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Dear Applicant, Lindsay Wildlife Experience’s Interpretive Guide program is a year-round education program (January – December) which provides teens (12 – 18) the opportunity to learn about animals and nature, explore career opportunities, meet other teens with similar interests and take an active role in our community. We seek positive, responsible, enthusiastic teens with an interest in learning about native California wildlife and conservation and who can interact with our visitors. This is a unique opportunity for teens to learn life skills in a professional setting. The application process is competitive and we have limited availability in the program. Interpretive Guides are an integral part in Lindsay’s mission of “connecting people with wildlife.” Interpretive Guides help:

• Care for the Lindsay Wildlife’s collection of domestic animals • Provide educational programming to Lindsay Wildlife guests of all ages • Answer questions and provide information about live animal and natural history exhibits • Conduct tours for scout groups • Lead children’s activities in our interactive spaces

Selection is determined by application and interview, and all applicants (whether accepted or declined) will be notified by mail by the beginning of November. Please refer to Interpretive Guide Program: Selection Guide and Requirements for more information about the application process and program requirements. Thank you very much for your interest in joining Lindsay Wildlife Experience. We look forward to meeting you soon! Sincerely, Sarah Parnell Emma Molinare Interpretive Programs Manager Interpretive Programs Keeper 925-627-2944 925-627-2948 sparnell@lindsaywildlife.org emolinare@lindsaywildlife.org

1931 First Avenue Walnut Creek California 94597 Phone 925 935 1978 Fax 925 935 8015 www.lindsaywildlife.org 2/6

Interpretive Guide Program: Selection Guidelines and Requirements

Lindsay Wildlife Experience is dedicated to providing a safe, structured, and fun environment for our program participants. In addition to teaching and reinforcing important life skills, such as communication and responsibility, we hope to foster a desire to learn about the natural world around us. Many in the program have been inspired to pursue an education in the natural and life sciences and go on to become scientists and educators. The following is an overview of the selection guidelines and requirements for the Interpretive Guide program. Selection Guidelines The application process is competitive and we have limited availability in the program. Preference is given to returning Interpretive Guides in good standing. New applicants will be scored on both their written application and oral interview.

• The written application will account for 50% of total score. Objectives for the written application include: meeting the deadline, following directions, completion and legibility of application.

• The oral interview will account for 50% of total score. Objectives for the oral interview are to determine the applicant’s: willingness, motivation, and commitment to participate; attitude; maturity and composure.

Program Requirements If selected, the following are required of an Interpretive Guide (IG):

1. Commit to 100 hours (minimum) to the program for a calendar year (Jan – Dec). In addition to weekly shifts and training, the following also account toward the hourly commitment:

o Monthly Friday Focus meetings (5:30 – 7:00 pm, usually the 1st Friday of the month) o Scout tours o Participating in community outreach events as a Lindsay Wildlife representative o Participating in Lindsay Wildlife Experience events o Certain extra-curricular activities, such as hikes or lectures, may also apply

2. Sign up for weekly shifts, which are 2 ½ hours; spaces on each shift are limited and determined by availability and seniority.

o School year (January – June; September – December): § Wednesday – Friday: 3:00 – 5:30pm § Saturday – Sunday: 9:30am – 12:00pm, 12:00 – 2:30pm, 2:30 – 5:00pm

o Summer shifts (June – August): § Wednesday – Friday: 9:30am – 12:00pm, 3:00 – 5:30pm § Saturday – Sunday: 9:30am – 12:00pm, 12:00 – 2:30pm, 2:30 – 5:00pm

3. Attend at least eight Friday Focus meetings. 4. Complete a minimum of three scout tours for the year. 5. Sign and abide by the IG Code of Conduct.

(continued on pg. 2)

1931 First Avenue Walnut Creek California 94597 Phone 925 935 1978 Fax 925 935 8015 www.lindsaywildlife.org 3/6

IG Program: Selection Guidelines and Requirements, page 2 Basic Duties Pet Education Collection – Interpretive Guides are responsible for the care and maintenance of our domestic animal collection (rats, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits)

• Daily husbandry (cleaning, diet preparation, general upkeep) • Record keeping • Animal handling • Health checks • Presentations in our What’s Wild—What’s Not exhibit to educate the public about the

animals • Answer questions and present accurate information

Exhibit Hall – the home of our live animal collection (non-releasable California native wildlife) as well as natural history, art and interactive exhibits

• Provide educational programs about wildlife and the environment to diverse-age audiences • Learn how to handle animals (insects, tarantulas, snakes) and present animals in programs • Provide information to and answer questions from visitors about Lindsay Wildlife

Experience and our animal collection • Lead Scout Tours • Help maintain (daily pick up and upkeep) and provide programming and/or activities in our

interactive spaces designed for younger visitors Other Activities

• Attend meetings and trainings for the Interpretive Guide program • Special events (outreach programs, festivals, etc.) • Optional activities: IG overnight at the Lindsay Wildlife, field trips (preference is given to

returning IGs for limited space field trips)

Training A progressive curriculum is developed for the year, highlighting certain material/concepts each month. Some concepts are independent; other concepts require previous training/experience. Concepts are introduced at monthly Friday Focus meetings and reinforced during weekly shifts.

• First-year IGs: safety, general animal information, general conservation information, public speaking

• Returning IGs: safety, public speaking, advanced animal and conservation information, introduction to animal training (animal behavior)

• Sr. IGs: safety, advanced animal information and handling, how to train/teach others, animal behavior, animal training

• IG Keepers: safety, advanced animal information (behavior, husbandry, biology)

(continued on pg. 3)

1931 First Avenue Walnut Creek California 94597 Phone 925 935 1978 Fax 925 935 8015 www.lindsaywildlife.org 4/6

IG Program: Selection Guidelines and Requirements, page 3 Program Fee The fee for the Interpretive Guide Program is $475.00. The family max (two or more participants from one family) is $705. Program fees cover:

• Uniform (shirt and nametag) • Costs associated with training, hospitality, and extracurricular activities throughout the year • Family membership to the Lindsay Wildlife Experience

Program fees are due by January 1, 2017. Monthly installments are available, payable by check or credit card. To receive information about scholarships, please check “yes” on application. Important Dates Thursday, September 1, 2016: Applications due September, October: Interviews Saturday, December 10, 2016 4-6pm: Orientation and safety training for those accepted Wednesday, January 4, 2017: IG year begins This is a unique opportunity for teens to learn from experienced professionals and work at an acclaimed and respected organization. Please complete and return the application by the deadline for consideration. We look forward to meeting you and good luck!

Thank you for your interest in joining the Interpretive Guide Program at Lindsay Wildlife Experience .

1931 First Avenue Walnut Creek California 94597 Phone 925 935 1978 Fax 925 935 8015 www.lindsaywildlife.org 5/6

2017 Interpretive Guide Application (To be filled out by applicant, not parent/guardian)

This application must be completed and returned by September 1, 2016

(ATTN: Sarah Parnell). If you need more space, please feel free to attach additional pages.

Name __________________________________________________________________________________ (Last) (First) (Middle) Address _________________________________________________________________________________ (Number) (Street) _____________________________________________________________________________________ (City) (State) (Zip code)

Age* as of January 1st, 2017 ______ Birthday _____/_____/_________ *must be at least 12 Home phone (_____) _______________________ Cell phone (_____) _______________________ E-mail address___________________________________________ Parent/Guardian name(s) ___________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian email address ________________________________________ Parent/Guardian cell phone (_____) _______________________

1. How did you hear about the Interpretive Guide program? ______________________________________________

2. Career interest(s) ______________________________________________________________________

3. What other activities do you participate in that require a regular time commitment (sports, clubs, etc.)?

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

4. Please list interests, special skills, hobbies, etc.:

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

1931 First Avenue Walnut Creek California 94597 Phone 925 935 1978 Fax 925 935 8015 www.lindsaywildlife.org 6/6

(IG Application, page 2)

5. Share any experiences you have had working with animals (including pets), children, or other community

work. _______________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? _______________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

7. Please include photographs, artwork, poetry, stories, etc. that you feel reflect your personality (submitted

material will not be returned). Please attach to application.

8. Include at least one letter of reference (including contact information) from a non-family member that

highlights the qualities that will enable you to be a successful Interpretive Guide at Lindsay Wildlife

Experience.

Are you interested in a scholarship?

□ Yes, please send me information on scholarships.

By applying for the Interpretive Guide program, I understand that:

1. There will be an interview after which I may or may not be accepted into the program. I can also decide at

that time that I do not want to participate.

2. If accepted, I am expected to pay the program fee, attend all orientation/training sessions and complete all

of the program requirements.

Applicant Signature _________________________________________________ Date ___/___/_______ Parent/Guardian Signature*___________________________________________ Date ___/___/_______ Print Parent name(s) ________________________________________________________________ *Your signature indicates approval for your child’s participation, if accepted, in the Interpretive Guide Program.

Applications are due to Sarah Parnell, Interpretive Programs Manager, by September 1, 2016