Birthday Play Leader (PT) –
Education Department - Part-Time
Starting pay: $8.00/hour

Nature of Work

Effective immediately a Birthday Play Leader position is available. The Birthday Play Leaders work within the Education Department of the San Antonio Zoo to lead birthday parties and facilitate play in the Kronkosky’s Tiny Tot Nature Spot. Play leaders will be responsible for the planning and facilitation of birthday parties. Play leaders will also lead families in an appreciation of nature by performing a variety of functions including facilitating exploring exhibits, teaching classes, leading activities, organizing crafts, presenting animals and much more. The Birthday Play Leader reports to the Kronkosky’s Tiny Tot Nature Spot Supervisor.

Essential Functions:

• Establish and maintain positive, cooperative, and effective working relations with fellow employees.
• Constantly exhibit a customer service attitude, a smile, and an obvious interest in visitor comfort and service.
• Communicate with the public in a courteous and tactful manner and assist visitors with questions and directions to various areas of the Zoo. Address the visitor - do not wait to be asked.
• Remove trash and debris from public areas; i.e. pick up litter whenever you see it.
• Coordinate all birthday functions including ordering supplies and cakes, confirming guest numbers, answering questions, and preparing birthday packets.
• Communicate with birthday participants to ensure complete understanding and expectations of their chosen birthday party package.
• Meeting and greeting party participants.
• Leading birthday party with games, crafts, animal presentations and tours that reflect the Zoo’s mission.
• Disseminate birthday information to all Education staff.
• Communicate with other departments of the Zoo if needed.
• Working with children and families to facilitate play and a love of nature.
• Responsible for preparing the play areas each morning, monitoring children’s appropriate use, conducting safety audits, and closing down the play areas at the end of the day. Apply all standards, regulations, and guidelines adopted by the exhibit that address health, safety, and developmentally appropriate practices with young children and their families.
• Support the Zoo’s mission of conservation by implementing a comprehensive strategy for appropriate conservation education opportunities. Collaborate with Zoo staff to insure accurate dissemination of information and maximum use of the Zoo’s resources.
• Provide support for volunteers and other members of the Education Department as needed.
• Any and all other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities :

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Desire to work outdoors with small children and their families in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Ability to enthusiastically engage the public, especially very young children and older adults.

Minimum Qualifications :

• Ability to work weekends, holidays and occasional after-hours assignments.
• Training in early childhood. May be enrolled in college coursework.
• Strong desire to share wonders of the natural world with all audiences is required. Prefer individuals with a proven background in informal environmental education.
• Energy, enthusiasm and patience along with strong commitment to the importance of play.

To apply for this opening please send resume and cover letter to:

San Antonio Zoo
Attn: Human Resource Department
3903 N. St. Mary's Street
San Antonio, TX 78212
Fax: (210) 734-7291

Download the Zoo's Employment Application (PDF)

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