Guide

Personal passion about advancing animal conservation, both locally and globally, is a primary job responsibility of every employee at the Indianapolis Zoo.  It is the heart of who we are, and a core value of our employees.  Nationally accredited as a zoo, a botanical garden, and an aquarium, the Indianapolis Zoo is a national leader in animal conservation, a top tourist destination in the Midwest, and is located in Indy’s vibrant downtown.

Our Guides facilitate various informal on-grounds experiences for the Zoo’s Education Department. This includes monitoring and interpreting at the Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center, guiding activities within the new Family Nature Center, and acting as a roving interpreter between scheduled programs.

The hourly rate for this part-time position is $10.75.   The work schedule will typically be around 29 hours or less per week, during the summer (include weekends).  Daily shifts can vary with programming and attendance throughout the year.  Working on holidays and week-ends is required.

The successful candidate will possess:

• A professional, positive, respectful, cooperative, and enthusiastic attitude.

• Effective communication skills to respond to difficult of controversial questions appropriately.
• A flexible schedule and the ability to work weekends.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate ideas in an engaging verbal manner.
• Prior experience working with the public, especially children preferred

• A personal commitment to conservation
• Ability to work independently with minor supervision.
• Ability to assess situations, use good procedure/judgment and follow through.
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to memorize lines and to interpret effectively on the fly is essential.
• Possess strong public speaking skills

Requirements include:

• High school diploma/G.E.D. required. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in education, environmental science, biology, the performing arts, or a related field is preferred.  Certification from the National Association for Interpretation is desirable.
• Physical stamina to stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to work outside in a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions.

ONLY ON-LINE APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED. Cover letters and resumes may be attached to your completed on-line application.

In the “Position Desired” section on the on-line application, please enter, “Part Time Guide”.

To help ensure receipt of your online application, we recommend applicants use a computer running Windows XP or higher, with at least Internet Explorer 8, Google Chrome, or Safari.

Application deadline is March 13, 2020.

Successful completion of pre-employment drug testing, criminal history checks, and required training is a condition of employment.

The Indianapolis Zoo is a Drug Free/Smoke Free/Child Safe Workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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