Guest Engagement Assistant

Agency Dept of Natural and Cultural Resources Division Job Classification Title Zoo Educator (S) Position Number Grade NC06 About Us The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) takes care of the things that people love about North Carolina. DNCR manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. The Department’s vision is to be the leader in using the state's natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational, and economic future of North Carolina. Everyone is welcome. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov. We encourage you to apply to become a part of our team! Description of Work The North Carolina Zoo has an exciting opportunity to join our team. We are seeking a dynamic, efficient, and enthusiastic individual to serve as a Guest Engagement Assistant. In this role, the Guest Engagement Assistant connects Zoo guests with the Zoo’s conservation and animal welfare initiatives through assigned Investigation Stations on‑site and through the Zoo Trekker activity booklet. The position also develops and regularly presents engaging pop‑up programs that enhance the guest experience. Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to : * Staff Investigation Stations and Zoo Trekker kiosks to accurately represent and support the Zoo’s mission of conservation and animal welfare. * Create and present educational pop‑up programs for Zoo guests. * Rove assigned sections of the Zoo to engage guests in a variety of ways as needed. * Use biofacts and hands‑on activities to engage guests during pop‑up programs and at Investigation Stations. * Engage guests at education stations during special events. * Maintain a working knowledge of all relevant policies and procedures. * Assist with any aspect of programming in the CES department as needed. Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences Recruitment Range: $16.00 per hour To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must provide the information on the application form. Any information omitted from the application form, listed as general statements, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit. Candidates meet the minimum qualifications of this position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. Vacancy specific knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) and/or management preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following are preferred: Management Prefers First Aid and CPR certification Position & Physical Requirements Must be available to work a diverse work schedule with most hours falling between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Saturday through Friday, from March – mid-November. Will work weekends, holidays, and occasionally after-hours/early morning special events. Knowledge of basic natural sciences such as zoology, biology, or ecology. Knowledge of basic educational and interpretive techniques. Must have public speaking experience with the ability to correctly answer questions and patiently explain difficult material. Experience working with all ages and being able to provide age-appropriate programs. Strong communication, decision-making, and organizational skills with ability to work effectively in a team setting and alone. Strong problem-solving skills and ability to take initiative and work independently. Must possess the ability to remain stationary for long periods of time as well as move throughout the Zoo in varying weather conditions. Must possess the ability to move 25-pound boxes. This position is located at: 4401 Zoo Parkway Asheboro, NC 27205 WE ARE RECRUITING FOR MULTIPLE VACANCIES. DNCR does not engage in dual employment for temporary positions; if you are currently employed with another State agency, State university, or the NC National Guard and intend to remain employed with that entity, you may not be considered for temporary work with DNCR. Minimum Education and Experience Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details. Bachelor’s degree in a natural science program from an appropriately accredited institution​ And Two years of experience in the development and presentation of natural science interpretive and educational programs Or An equivalent combination of education and experience If there are no qualified candidates remaining in the applicant pool who meet the minimum Education and Experience or Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required for the position, the agency may consider for this position a trainee who does not meet the minimum requirements. Salary for a trainee may be set at a lower level than the classification salary range and recruitment range that is listed in the posting with the salary being adjusted up accordingly as the trainee has obtained the necessary additional education and experience to fully meet the minimum qualifications as outlined in the classification specification. Division Description The North Carolina Zoological Park exists for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of all our citizens and visitors. The mission of the zoo i