds. Must nurture a culture of inclusion and respect.
- Annual TB test is required.
- All successful candidates for this position will be required to submit to a criminal background check and drug test.
- Required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
- A valid driver’s license is required.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Physical Demands:
- Candidates must be able to lift and carry up to 30lbs, stand and walk for extended periods of time, physically navigate uneven terrain and stairs, and work outdoors in all weather conditions.
Work Schedule:
- Weekends, holidays, and potentially some evenings are required
- Hours will fluctuate through the seasons
About the Saint Louis Zoo: The world-renowned Saint Louis Zoo is dedicated to saving species and bringing people and wildlife together. The Saint Louis Zoo cares for approximately 12,000 animals, many of which are endangered, and is dedicated to local and global conservation to save wildlife. Learn more at: https://stlzoo.org/
The Zoo is committed to the Three Keys (Animals Always, People Matter, and Operational Excellence) and Core Values (Community, Creativity, Openness, Integrity, and Life-Work Balance. Learn more at: https://stlzoo.org/
About St. Louis, Mo: From Explore St. Louis: “Urban explorer, outdoor adventurer, aficionado of family fun – no matter your travel persona, you’ll find plenty to do in St. Louis. The city is brimming with free, world-class attractions and boasts an arts-and-culture scene that’s second to none. Plus, fans of fresh air will be surprised and delighted by our flourishing public parks, miles of trails and exhilarating waterways. Sprinkle in a bit of our secret sauce – the warmth and hospitality of the residents – and you’ll discover that St. Louis dishes up undeniably epic travel experiences. Don’t take our word for it, though. Come and see for yourself.” Learn more at https://explorestlouis.com/
