SUMMARY The Interpretive Content Developer works to create naturalistic and immersive exhibits to deeply engage our visitors, inspire awe, encourage learning and discovery, and motivate visitor actions on behalf of wildlife conservation. This position is part of the Education department’s interpretive team and collaborates with multiple internal partners and external vendors to research and develop interpretive exhibits and visitor engagements, and to guide and steward the look and feel of signs, props, and interactive elements, including multimedia elements for specific exhibits. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES -
Participate in exhibit concept and content development, including developing exhibit storylines, organizing exhibit themes/topics, and coordinating with exhibit and graphic designers. -
Complete literature reviews and visitor research in collaboration with the Audience Research team. -
Collaborate with scientific staff (animal management and conservation); coordinate content review by in-house and external parties and incorporate feedback. -
Research, conduct literature reviews, and interpret natural history and other scientific information. -
Collaborate, coordinate, and communicate progress of work with cross-departmental committees that include colleagues from Capital Projects, Education, Guest Services, Horticulture, Communications, IT and Creative Services to develop concepts and content for delivery of interpretive engagements through text, visual media, interactive elements and audio. -
Advocate for immersive and audience-centric exhibit experiences that make science fun and engaging for people of all ages and backgrounds. -
Participate in discussions with the Audience Research team to design and conduct evaluations at specified points in exhibit development process to ensure that projects achieve goals and objectives. -
Follow and contribute to the zoo’s exhibit and interpretive development process and complete work in a timely manner to meet schedules and budgets. -
Write and edit labels, visitor handouts and other interpretive materials including editing, revising, fact-checking and proofreading. -
Select and help secure specimens, artifacts, images, video and other educational resources. -
Participate in professional development opportunities in order to stay informed of trends in the museum and zoo/aquarium field; learn from and share knowledge with colleagues while building relevant partnerships. -
Assist in maintaining the zoo’s guest experience and long range physical development plans. -
Perform other duties as assigned. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES This position has no supervisory responsibilities. QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. -
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including editing, and grammar; effective storytelling and science communication; write clearly, concisely and imaginatively for diverse public audiences -
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with team members, consultants, staff and external partners to develop exhibits and interpretive storylines through consensus, dividing workload, and following project details through to completion. -
Knowledge of natural history and demonstrated experience in natural science writing. -
Ability to research subject matter, understand basic literature in the field, and have substantive, collaborative conversations with subject matter specialists. -
Ability to develop thematic structure for exhibits and use a variety of methods and techniques to communicate concepts to general audience(s). -
Ability to create exhibit content that is intellectually and emotionally engaging, producing exhibits with a “fun” or “wow” factor that will drive zoo attendance. -
Knowledge of exhibit evaluation methods in informal education settings, conservation issues and proper presentation of artifacts. -
Working knowledge of interpretive planning concepts, principles and philosophies and emerging research in conservation psychology. -
Enterprising spirit with the initiative to track down leads and anticipate needs before they arise. -
Experience in project management and successfully handling multiple projects simultaneously and meeting tight deadlines. -
Detail-oriented and accurate. -
Willingness to stretch, grow and try new approaches. -
Flexible schedule with ability to work some evenings and weekends as needed. -
Commitment to the mission of the zoo and the institution’s Core Values. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, environmental studies, museum studies, or related field from an accredited four-year college or university or equivalent; and a minimum of three years of experience in exhibit/interpretive development for informal science or similar setting. Thorough understanding of exhibit development process and design principles required. CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS Valid US driver’s license. COMPUTER SKILLS Proficient and experienced with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Must be able to work with customized databases and technology, and conduct Internet research. Current command and experience with relevant creative technologies including Adobe PhotoShop, Bridge LightRoom, and Premiere (or Final Cut Pro) and other professional editing software. CUSTOMER SERVICE SKILLS Must be enthusiastic and customer service oriented and deal with clients in a courteous and professional manner. Must enjoy working with the public including diverse populations and people of all ages. LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations, as well as floor plans and elevations, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to speak effectively before groups or individuals and to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers and the general public. Ability to relate effectively with people of various cultural backgrounds, levels of education and experience. MATHEMATICAL ABILITY Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations. REASONING ABILITY Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear and use hands to finger, handle or feel. . The employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to variable weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. APPLICATION DIRECTIONS Applications are only accepted online through our Jobs page at www.zoo.org; no other forms of application will be accepted. Cover letter and resume are REQUIRED when applying for this position. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications are due prior to 12:00 AM on the posted Close date (i.e. by 11:59 PM the evening before). Woodland Park Zoo is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, or gender identity/expression. |
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