Ambassador Animal Specialist

About the position

The Ambassador Animal Specialist is an entry-level position focused on animal care and interpretation at the Dallas Zoo. This role involves operant conditioning training, care, and husbandry for animals associated with Ambassador Animal Experiences. The Specialist will work collaboratively to ensure the safe and appropriate use of animals in engaging wildlife presentations that align with the zoo's mission of engaging people and saving wildlife.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall daily care of assigned animals and habitats to ensure animal health, safety, and welfare.
• Observe and monitor animals' general health and behavior, reporting any abnormal behavior to supervisor and/or veterinary staff.
• Prepare and provide food for assigned animals, following written instructions, provide water and administer medication as instructed.
• Clean animal habitats, holding spaces, food prep areas, and equipment, maintaining a high level of sanitation.
• Achieve the highest standards of animal welfare and wellness by providing environmental enrichment and training sessions.
• Assist team to produce and present wildlife programs that engage and inspire audiences.
• Interact positively and professionally at all times with zoo guests.
• Perform general maintenance and repair of area, including painting and repairing fences and shelters.
• Prepare and update animal records for animal husbandry, training, program usage, and enrichment.
• Assist and participate in media events, special tours, and public relations projects.
• Obtain a working knowledge of animal training through operant conditioning.
• Utilize the enrichment item/device proposal form to create new enrichment ideas.
• Participate in and support zoo-wide initiatives, committees, and work groups.
• Study specific reference materials pertinent to animal care, behavior, and natural history as assigned.
• Follow all safety protocols and understand the animal care team's role in emergency procedures.
• Supervise and train volunteers and interns within the department as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in animal science, biology or related field OR an Associate's degree in an animal science, biology or related field plus one year of paid animal care experience is preferred.
• Knowledge of animal care, training, observation, and basic husbandry skills, with at least one year of exotic animal care experience at an AZA-accredited facility preferred.
• Public presentation and animal training experience strongly desired.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, following instructions and documenting animal care activities appropriately.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in emergency situations and respond with appropriate action.
• Must be able to walk, stand, sit, kneel, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above head, pull, bend, climb stairs and ladders, and carry up to 50 lbs.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in public presentations to both small and large crowds in formal and informal settings.
• Flexibility and efficiency as a self-motivated team player.
• Willingness to learn safe methods of capture and restraint for a variety of taxa.

Benefits

• Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance is an essential function of this position.