Description:
The Animal Ambassador Specialist will act as an integral team member on the Program animal team. This position is supervised by the Assistant Curator of Animal Ambassadors overseeing Program Animal Building staff in the Animal Services Department.
Responsibilities include all daily husbandry of the animals, as well as maintenance and furnishing of habitats, implementing strong enrichment and operant conditioning programs, behavioral observations and welfare assessments, record keeping, public and educational presentations and behind the scenes tours.
Applicants must be able to work in a team environment and work in a variety of weather conditions. The Animal Ambassador Specialist works as part of a complementary team with the Assistant Curator of Animal Ambassadors, the Program Animal Coordinator, Animal Ambassador Specialists, trained Rover Keepers, and area interns.
This position also regularly works closely with Education staff, other Zookeeper teams, and the Animal Wellness team in the care and/or presentation of ambassador animals.
This is a part time non-exempt position.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s or Associate degree in Biology or associated field and at least 6 months of progressive experience working with zoological animals required
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Previous experience being responsible for zoological animal daily husbandry required
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Knowledge of zoology and informal education preferred
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Experience in animal training using positive reinforcement techniques preferred
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Experience in the presentation of animal ambassadors to the public preferred
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Experience in working with interns and volunteers preferred
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Exceptional customer service skills
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Ability to work with individuals and groups of all ages
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Strong organizational and time management skills
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Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, volunteers, and the public
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Visibility requires maintaining a professional appearance and providing a positive image representing the Virginia Zoo to the public
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Ability to think logically, troubleshoot and analyze situations, and make sound workplace decisions
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Ability to arrive to work on time and maintain a consistent attendance record
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Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
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Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and some evenings required
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While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk and stand; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear.
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The employee must be able to regularly lift 50+lbs
At Virginia Zoological Society, we believe that diversity fuels creativity and innovation. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, genetic information, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, non-job related physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status.
All Virginia Zoo Employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19
The Virginia Zoo is a drug free workplace
