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Interpreter

Nashville, TN

Nashville Zoo Position Description

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

Interpreter

 

Position/Title: Interpreter

Department: Education

Supervisor: Interpretation Manager

Company Overview: Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is a 200-acre institution accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) whose mission is to inspire a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation and leadership. Located in the heart of Nashville, the zoo has an extensive animal collection within its current 88 acres of developed exhibits. The Zoo attracts more than one million visitors annually as well as serving a diverse community through outreach programs within greater Nashville and mid-Tennessee. 

Position Overview: Our Interpreters are essential members of the Nashville Zoo’s education team, dedicated to enriching the guest experience through engaging and informative programming. They understand the vital role education plays in building community support for the Zoo and fostering a deeper connection to wildlife. The Interpreter role brings expertise in developing and delivering public programs, possesses outstanding communication skills, and has a strong foundation in interpretive techniques and basic zoology.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Serve as an on-grounds interpreter at various locations throughout the zoo, including but not limited to: Veterinary Center, Historic Croft Home and Farm, animal exhibits and other locations throughout Zoo grounds. This includes providing narration during surgical procedures and guided tours of the historic home.
  • Designing and facilitate a variety of inspiring educational interactions including tours, experiences, classes, chats, etc.
  • Engage with guests on a regular basis, providing excellent service to ensure a positive guest experience.
  • Lead behind the scenes experiences and walking tours.
  • Participate in interpretation and activities as a part of special events, including but not limited to: Boo at the Zoo, Zoolumination, Great Backyard Bird Count, Avian Awareness Day, Party for the Planet, World Tiger Day, and World Rhino Day
  • Participate in regular training opportunities and stay up to date on Zoo related information and current interpretive best practice
  • Perform regular cleaning and maintenance of interpretive elements including signage, electronic displays, historic furnishings and collections, outbuildings, and farm equipment.
  • Serve as utility educator to teach other departmental programming when the schedule necessitates including other duties as assigned.

 

 

Qualifications

Required Skills:

The successful candidate must have:

  • Desire to work with and speak to the general public.
  • Demonstrated excellent interpersonal communication skills and be able to collaborate effectively with other zoo departments.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills to represent the zoo.
  • Ability to work well independently without direct supervision.
  • Excellent multitasking and time management ability
  • Ability to respond to emergency situations calmly and follow protocols.

Desired Skills:

The following skills and experience are desired and are considered a plus:

  • Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) or be willing to obtain certification as part of employment.
  • Familiarity with technology relevant to use in a zoo education setting.
  • Knowledge and experience with live animal education programming
  • Prior experience in an interpreter role

 

Education/ Experience:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • High school diploma or GED equivalent.

Physical Responsibilities:

  • Ability to work outdoors year-round, including in inclement weather.
  • Ability to stand and walk for an extended period.
  • Ability to climb, bend, stoop, crawl, kneel, twist, reach and extend themselves, etc., as required for assigned tasks.

 

Work Schedule:

  • Must be available to work any of seven days of the week.
  • Must be available to work special needs or events that may occur outside of regular work schedule, including evenings, weekends, or holidays, as required.

Pre-employment/Post Offer requirements:

  • Offered Candidates for this position must submit to a criminal background check and drug test.
  • Offered Candidates for this position must submit to an annual Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) check.
  • Offered Candidates for this position are subject to pre-employment and annual Tuberculosis Screenings.

Nashville Zoo is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by

 

 

Pay Range

$15.17 - $15.17 USD

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