Guest Engagement Guide I
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
Tampa, FL 33604
Job details
Job Type
Full-time
Full Job Description Guest Engagement Guide is responsible for facilitating our Safari Expedition, Signature Encounters, and other in-park interpretive experiences.
Who We Are
ZooTampa at Lowry Park is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S., with over 1 million visitors annually. We have grown to what now encompasses 56 acres of naturalistic wildlife habitats in a lush, tropical garden setting with wide-ranging activities. The Zoo, accredited by Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), offers popular educational programming, fun recreational amenities, up-close animal encounters and engaging seasonal events for which it has won awards as one of the country’s most family-friendly zoos.
Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals; create exceptional personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways.
Our vision is that everyone we touch is motivated to join us in taking action to protect and preserve wildlife.
Join us and become a part of creating unforgettable natural connections!
Your day to day
• Facilitates Safari Expedition for guests of all ages.
• Rotates between Driving and Narrating Safari Expedition continuously throughout the day.
• Drives 32-passenger safari trucks on unpaved roads through animal habitats.
• Assists passengers in getting on and off vehicles.
• Assists persons with disabilities/patrons of tours, including loading of wheelchairs.
• Demonstrates safe operation of the safari trucks, including responding appropriately and assisting in potential emergency situations.
• Narrates the Safari Expedition while standing on the back of a moving truck.
• Performs an educational and entertaining narrative that shares animal information and conservation stories in a fun and engaging way.
• Develops a unique character and performs with an energetic and upbeat attitude.
• Remains in character throughout the experience, while engaging with guests and delivering a thematic and high-quality performance.
• Consistently demonstrates excellent guest interaction and "hospitality" skills at all times.
• Maintains a friendly, courteous attitude towards guests and gives assistance whenever possible.
• Politely and diplomatically enforces safety and departmental rules and processes. Ensures that ZooTampa’s policies and procedures are carried out in all programs.
• Fully understands all operating and safety procedures and communicates designated safety instructions to guests.
• Keeps and documents accurate rider counts.
• Ensures a high level of service and positive experience for visitors and program participants.
• Supports the transfer of knowledge and expertise from the animal care staff and scientists to Zoo guests, with the goal of increasing the visibility of the Zoo’s conservation messages.
• Supports formal and informal Signature Encounters, in-park interpretive experiences and events, and sleepovers for the Guest Engagement Department.
• Offers ideas and recommendations on program changes and improvements to Guest Engagement leadership.
• Maintains strong working relationships with all departments within the Zoo to help ensure the overall success of programs.
• Acts as a positive role model and assists in mentoring and training Guest Engagement staff.
• Attends training classes as assigned to develop new skills and support the needs of the team.
• Performs ancillary tour duties and other duties as needed.
What are we looking for?
• A Bachelor’s Degree in education, environmental studies, or related field is preferred. A comparable amount of training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.
• Certificates/Licenses/Registrations: CDL with Passenger Endorsement preferred; National Association for Interpretation Certification preferred.
• Must have a valid FL driver’s license, have/maintain driving record acceptable to the Zoo, and pass a driver physical.
• Knowledge of modern-day Zoos, the purposes and goals, and conservation themes and meanings.
• Ability to work independently, with general direction from leadership.
• Ability to manage workload as well as flexibility to quickly adapt to varying situations without jeopardizing the integrity of the program.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including ability to speak and present well in front of crowds and maintain control of large groups.
• Highly motivated and organized with high energy and a positive team player attitude.
• Ability to master and then deliver conservation messaging and in-park interpretive with high degree of accuracy.
• Ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
Other Requirements:
• Conducts all activities in alignment with AZA standards and guidelines, all relevant laws and regulations, safety standards, and standards that ensure animal welfare.
• Must be able to tolerate exposure to dust, fumes, animal dander, odor, loud noises, motion, and vibrations.
• Must be able to comfortably drive safari trucks for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to comfortably stand on the back of safari trucks and narrate for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to comfortably drive golf cart vehicles as part of tours.
• Must be able to lead tours and talk to guests for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to withstand typical Florida climate.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time, lift up to 50 pounds, bend over, move quickly when necessary, and interact with children at their level.
• Must be able to clearly communicate with the general public.
• Must have adequate auditory and visual acuity and cognitive ability to safely operate tour vehicles or other equipment.
• Must be able to use radio, telephone, and computer to communicate and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Must be able to work on weekends, holidays, and flexible daily hours as well as various evening hours.
• Must be willing and able to work varied and long shifts including holidays and weekends.
Our Perks at ZooTampa
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet, Life Insurance, 403(b) Pension Plan
• Vacation and sick time
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Forgiveness
• Free gym membership
• Free admission to the Zoo, MOSI, and the Florida Aquarium
• Free or discounted admission to many attractions in Florida
• Discounted auto insurance
• And so much more!
Equal Opportunity Employer & Drug-Free Workplace
Job Type: Full-time