Dinosaur Actor-Educator

(16 years and older; 18+ preferred)

Availability: Daytime, weekday, weekend, and holiday availability required. Occasional evening availability preferred. 6-30 hours per week.

• Rehearsals and Training:
  April 15-30, 2026
• Performances:
  Daily May 1-October 31, 2026

• Conducts interpretive programs by interacting with guests in a dynamic and engaging manner, weaving storytelling elements into educational experiences.
• Collaborates with fellow educators to rehearse and perfect performances. Learns and memorizes scripts and choreography to deliver captivating and engaging shows and immersive experiences for guests.
• Embodies the assigned character or animal, portraying their traits, behaviors, and movements authentically. Uses physicality, expressions, and voice to bring the character to life and engage the audience.
• Performs successfully on stage and/or on and off grounds to generate excitement and drive attendance.
• Works closely with Zoo staff to coordinate smooth transitions, cues, and overall program operations. Fosters a collaborative and supportive environment that encourages creativity, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Performs scheduled shows throughout the day, ensuring consistency and quality in each performance. Executes scripted lines and routines with enthusiasm and precision, adapting to the energy of the audience, following Zoo communication standards and exemplifying our Mission Statement and Core Values.
• Engages with Zoo guests before, during, and after shows, to provide information about the animals, conservation efforts, and other educational content. Answers questions, encourages participation, and fosters a sense of wonder and excitement among guests.
• This role requires high energy,expressive body language, andenduranceto manipulate a large costume while working outdoors invarying weather conditions.
• Set-up, breakdown, and proper care of the sound equipment, props, costumes, puppets, and other materials.

• Must be able to work weekdays, weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings for the designated seasonal employment period.
• Excellent customer service skills and a friendly and outgoing demeanor.
• Strong interest/background in theater and dinosaurs.

• Completed or workingtowardsa degreein performance art-or- have presented live interpretive programs at a cultural organization.
• Experience in roles as a non-speaking mascot character.
• Use of puppetry in a show setting.

• Successful completion of a post-offer pre-employment background check.
• Must understand the requirements, essential functions and duties of the position.
• Must be able to operate a computer, two-way radio, telephone system, and software on computer, printer, etc. after training.
• Regular attendance and punctuality are essential functions of the position.

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands; reach with hands and arms;
  
  stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. Use computer hardware and software for extended periods of time (repetitive motion). Sitting for long periods of time. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Employee may be exposed to a variety of weather conditions or temperatures. Work may be required both indoors and outdoors in various weather and temperature conditions, ranging from rain, wind, snow, cool to cold weather, and extreme heat and humidity. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The Buffalo Zoo is an At Will employer and all Buffalo Zoo employees are subject to employment eligibility and background security checks as well as testing for illegal substance use as allowed by law.

Accrued sick time - one (1) hour of sick time accrued for every 30 hours of work. Associates are eligible to receive up to two (2) free family passes to the Zoo annually. These associates are required to work a minimum of 30 days per season to qualify. Associates are eligible for discounts while employed at food service and gift shop.

Food service discount is 30%. Gift shop discount is 20% (on purchases of $10 or more). Discounts on Zoo events may be offered, i.e. discount on the price of a ticket to a Zoo event or free tickets.

$16.00 per hour. Seasonal, part-time, non-exempt positions