What are the responsibilities and job description for the Interpretation Coordinator position at Zoo New England?
Essential Job Functions
Reporting directly to the Director of Education, the Coordinator oversees interpretation at Zoo New England and its mission to inspire people to protect and sustain the natural world for future generations. The Interpretation Coordinator ensures the interpretation quality of guest engagement and interactions; in addition to facilitating the development, implementation, and training of staff and volunteers on interpretative interactions, programs, and signage. The Coordinator develops and implements training programs, interpretation graphics, and provides supervision for interpretive efforts. As a member of ZNE Education Leadership, this role will serve as manager on duty, facilitate programs, and offers team support as needed.
Duties & Responsibilities
This position is responsible for producing, writing, and reviewing interpretive content. The employee in this position will work independently and in a team environment. Working cooperatively with the Director, coordinate the development of new interpretive programs aligned with New England Zoo’s mission and interpretive strategy.
- Serve on exhibit teams and play a key role in updating exhibit graphics, ensure consistency across ZNE and divisions.
- Build & maintain positive relationships with zoo colleagues from multiple departments that support interpretation.
- Maintain and enhance the biofacts, exhibits, and supplies for both Franklin Park and Stone Zoo.
- Coordinate the daily operation of interpretive programming, including coordinating the zoo grounds interpretation schedule with Leadership of Zoo New England’s Education Department. With an emphasis on coordinating with the Volunteer Manager to schedule interpretive volunteers, and the development of new volunteer interpretive programming.
- Manage interpretation training for staff and volunteers through workshops, seminars, and other professional sessions.
- Maintain and continually update with best trends in interpretation training and program materials, such as presentations, fact sheets and program outlines.
- Develop evaluation and feedback systems.
- Evaluate for quality control and ongoing professional development.
- Oversee and supervise interpretive activities to uphold mission of ZNE.
- Plan, present, and coordinate programs facilitated on-site and off-site.
- Serve as Education Manager on duty, as needed.
Minimum Job Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in environmental education or a related field.
- 3 years’ experience with exhibit interpretation.
- Proven ability to work well, both independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences in a variety of settings.
- Well-developed understanding of interpretation, such as theme development, developing storylines, learning about audiences, and ways education and interpretation differ and can complement each other.
- Valid driver’s license and a driver in good standing with a reliable vehicle; use of personal vehicle for institutional purpose as needed. Able to lift 50 pounds and walk over uneven terrain and in all weather.
- Act as an institutional first responder for first aid emergencies.
- Maintain up-to-date CPR/AED and First Aid certifications.
- Hours 9:00 – 5:00 Tuesday through Saturday. Must be able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Preferred Job Requirements
- Fluency in a second language, in addition to English.
- Leadership experience with at least one successful, collaborative, exhibit design project at a zoo, aquarium or museum.
- National Association for Interpretation certification as a trainer for Certified Interpretive Guide Training.
- Positive handling/husbandry experience working with small herps, mammals and birds.
Zoo New England is an Equal Opportunity Employer by Choice
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