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
Experience
0+ years
Certifications
How this role is positioned
Role classification
Job domains
Industries
Employment
Full Time
Contract duration
Permanent
Hiring type
Direct
Global hiring
Location specific
Offer details
Compensation and benefits
Compensation
$17 - $19 per hour
Location, schedule, and role shape
Work setup
Work conditions
Bandwidth profile
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 States • Full Time