Interprative Guide

FLSA Classification:
Exempt ☐ Nonexempt ☒ Salary Grade:
To Be Determined

Reports to:
Education Manager | Department:
Engagement

The Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, Iowa is a non‑profit organization and home to more than 2,800 animals representing nearly 240 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish, and is fully accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The mission of the Blank Park Zoo is to inspire an appreciation of the natural world through conservation, education, research and recreation.

The primary responsibility of an Interpretive Guide is to provide world‑class interpretation and guest interactions throughout Blank Park Zoo. Interpretive Guides will promote the Zoo’s mission, goals and objectives; create a positive learning experience for people of all ages. This is a 3‑month seasonal position from Memorial Day–Labor Day. Employees must be available to work a flexible schedule between 28-40 hours per week including evenings and weekends.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Interact with Blank Park Zoo guests as they visit exhibits.
• Facilitate play‑based learning and provide educational information to guests of all ages.
• Train with live animals to demonstrate science‑based concepts to guests.
• Assist with clean‑up and maintain awareness of guest activity to ensure the safety and well‑being of animals in exhibits and surrounding areas.
• Utilize developmentally appropriate practices that inspire conservation action.
• Gain in‑depth knowledge of materials available for programming including, but not limited to:
  Ambassador Animals, biofacts, zoo exhibits, staff and other zoo resources.
• Work with and supervise volunteers.
• Other duties as required.
• Resourceful – Understanding of or can research all applicable topics as they relate to conservation education.
• Flexible – Ability to handle a flexible workload with a variety of assignments while also maintaining composure in an environment that can be stressful.
• Independent – Must be able to operate independently, exercise initiative and demonstrate capacity for detail and follow‑up.
• Positive – Must be a positive, effective team member and be able to establish professional working relationships.
• Communicator – Communicates clearly, both verbal and written. Effective listening skills.
• Critical thinker – Ability to make decisions while under pressure or solve complex problems that arise daily.
• Innovative – Ability to propose solutions to areas of concern.
• Efficient – Ability to complete tasks in a thorough but quick manner.
• Customer‑oriented – Always exercises professional customer service skills. Interacts with many different types of people and situations.
• Team player – Collaborates with supervisors and team to achieve common goals.

While performing the duties of the job, the incumbent is required to work both indoors and outdoors with exposure to seasonal weather conditions.

The physical requirements described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to successfully perform the essential functions.

Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like. ☐ Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ Constantly

Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces. ☐ Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ Constantly

Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods. ☐ Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ Constantly

Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another. ☐ Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ Constantly

Adjusting or moving objects up to 25 pounds in all directions. ☐ Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ Constantly

Communicating with others to exchange information. ☐ Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ Constantly

Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers. ☐ Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ Constantly

Operating machinery and/or power tools. ☒ Never ☐ Occasionally ☐ Constantly

Operating motor…