Primate Education Interpreter
Description
From lemurs to gorillas, primate education interpreters cover species and topics in the Great Ape House, Gibbon Ridge, Lemur Island and Think Tank. The unifying themes of this interpreter program are primates, their lifestyles and their cognitive abilities. The 440-foot-long O-line, which allows orangutans to travel between the Great Ape House and Think Tank, is also included in the scope of the Primate Interpreters.
Interpreters will learn about the natural history, conservation status and Zoo management of nine species of primates, as well as the brown rats (or Norway rats) and hermit crabs in Think Tank. They will also learn the individual histories of many of these animals and share all of this information with visitors in a largely conversational manner.
Think Tank is an exhibit about a process that cannot be seen but can be inferred from observing behavior: thinking. It explores the areas of tools, language and social living to determine if particular behaviors are thinking or non-thinking.
To be considered for this position, you must be able to make a year’s commitment to the program and work three, three-hour shifts each month. Shifts are available both weekdays and weekends from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. For the first year, a minimum of one shift per month must be in the afternoon. Additionally, you must be able to attend monthly evening meetings the second Tuesday night of most months and support exhibit-related special events.
Application Requirements
These positions are highly competitive, and there are limited spaces available. Once you have submitted an application, you will be called to set up an interview. Submission of an application is not a guarantee of placement.
The Smithsonian Institution and FONZ are committed to providing the safest environment for our staff and volunteers, as well as for our guests. Applicants must schedule an interview, and those that are provisionally accepted must pass a Smithsonian background check, which includes fingerprinting, as a requirement for approval as an exhibit interpreter prior to beginning to volunteer.