Ambassador Animal Relief Keeper - Part Time
Position: Ambassador Animal Relief Keeper -Temporary
Reports to: Director of Ambassador Animal Engagement
Supervises: Interns and Volunteers, Seasonal Part-time Staff
Coordinates with: Director of Education, Ambassador Animal Keepers, Volunteer Manager, other full-time Education Department employees, Seasonal Education Department employees, and other Zoo staff
Summary of Responsibilities:
A highly motivated individual responsible for maintaining the education animal collection under the supervision of the ambassador care lead. This individual also assists in presenting quality educational programs onsite when necessary, and is committed to providing exceptional customer service at all times.
- As essential personnel, animal department staff are expected to be available as per business needs which include weekends, holidays, evenings and in inclement weather
- Foster an appreciation of wildlife and their habitats that will inspire active participation in conservation
- Assist management in ensuring safety, cleanliness, and efficiency in all areas of the operation of the Zoo
- Follow and adhere to all policies and procedures and safety protocols for the department and the Zoo
- To treat with confidentiality all information entrusted or known by you regarding guests, animals, business, employees, volunteers, incidents and any other sensitive information and to discuss it only with the proper management representatives
- Assists with daily care and enrichment of the ambassador animal collection under the direction of the ambassador care lead, keepers and the Director of Ambassador Animal Engagement
- Acts as a ‘relief keeper’ for ambassador care staff
- Responsible for communicating animal medical information to the team and/or vet staff and entering information into ZIMS as needed
- Works with ambassador care keepers and vet staff to create and maintain the best husbandry standards
- Responsible for assisting with monthly animal health checks, enrichment development/evaluation, and animal husbandry SOP development/evaluation
- Assists in supervising, training, and evaluating ambassador care interns
- Presents formal educational programs on-site as needed
- Must be able to work a flexible schedule, which will include at least one weekend day a week, sometimes a full weekend, and some evenings
- Communicates effectively with both adults and children in both group and individual settings
- Greets guests and exercises professionalism at all times
- This team player must be creative, have excellent organizational skills, and have the ability to work independently
- Performs other duties as may be assigned by the Director of Ambassador Animal Engagement
- Education: Completed Bachelor’s Degree in biology, environmental science, zoo science, animal science, education, or related field, or equivalent experience.
- Work Experience: Must have experience in animal handling and animal husbandry with both domestic and exotic species. Previous educational experience at an environmental education center, zoo, or similar setting preferred.
- Must be able to work a flexible schedule, which will include some evenings, holidays, and weekends
- Must have demonstrated experience building and sustaining effective and productive relationships with peers,
volunteers, and sources of influence within an organization - Demonstrated prior experience requiring the application of independent judgment and discretion
- Must be comfortable working with a wide variety of animal species
- Excellent public speaking skills
- Excellent administrative and organizational skills
- Must be proficient with Microsoft Word processing programs, and Google-based applications
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, facilitating interaction between visitors and Zoo staff
- Must be able to lift 50 lbs
- Must have valid driver’s license
Pay: $17/hour
Identification: Two forms of official valid identification are required. Ability to pass background and child abuse clearances