BZ Visitor Engagement Associate bei Wildlife Conservation Society
Wildlife Conservation Society · New York City, Vereinigte Staaten Von Amerika · Onsite
- Optionales Büro in New York City
Opportunity Type
Internal Job Description
Schedule:
● Mandatory training dates: Thursday 6/19 (Juneteenth), Friday 6/20 (Regent’s week) and Tuesday 7/1
● Position timeline: This position spans from late June 2025 to January 2026; shifts are available 7 days per week. Employees will be expected to work 2-5 days/week (equivalent to 15-35 hours/week) and a combination of weekdays, weekends, some holidays, and various morning and/or evening events as needed. High School students will be expected to work only weekends during the school year but can work both weekend and weekday shifts during the summer & school holidays.
● Shift Times: Daytime shifts are typically 9:30 AM–5:30 PM (but there is some room for variation depending on assignment). Fall and winter evening shifts are typically 4:00 PM–9:30 PM.
POSITION SUMMARY
You will work part-time for the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) as a valued team member of the Education Department. You will report to the Manager of Live Interpretation and work closely with the Coordinator of Live Interpretation and the rest of the Bronx Zoo Live Interpretation Team. You will reach thousands of members of the public primarily by facilitating nature play based activities and exhibit-based learning experiences. You will also support special events and help visitors understand the flow of the zoo and how to safely enjoy exhibits. This is a great opportunity for those interested in exciting the public about science and conservation, as well as those seeking hands-on experience in informal environmental education, live interpretation, and museum studies.
WHO WE ARE
WCS saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature. To achieve this, we harness the power of our Global Conservation Program in nearly 60 nations, in all the world’s oceans, and our five wildlife parks in New York City - Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and New York Aquarium - visited by 4 million people annually. We combine our expertise in the field, zoos, and aquarium to achieve our conservation mission.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
● Model outdoor play, and participate in parallel play, with children, families, and school groups throughout the Nature Trek exhibit in all weather conditions (in spring, summer, and early fall)
● Learn and apply best practices for developing outdoor interpretive experiences
● At exhibits, engage with guests and speak on our animals, conservation efforts led by WCS, and special experiences
● Teach visitors to make connections between zoo exhibits, wildlife conservation, & their daily lives
● Lead engaging and interactive tours highlighting key areas of the zoo to orient newly hired staff members and make connections to WCS’s larger mission
● Support education programs for youth (including summer camp) and adult (professional development/teacher training) as needed
● Assist with special early morning and evening events, as needed
● Provide visitors with a memorable and positive experience by demonstrating the best possible customer service at all times.
● Establish and maintain positive, cooperative, and effective working relations with Adult Volunteers and Youth Discovery Guide Volunteers
● Support admissions and visitors services to provide a friendly face at points in the park that need extra attention on any given day
● Participate in the upkeep of a safe, fun, and lively learning environment for all visitors and staff by providing and accepting feedback
● Daily cleaning and upkeep of personal microphone and other interpretive equipment and processes as needed.
Salary Range
Internal Qualification Requirements
Minimum
● You are a high school student with prior internship or staff experience in an educational role—such as an interpreter, explainer, or other position focused on public engagement and communication—within a zoo, museum, botanical garden, or similar cultural institution.
Preferred
● You are in pursuit of or have recently completed a college degree. Those with a background in education, theater, early childhood development, psychology, and/or environmental science are encouraged to apply.
OTHER SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS
● You must be at least 16 years old at the time your application is submitted
● You are a confident public speaker and have enthusiastic presentation skills
● You are comfortable and can remain motivated while working outside in different weather conditions.
● You have a high level of self-motivation; you are reliable, flexible and accountable.
● You enjoy being imaginative & connecting with nature and sharing that experience with others.
● Must be able to stand for extended periods of time and travel efficiently across long distances within the zoo.
● You have excellent customer service skills, and are friendly and outgoing
● You have the ability to work independently, as part of a team and across departments
● You have excellent verbal communication skills to help interpret science concepts in a fast paced learning environment
● Bilingual (in any language) a plus
● You have worked with children and/or the public in formal or informal learning environments (plus)
● You have worked with large groups and/or with learners of all ages (plus)
PERKS
● Opportunities to grow at WCS through a professional development workshop series
● Parking at the Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium with a staff permit
● Access for employees to visit WCS Zoos & Aquarium on days off with their staff ID
● Courtesy guest tickets after 45 days of employment in good standing to visit WCS Zoos & Aquarium
● Employee discounts on food, merchandise, and programs. And more!
