Interview Questions

Tell me about yourself

-In my freetime, I enjoy volunteering within both the KC and my college community. I especially enjoy working with bird organizations like Birdabiltiy to better connect people with nature in anyway possible.
-When I’m not volunteering, I enjoy spending my time outdoors kayaking, birdwatching, gardening, fishing, or even trail-running.
-I grew up going to the KC zoo, which made me develop my passion for saving the biodiversity on our planet with the zookeeper talks, hands-on experiences, and interesting facts they’d put on the signs.
-I’ve noticed climate change leaving an impact on my hobbies and the animals here at the zoo. Which, I don’t want climate change to do that because its what taught me about our environment.

How has your education and experience prepared you for this job?

-Education: My conservation biology degree at USM provided me with a strong scientific hands-on foundation in ecology, animal behavior, wildlife management, and even research skills. Through my coursework, I have gained a deeper understanding of species conservation, habitat preservation, and biodiversity while also gaining minor skills like wildlife identification and public speaking.

-On top of that, being honors college student, it forced me to engage in more challenging and in-depth coursework and research related to my major… especially with addressing complex conservation issues and animal care challenges that arise in environmental and zoo settings. Due to this, Honors college taught me to time manage with the independent research I was given and to pay attention to detail.

-Experience: The volunteer work I’ve done has allowed me to hold leadership positions, which in return allowed me to get hands-on experience with both animals and public interaction. An example would be the National Audubon Society’s Hattiesburg branch, which I’m the secretary and head of some of the committees within the club. I have to answer any questions about the club, maintain membership records, all while educating the public about the importance of birds and their environment overall. I’m currently preparing for Earth Day celebration with the Hattiesburg Zoo as I’m the head volunteer coordinator for the branch.

What is your greatest strength?

My greatest strength would have to be combining scientific knowledge with practical, hands-on experience. My deep understanding of conservation strategies and therefore, problem-solving has allowed me to apply my knowledge to the volunteering that I do as I have to take this knowledge and make the general public be able to understand it, while making them passionate about being stewards of our environment as well.

What is your greatest weakness?

My greatest weakness would have to be my tendancy to overcommit to projects or tasks. I am deeply passionate about protecting wildlife and preserving habitats so I find myself taking on too many responsibilites in an effort to make the biggest impact.

But I’ve learned that balancing my commitments is esstential to maintaining the quality of my work and to ensure that I can fully focus on the tasks at hand.

What motivates you to do your very best on the job?

-Developing skills essential to achieve my goal of making a positive difference larger than myself. The impact of helping animals, supporting conservation programs and efforts, plus educating the public is a powerful source of motivation for me.
-I take pride in inspiring the next generation of environmental advocates.

Describe your leadership style

-Collaboration, communication, and personal growth.
-Teamwork is crucial for the well-being of animals and staff. You can’t get teamwork done without communication like providing clear expectations, offering guidance, and supporting each other’s growth.
-I lead by example, because actions are bigger than words. Practice what you preach. This allows me to be approachable and open to feedback, which builds trust and encourages others to do their best work.

How would a co-worker or supervisor describe you?

-Passionate, hardworking, and trustworthy.
-I'm always willing to lend a hand, whether it's assisting with an urgent task or offering support to colleagues when needed. I also make it a priority to ensure open lines of communication, ensuring that everyone on the team feels informed and valued.
-Additionally, I think they’d say that I have a calm and focused demeanor, especially in high-pressure situations. Whether it's managing an emergency with an animal or a challenge that arises unexpectedly, I stay composed and help others stay focused on finding the best solution.

What do you know about this organization?

There’s many, many animals here around 10,000… and the zoo continues to evolve, offering enriching experiences for both its animals and its vistors. Thus, advancing the mission of conservation and education. With the lectures like the crane foundation and the polar bear one. I enjoy the KC zoo run as well.

What makes you qualified for this position?

-I am committed to creating a fun, safe, and engaging environment for campers. I understand the importance of integrating conservation messages into activities to inspire young people to take action on behalf of wildlife, and I am excited to engage campers through hands-on learning, including crafts, games, animal feedings, and more.
-I take responsibility seriously when it comes to the safety and well-being of campers. I am detail-oriented and remain calm under pressure, which allows me to handle emergencies and enforce camp rules effectively. I also understand the importance of communicating clearly and regularly with parents, offering updates on their child's experience and addressing any concerns that may arise.
-I value their contribution and aim to provide them with support and guidance, helping them grow in their roles while ensuring that they contribute to the success of the camp. I’m also very comfortable working as part of a team and see myself as a collaborative member of the Conservation & Education Department, always looking for ways to contribute to team goals. I’m proactive in maintaining and organizing camp materials, ensuring everything is in place for smooth operation. Additionally, I’m excited to assist in the ongoing development and enhancement of programs by providing resources, administrative support, and contributing to the overall mission of the Zoo & Aquarium.
-I have a lot of experience in talking to the public about conservation through programs like the National Audubon Society’s on campus program, Birdability, Hattiesburg Zoo, Lake Thoreau Environmental Center. Furthermore, I have experience handling kids of all ages at my church’s daycare.

Why should I hire you?

-I bring a combination of passion, experience, and a strong commitment to delivering educational programs that both engage and inspire campers. I understand the importance of creating a safe, fun, and educational environment where children can not only learn about animals and conservation but also feel empowered to act on behalf of wildlife.
-I also have a natural ability to mentor and support young volunteers, and I am eager to help them develop their skills while contributing to the overall success of the camp. Communication is one of my strong points, so I would excel at updating parents on camper experiences and addressing any concerns promptly.
-Additionally, I’m highly organized and detail-oriented, which would allow me to manage program records, maintain camp equipment, and keep everything running smoothly. I also have a collaborative mindset, which means I’d be a strong team player in the Conservation & Education Department, supporting the team’s goals and contributing to the development and enhancement of programs.

Why did you leave your last job?

Very low amount of pay; $11 per hour. It also was too much for college, as I had 16 credit hours and honors college plus Audubon Society responsibilities… and they were making me work 20 hours a week, which some of that time I wanted to focus on my education which would help me achieve my main goal.

How would you respond to an animal escape situation?

-From my experience of working at a rescue animal shelter, we had a fair amount of this experience.
-I would prioritize the safety of others around me first by making sure they keep a safe distance, and is staying calm. I’d also immediately notifying the right authoritive figure that would handle the animal.
-I would not approach the animal unless I am trained and have the right equipment. Plus, is instructed to do so.

What's your process for dealing with the public when they engage in dangerous activities?

-Assess the severity of the dangerous activity, determining whether it involves direct interaction with animals, violating safety protocols, or attempting to enter restricted areas.
-Alerting security or staff.
-De-escalate the situation by calmly explaining the risks and dangers involved. This might include warning the person about the safety hazards to both themselves and the animals.

Have you ever disagreed with a colleague? How did you resolve it?

-First step in resolving a disagreement is usually open and respectful communication. We should express perspectives calmly and listen to each other’s viewpoints. Finding common ground.
-If the disagreement is about specific procedures, zoo staff would likely refer to established protocols and guidelines.
-Focused on the common goal.

Why do you want to work at this zoo?

I’m excited about the opportunity to work at the Kansas City Zoo because of its commitment to both animal welfare and conservation. I’ve been impressed by the zoo’s dedication to providing a safe, naturalistic environment for the animals and educating the public about the importance of preserving wildlife. With over 200 species and its focus on global conservation efforts, I’d love to contribute to these initiatives and help inspire others to care about the planet’s biodiversity. The chance to be part of a team that helps enhance visitor experiences and promotes hands-on learning about wildlife would be a truly rewarding experience for me.

What are your long-term career goals?

-My long-term career goal is to pursue a path in conservation biology, where I can contribute to the preservation and study of endangered species and ecosystems. Ultimately, I hope to become a professor, combining research and education to inspire future generations about the importance of conservation.
-By working alongside experienced professionals, I’d be able to develop my skills in both conservation efforts and communicating complex ecological topics to the public, which are essential for my future career goals. I also see this as a great way to continue building my understanding of biodiversity and animal behavior while contributing to the zoo’s mission to educate and inspire the community about wildlife preservation.