Interpreter

Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as an on-grounds interpreter at various locations throughout the zoo, including but not limited to: Veterinary Center, Historic Croft Home and Farm, animal exhibits and other locations throughout Zoo grounds. This includes providing narration during surgical procedures and guided tours of the historic home.
• Design and facilitate a variety of inspiring educational interactions including tours, experiences, classes, chats, etc.
• Engage with guests on a regular basis, providing excellent service to ensure a positive guest experience
• Lead behind the scenes experiences and walking tours.
• Participate in interpretation and activities as a part of special events, including but not limited to: Boo at the Zoo, Zoolumination, Great Backyard Bird Count, Avian Awareness Day, Party for the Planet, World Tiger Day, and World Rhino Day
• Participate in regular training opportunities and stay up to date on Zoo related information and current interpretive best practice
• Perform regular cleaning and maintenance of interpretive elements including signage, electronic displays, historic furnishings and collections, outbuildings, and farm equipment
• Serve as utility educator to teach other departmental programming when the schedule necessitates including
• Other duties as assigned

Job Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Desire to work with and speak to the general public
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal communication skills and be able to collaborate effectively with other zoo departments
• Excellent written and oral communication skills to represent the zoo
• Ability to work well independently without direct supervision
• Excellent multitasking and time management ability
• Ability to respond to emergency situations calmly and follow protocols
• Ability to self-direct work tasks while ensuring safety and productivity

Desired Skills

• Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) or be willing to obtain certification as part of employment
• Familiarity with technology relevant to use in a zoo education setting
• Knowledge and experience with live animal education programming
• Prior experience in an interpreter role

Physical Requirements

• Frequently stand and walk for extended periods
• Interact with guests throughout their shift
• Occasionally lift, carry, or move items up to 25–30 lbs, such as program materials, supplies, or event equipment
• Regularly work both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Exposure to noise, crowds, dust, and routine cleaning agents
• Safely navigate public areas, stairs, and uneven surfaces
• Operate basic equipment such as radios, tablets, microphones, and point-of-sale systems
• Assist with special events, school programs, or animal-themed activities
• Flexibility, professionalism, and adherence to safety and guest-interaction protocols
• Schedules may include weekends, holidays, early mornings, evenings, and occasional overtime based on programming or attendance needs

Pre-employment requirements

• Nashville Zoo is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and maintains a drug-free work environment. All employment is at-will.
• All candidates are required to successfully complete a criminal background check and drug screening prior to hire.
• Pre-employment and annual tuberculosis (TB) screenings are a condition of continued employment.