PT Seasonal Guest Engagement Guide

SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Interpretation and Guest Engagement Manager, Guest Engagement Guides will facilitate the “Kiwanis Giraffe Encounter” program throughout the season. In addition, Guest Engagement Guides will offer inspiring, educational interactions and provide excellent guest service to all Zoo guests.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Facilitate the Giraffe Feeding program and provide an enjoyable experience that includes interpretation and safe interactions between animals and guests. This includes supervision of volunteers, set-up and clean-up of platform, coordinating with animal care and nutrition staff for food and animal needs, communicating with SSA partners related to ticket sales and policies.
• Responsible for guest engagement and interpretation of seasonal and year-round exhibits through hands-on activities and demonstrations
• Serve as a credible source of information; answer guest questions and give directions, ensuring that Zoo guests receive assistance and accurate information as needed
• Ensures that each guest receives outstanding guest service by providing a guest-friendly environment and having excellent exhibit knowledge
• Communicates with others immediately when responding to an incident or an emergency
• Ensures both guest and animal safety through the implementation of zoo rules and regulations
• Contributes as a reliable, friendly, and helpful team member and representative of BZI
• Assist with miscellaneous tasks as assigned.

SAFETY ANALYSIS

The Guest Engagement Guide is impacted by a wide variety of hazardous exposures: 

• Weather conditions including extreme heat, cold and storm conditions.
• The proper use and understanding of cleaning agents.

The use and understanding of a variety of personal safety equipment is mandatory. 

Guest Engagement Guides, as with any staff member of the zoo, are required to be familiar with the Zoo’s overall safety policies as outlined in the staff handbook as well as being responsible for reporting any injury immediately to the first aid department. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a staff member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  While performing the duties of this job, staff should expect:

• Frequently required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch and talk or hear
• Routinely lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
• Exposure to wet surfaces during daily cleaning
• Depending on assignment, exposure to the elements can be expected

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

The Birmingham Zoo recognizes that skills and knowledge come from both formal and informal experiences including education, paid work, volunteer service, and life experience. Those who meet the majority of the requirements for a position are encouraged to apply.

Education and work experience

• High school diploma or equivalent; 1 year of experience teaching, leading education programs or engaging visitors in a museum, zoo or hospitality setting; or an equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to do the job

Skills and Knowledge

• Basic biology/zoology/science content knowledge and willingness to learn more through provided training
• Ability to multi-task, coordinate with others to meet deadlines
• Ability to think critically and exercise good judgement
• Strong interest in advancing the conservation missions of zoos and aquariums
• High self-motivation and a detail-oriented work ethic

Other Requirements

• Must be 19 years or older
• Must have current negative TB test and provide documentation, or be willing to have a TB test.

POSITION TYPE AND HOURS OF WORK

• Seasonal (March - October); Part-Time ( less than 30.00 hours/week)
• Schedule varies between weekdays and weekends. Typical schedule includes Wednesday through Sunday shifts. Weekend work required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Birmingham Zoo is committed to being a place where everyone feels welcome, whether as a guest, team member, or part of our broader community. Our core values— Passion, Excellence, Teamwork, Stewardship, and Inclusion— shape a work environment where respect, collaboration, and learning are valued. We encourage candidates with unique perspectives and experiences to apply.

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

Birmingham Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

If selected, a background check and drug test will be conducted prior to beginning employment.

Birmingham Zoo, Inc. is a not-for-profit entity. The rate of pay for this position is $12.00/hour.