Guest Engagement Assistant

About the role

• Agency
• Dept of Natural and Cultural Resources
• Division
• Job Classification Title
• Zoo Educator (S)
• Position Number
• Grade
• NC06

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

Pay and benefits

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 is to conserve and protect representative examples of natural beauty, endangered and threatened plant and animal species, and ecological features of the continents it represents.

Application Process

Be sure to complete the application in its entirety. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application.

• Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information.
• Answers to Supplemental Questions are not a substitute for providing all relevant information within the body of your application. To receive credit for the supplemental questions, you must provide supporting information within the "Work Experience" section of the application, to support your answers.
• Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application. The hiring process may take several weeks.
• Be sure to complete the application in full. Applicants are unable to submit more than one application to an individual posting. Only one application received prior to the closing date will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by 11:59:59 PM on the night prior to the closing date.

Degree/College Credit Verification

Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts, and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Veteran's and National Guard Preference

Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, along with the state application.

Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing.

Applicants who are former member of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application.

Employment Eligibility

• CONTACT INFORMATION
• N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
• Division of the North Carolina Zoo
• 4401 Zoo Parkway
• Asheboro, NC 27205