Docent Manager
Department: Education
Reports To: Director of Animal Welfare of Southwick’s Zoo/Executive Director of EARTH Ltd.
Status: Part Time
Position Purpose
The Docent Manager supports the mission and vision of EARTH Ltd. and Southwick’s Zoo by leading a dynamic volunteer docent program that engages, educates, and inspires zoo guests.
Position Summary
The Docent Manager oversees the daily operations of the docent department while actively serving as a docent. This role is responsible for recruitment, training, scheduling, supervision, and ongoing development of volunteer docents. The Manager ensures that all educational messaging, materials, and animal interactions are accurate, current, and aligned with zoo standards.
Key Responsibilities
Program Leadership & Volunteer Management
• Recruit, interview, train, schedule, and supervise volunteer docents
• Monitor program size and coordinate new training sessions as needed
• Lead annual refresher trainings and docent meetings
• Track volunteer hours and coordinate recognition/reward programs
• Ensure compliance with all zoo policies and procedures
Training & Educational Oversight
• Develop and maintain docent training curriculum
• Ensure accuracy of animal information, artifacts, and guest messaging
• Coordinate animal handling protocols with Education and Animal Care teams
• Mentor docents during live animal presentations
• Maintain current knowledge of zoo and animal-related issues
Operations & Scheduling
• Create weekly docent schedules ensuring full station coverage
• Maintain docent equipment (radios, first-aid kits, artifacts)
• Coordinate special assignments requested by zoo staff
• Attend management meetings and complete required zoo trainings
Animal Encounters & Events
• Coordinate and staff weekend/holiday giraffe and rhino encounters
• Arrange animal feed/browse in collaboration with animal care teams
• Coordinate staffing for special events and private encounter requests
• Assist with EARTH events as needed, and other duties as assigned.
Communication & Guest Engagement
• Respond to volunteer inquiries and encounter-related communications
• Answer animal-related questions from guests and community members
• Collaborate with Education, Animal Care, and Operations teams to ensure consistent messaging
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in an animal-related field preferred or minimum two years of equivalent experience.
• Supervisory experience preferred, especially with volunteers.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills; ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt in real time.
• Strong organizational skills and computer skills with Microsoft Office programs.
• Ability to interpret and communicate animal, conservation, and zoo-related information accurately.
• Physically able to stand and walk for extended periods, perform active movement (climb, stoop, kneel, crouch), and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions and around animals and common allergens.
• Team-oriented with a collaborative mindset.
Physical & Work Requirements
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Exposure to animals and allergens (hay, pollen, dust, mold, grass)
• Collaborative, team-oriented mindset
Position Pay & Perks
• Position starts at $20–$25 per hour, based on experience and credentials
• Perks:
o Access to Southwick’s Zoo
o Gift shop discounts
o Meal discounts inside the zoo (excludes Galliford’s)
o Flexible scheduling
o CPR/First Aide Certifications provided by Southwick’s Zoo
