JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Seasonal Presenter

SECTION: Interpretation

DEPARTMENT: Commercial and Communications

DIVISION: Communications and Commercial Directorate

RESPONSIBLE TO: Team Leader, Live Interpretation

PARTICIPATING JOB HOLDER(S):

APPROVED BY:

JOB HOLDER(S):

HEAD OF DEPARTMENT OR DIRECTOR:

JOB DESCRIPTION REFERENCE NUMBER:

GRADE ALLOCATED: 8

JOB EVALUATION REVIEW HISTORY AND EXPLANATORY NOTES: JOB DESCRIPTION / MAIN PURPOSE

ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo deliver a large number of high quality and innovative live interpretation events. The explainer’s role is key to delivering these events effectively to a high standard in order to achieve the educational and visitor enjoyment targets set by the ZSL. Explainers are expected to provide interpretation experiences throughout the day on a variety of topics within the zoos. Effective presentation skills are the main requirement of the explainers however there are opportunities for explainers to become involved in the development of live interpretation events within the ZSL. Key to the explainer role is excellent interpersonal and communication skills with zoo departments within the ZSL.

JOB DESCRIPTION ANALYSIS

A. KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

1. VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL SKILLS

Essential:  Excellent oral communication skills  Good organisational/planning skills with the ability to work within strict deadlines

Highly Advantageous:  Animal related and/or Performance degree course not essential

2. EXPERIENCE

Preferable:  Experience working with children and communicating with the public  Previous experience presenting public talks/shows/events  Working in an animal related field

3. INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

 Required to liaise with colleagues of all departments and levels of ZSL  High level of communication skills required to empathise with visitors e.g. when imparting information, or dealing with a lost child scenario or other emergencies.  An outgoing friendly manner in order to facilitate effective event delivery to promote ZSL’s conservation work and deliver educational messages.  Welcome and engage with guests throughout experience to create a fun, relaxed and safe environment

Page 2 of 3 B. RESPONSIBILITY

1. HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Not applicable

2. PHYSICAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

A)  Maintain all props and electrical equipment to a high standard, including audio visual equipment, radios, computers, telephones  Maintaining and erecting signage relating to live interpretation events.

B)

Not applicable

C)  A degree of confidentiality is necessary when relaying information and answering visitor questions e.g. relating to animal health and welfare.

D)  Required to open and close the squirrel monkey and lemur walkthrough enclosures.  Monitor walk through enclosures to ensure health and safety of animals and visitors.  Handling a range of invertebrates and vertebrates.

3. COMMUNICATION

 A high level of communication with visitors at all times, to a range of different age groups and across a wide spectrum of formats including talks, children’s workshops, recorded interviews and staged presentations.  Clear and concise verbal communication needed and the ability to make information accessible for all age groups and abilities  Confidence to approach visitors and ability to engage people and capture and maintain their interest.

4. LIAISON

 Liaise with staff from across the organisation to ensure efficient delivery of events

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C) MENTAL DEMANDS

1. JUDGEMENT AND DECISION MAKING

 Ability to constantly adapt talks according to the participating audience

2. ORIGINAL THOUGHT AND PROBLEM SOLVING

 The ability to change talks in unforeseen circumstances and deal with equipment failure during an event. Must be able to improvise during unscripted events including unpredictable animals and audience  Help resolve any guest issues if needed to ensure their visit is highly enjoyable

3. CONCENTRATION

 High levels of concentration required in order to deliver an event whilst many distractions are occurring, and to answer difficult visitor questions  High concentration needed to ensure the health and safety of animals and visitors in walk-through enclosures daily.

4. FLEXIBILITY

 High levels of flexibility required in order to respond to daily problems i.e. staff illness, change/cancellation of event, equipment failure, visitor queries.  Ability to learn new skills and information within a strict time limit e.g. performance skills, handling different animals, working with different departments across the zoo.

D. WORKING CONDITIONS

 The position involves spending a large amount of time outdoors in all weather conditions including adverse weather.  Minimal risk of injury through handling animals.

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