Job description

Job Description

Location: Bronx Zoo
Department: Education
Reports to: Manager of Live Interpretation
Type: Temporary/Seasonal
Pay rate: $21 per hour

Schedule:
April through January 2024
April - October performances are primarily weekends and holidays
November - January performances are evenings throughout the week
Typical shift length is 5-7 hours.
Holiday and weekend availability required
Must be available for all rehearsal dates prior to the launch of Summer Theater, Boo at the Zoo programming in the fall, and Holiday Lights season in the winter

POSITION SUMMARY
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is seeking talented performers to work in a part-time capacity as a valued member of the Education Department at the Bronx Zoo. Our Wildlife Theater program inspires participants to learn and care more about animals and the natural world through storytelling, original music and song, puppets, and dancing. You will reach thousands of zoo visitors through thematic wildlife oriented performances and activities scheduled throughout the day. This is a great opportunity for those interested in exciting the public about science and conservation, as well as those seeking to practice hands-on applied theater techniques and learn more about informal environmental education, live interpretation, and museum studies. You will report to the Manager of Live Interpretation and work closely with the Coordinator of Live Interpretation and the Assistant Director of Live Interpretation. Bilingual actors with Spanish language fluency are strongly encouraged to apply.

WHO WE ARE
WCS saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature. To achieve this, we harness the power of our Global Conservation Program in nearly 60 nations, in all the world’s oceans, and our five wildlife parks in New York City - Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and New York Aquarium - visited by 4 million people annually. We combine our expertise in the field, zoos, and aquarium to achieve our conservation mission.

The WCS Education Department works across our Zoos & Aquarium. We inspire a diverse and inclusive movement of conservation advocates by sparking connections with animals and nature, improving scientific literacy through hands-on investigation, and engaging constituents in stewardship and action to conserve wildlife and wild places. The Live Interpretation team within the Education Department is seeking energetic individuals with experience in theater and interest in the interpretation of environmental sciences and animals, superior customer service skills, and a desire to educate about wildlife.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Attend rehearsal dates and learn multiple shows in a quick time period
Perform short plays, songs and puppet shows for audiences in outdoor spaces across varying weather conditions
Comfortable using puppets or willing and excited to learn how
Setup and breakdown stage and sound equipment throughout the day
Maintain sound equipment, props, costumes, puppets, and other materials
Work with various teams across WCS including Business Services Dept, IT, Admissions, Guest Services, and other Education Dept. staff to ensure programming is high quality, effective, and safe
Provide a friendly face in the park for visitors between performances, frontline customer service and offer wayfinding assistance
Learn and implement interpretation best-practices to help visitors make connections between exhibits, wildlife conservation, and their daily lives
Engage with other Live Interpretation initiatives, which may include puppeteering, assisting with special events, supporting related education programs
Be comfortable performing songs and portions of performances in Spanish
Participate in the upkeep of a fun and lively learning environment

WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT
We work in a fun environment, in a natural, park-like setting, surrounded by amazing wildlife
We value team members and community partners from all backgrounds and cultures with different skills, abilities, and perspectives
We ensure that everyone has an opportunity to fully contribute to our mission
As a highly visible front line staff member, you may be video and/or audio recorded, photographed or otherwise documented by aquarium guests or the Wildlife Conservation, and your image may appear in WCS-related media
You will be required to work most weekends and holidays, with few exceptions, throughout the employment period. Conflicts must be announced at the time of hiring

PERKS
Opportunities to grow at WCS through enrichment opportunities, such as, a career exposure lunchtime series and a professional development workshop series
Parking at the Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium with a staff permit
Access for employees to visit WCS Zoos & Aquarium on days off with their staff ID
Courtesy guest tickets after 45 days of employment in good standing to visit WCS Zoos & Aquarium
Employee discounts on food, merchandise, and programs
And more!

Qualification Requirements

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Interested candidates should at minimum be working towards their Bachelors Degree, or be part of an acting conservatory program, and should have a strong interest and/or background in theater, communications, animal sciences and/or education
OR have graduated from improv training programs (like UCB or The Pit)
OR have 2 years experience as an actor/performer
OR have presented live interpretive programs at a cultural organization
You must have availability for the full employment period and be available the weeks of 5/29, 9/25 and 11/6 for rehearsals to be considered for this position

Preferred
You are in pursuit of or have recently completed a college degree. Those with a background in education, theater, early childhood development, psychology, and/or environmental science are encouraged to apply.

OTHER SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS
You must be at least 18 years old at the time your application is submitted
You have excellent customer service skills, and are friendly and outgoing
You are a confident public speaker and have enthusiastic presentation skills
You are comfortable and can remain motivated while working outside in different weather conditions
You have a high level of self-motivation; you are reliable, flexible and accountable
You enjoy being imaginative & connecting with nature and sharing that experience with others
Must be able to stand for extended periods of time and travel efficiently across long distances within the zoo
You have the ability to work independently, as part of a team and across departments
You have excellent verbal communication skills to help interpret science concepts in a fast paced learning environment
You must have the ability to lift up to 20 lbs and stand and speak for long periods of time
Bilingual is a plus
You have worked with children and/or the public in formal or informal learning environments
You have worked with large groups and/or with learners of all ages
You are reliable, flexible and accountable
You are comfortable improvising and adjusting to changing circumstances
You have enthusiastic presentation skills
You have the ability to work independently and as part of a team
You have a positive performance style

Salary Range

$21/hourly

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