Zoo Engagement Program Supervisor

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

• The Engagement Program Supervisor (“Supervisor”) is a key member of the Learning & Engagement (L&E) Team and is responsible for the implementation and daily supervision of guest facing interpretive programming at the Audubon Zoo.
• The scope of this programming includes live exhibit interpretation, chats, Ambassador Animal encounters, interpretation stations, behind-the-scenes and facility tours, community outreach, and special event programming.
• The Supervisor is responsible for ensuring a high level of welfare for all animal ambassadors used in programming.
• This position will work closely with the Ambassador Animal team to ensure the best practices in animal ambassador presentation and training are maintained by all who facilitate animal encounters.
• The main responsibilities of this position are scheduling, training, and supervision of the Zoo Engagement staff, interns, and volunteers; managing and implementing on-site engagements, ensuring guest and animal safety procedures are followed; overseeing Ambassador animal handling and presentations; working cooperatively with animal care and operational staff to maximize the guest experience; and evaluating Engagement staff, interns, volunteers, and programming.
• The Supervisor may be called upon as a leader to provide general operational support for the zoo as needed.
• As a leader on the L&E team, the Supervisor participates in strategic and financial planning, effective resource management, proactive communication both internally and externally, and promotes appropriate professional development opportunities for the entire team.
• As a member of the L&E Department, this position will participate in and support a variety of educational and volunteer programming as necessary. The Supervisor will support the needs of Audubon Nature Institute and its various facilities as required.

Day to Day Responsibilities

• Supervising, scheduling, training and coaching Engagement staff, interns and volunteers at Audubon Zoo
• Developing, preparing for, and delivering engaging, hands-on formal and informal interpretive programs for guests of all ages which relate directly to our collection and conservation messages.
• Working with the Zoo Engagement Program Manager to recruit, interview and hire engagement program staff and interns.
• Developing and implementing multi-faceted training and support resources for guest engagement staff, interns, and volunteers.
• Collecting data and feedback on programming and interpretive impact.
• Communicating clearly and professionally with other departments to promote a cooperative work environment and ensure that guests have positive interactions and appropriate programming during their visit.
• Actively collaborating with Marketing, Development, Membership and Special Events to support non-routine special events.
• Ensuring all the Learning & Engagement spaces are well maintained and organized.

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:

• 3+ years working in an informal learning environment (preferably a zoo or aquarium) and demonstrated experience working in animal presentations and naturalist chats
• Bachelor’s degree required in Education, Biology, Zoology, Communications, Ecology, Environmental Education, or a related field, and/or equivalent work experience.
• Experience with team leadership and coordination
• Experience with developing and implementing multi-faceted training and support resources for a team
• Demonstrated ability to relate and communicate effectively with youth and adults from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to read, interpret, and communicate documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Proven ability to speak effectively before groups of guests and employees.
• Experience handling animals or ability to learn to handle animals that may include reptiles, birds, mammals, and invertebrates.
• Demonstrate ability to develop partnerships and good working relations with others.
• Demonstrate knowledge of wildlife conservation and environmental issues.
• Demonstrate awareness and understanding of customer service and service recovery.
• Must have a valid, state-issued driver’s license.
• Must be able to work holidays, weekend and occasional after hour events.

Nice-to-Haves:

• Demonstrated experience working with and mentoring adult and youth volunteers in an interpretive or educational setting
• Experience with program evaluation strategies
• Experience working with Ambassador Animal programming
• Experience with biofact management
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, for program coordination and communication
• 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