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VZVirginia Zoo
Virginia ZooZoo

Animal Ambassador Specialist

Location

Norfolk, Virginia, United States

Work type

Onsite

Employment

Full Time

Experience

0+ years

Compensation

$17 - $19 per hour

Posted

1h ago

Summary and responsibilities

Role overview

Summary

The Animal Ambassador Specialist at the Virginia Zoo ensures the highest level of animal welfare for the Zoo’s Animal Ambassadors. Responsibilities include husbandry, training, enrichment, and public presentations with various species, contributing to the Zoo's mission through educational programs.

Animal Ambassador Specialist

The Virginia Zoo is seeking a full-time Animal Ambassador Specialist to provide exceptional care and welfare for the Zoo's Animal Ambassador collection. This position is responsible for animal husbandry, training, enrichment, record keeping, and delivering engaging public education programs featuring ambassador animals. The role reports to the Curator of Animal Ambassadors and requires a flexible schedule, including weekends and occasional evenings.

Key Responsibilities

  • Prepare, deliver, monitor, and record animal diets and feedings.

  • Observe animals daily and document health, behavior, feeding habits, and overall well-being.

  • Provide animal care in accordance with nutritional, behavioral, social, and veterinary requirements.

  • Clean, disinfect, and maintain animal exhibits, enclosures, pools, dishes, and related facilities.

  • Maintain accurate animal records and documentation.

  • Follow best practices for animal handling, restraint, husbandry, welfare, and AZA standards.

  • Conduct research and implement Species Survival Plan (SSP) breeding recommendations.

  • Administer prescribed medications and treatments under veterinary direction.

  • Develop and implement positive reinforcement training plans.

  • Design and provide species-appropriate enrichment, including enclosure furnishings and enrichment proposals that encourage natural behaviors.

  • Assist in developing and improving husbandry, training, enrichment, and educational presentation practices.

  • Deliver public animal presentations and support special events as needed.

  • Assist with the Animal Ambassador handbook, including animal profiles, handling procedures, training methods, and best practices.

  • Train and serve as a resource for education staff, interns, and approved volunteers.

  • Track animal participation in presentations, guest interaction numbers, and maintain required records.

  • Follow all safety procedures and standard operating protocols.

  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

  • Strong interpersonal and customer service abilities.

  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and time management skills.

  • Ability to prioritize multiple tasks.

  • Ability to work effectively with individuals and groups of all ages.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

  • Ability to frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, and communicate effectively.

  • Ability to work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.

  • Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor.

Additional Requirements

  • Current TDAP and Rabies vaccinations required.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Biology or a related field.

  • Minimum six months of progressive experience working with zoological animals.

  • Experience with zoological animal husbandry.

  • Preferred experience in:

    • Informal education and zoology.

    • Positive reinforcement animal training.

    • Public animal presentations.

    • Supervising or working with interns and volunteers.

Updated 1h ago

Candidate fit

Skills and qualifications

Additional skills

Animal husbandry • 1+ yrs
Animal training • 1+ yrs
AZA standards • 1+ yrs
Positive reinforcement • 1+ yrs
Public speaking • 1+ yrs
Record keeping • 1+ yrs
Problem-solving • 1+ yrs
Communication skills • 1+ yrs

Experience

0+ years

Certifications

TDAP/Rabies vaccination • Required

How this role is positioned

Role classification

Job domains

Operations

Industries

Wildlife & Conservation

Employment

Full Time

Contract duration

Permanent

Hiring type

Direct

Global hiring

Location specific

Offer details

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

$17 - $19 per hour

VisibilityShared on listing
CurrencyUSD
PeriodHourly

Location, schedule, and role shape

Work setup

Work conditions

Primary locationNorfolk, Virginia, United States
Work typeOnsite
Global hiringNo

Bandwidth profile

peopleMedium7/10
physicalMedium7/10
cognitiveMedium7/10
executionHigh8/10
creativityMedium6/10
uncertaintyMedium5/10
communicationHigh8/10

Context on the employer

Company snapshot

Company

Virginia Zoo

Team size

Growing team

Location

Norfolk, Virginia, United States

Founded in 1901, the Virginia Zoo is located in Norfolk, VA and is home to more than 700 animals representing more than 150 species. It resides on 53 acres and is mostly outdoors with an indoor World of Reptiles exhibit, 3 classrooms, and an indoor restaurant and gift shop.

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Animal Ambassador Specialist

Norfolk, Virginia, United StatesFull Time