Ambassador Animal Specialist

Reports To:Animal Experience Manager  

Essential JobFunctions 

The Ambassador AnimalSpecialist I (AAS) willbe responsible for the daily care and maintenance of the ambassador animal collection within the Education Department. The AAS works directly with a variety of animal species including reptiles, mammals, birds, and amphibians. Theyare responsible for
maintaining
high-quality welfare by providing daily diets, behavioral enrichment, and recordkeeping for ambassador animals in our care. In addition, the AAS
assists in thedevelopment of
enrichment andtraining programs for specific animals or species.They will alsoensure that we are practicing the highest standards of care for our collection.As a member of the Education Team, the AAS alsofacilitates educational programs, such as tours and presentations for the public. 

Duties &Responsibilities 

• Daily animal care including diet preparation, feeding, cleaning, medicating, providing behavioral enrichment, etc. 

• Attend planning sessionswith the Director of Education andAmbassadorExperience Manager (AEM)to evaluate andmaintain the species in our collection through ambassador animal collection planning. 

• Able to give and receive feedback effectively while embracing a growth mindset 

• Maintain recordson our collection’s health, enrichment, and training. 

• Collaborate and communicate
  effectively
  with theAEM,
  Veterinary Staff, and ifnecessary, Animal Care Staff, to ensure the health and safety of ambassador animals. 

• Facilitate our ambassador animal enrichment program and contribute totheirgrowth. 

• Work closely with Education Managers
  tomaintain quality volunteer, teen, and intern training.   

• Assist with programs as needed
  (overtime may be necessary), including but not limited to,
  education programs (ex. school programs), chats,events, and animal experiences.  

• Other duties as assigned by theDirector of Education orAEM.   

Minimum JobRequirements 

• At leastone year
  of experiencefacilitating animal care in a zoo, aquarium, or shelter setting.  

• Preferred experience withRaptors, Reptiles, and Small Mammals but not necessary 

• Comfortable with public speaking, reading scripts, and implementing basic animaltraining during public programming. 

• Able to work independently as well as part of a team; ability to work well with Zoo staff and project partners.  

• Experience working with data and using data to convey meaningful information. 

• Excellent communication skills (verbal and in writing).  

• Ability to address groups of all ages and aptitudes.  

• Certification in CPR/AED and First Aid; institutional first responder. 

• Valid driver’s license and a driver in good standing with a reliable vehicle; use of personal vehicle for institutionalpurpose as needed.  

• Able to lift 50 pounds and walk over uneven terrain and in all weather.