About the position
As an Animal Ambassador at the San Antonio Zoo, you will play a vital role in the care and handling of various animals while engaging with the public through educational presentations and interactions. This position requires a blend of independent action and teamwork, allowing you to collaborate with a passionate Zoo Crew dedicated to wildlife conservation. You will be responsible for observing and reporting animal behavior, performing routine care and maintenance of animal habitats, and participating in both onsite and offsite animal programs. Your work will not only involve direct animal care but also the opportunity to educate the public about wildlife and conservation efforts. In this role, you will engage in daily behavioral observations and training of animals using operant conditioning techniques. You will also be tasked with cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures and service areas, ensuring the safety and welfare of the animals in your care. As an ambassador for the San Antonio Zoo, you will represent the organization during special events, media appearances, and outreach programs, helping to foster a connection between the public and wildlife. Your commitment to the zoo's mission will be essential as you work to inspire action and awareness for wildlife conservation. The position requires a strong desire to work with the public and the ability to communicate effectively about biological, historical, and conservation information. You will be expected to uphold all company policies and procedures while exhibiting a service-oriented attitude both inside and outside the zoo. This role is not just about animal care; it is about making a meaningful impact on the community and the environment through education and engagement.
Responsibilities
- Observe, evaluate, and report animal behavior and condition to the manager daily.
- Perform routine and special duties involved in the daily care and maintenance of animals in captivity, including regular maintenance of animal habitats and facility renovations.
- Exchange information with management staff and coworkers regularly.
- Handle and display presentation animals for both onsite and offsite programs, providing the public with educational information in a fun, professional manner.
- Daily behavioral observation and animal training. Utilize operant conditioning techniques to maintain current behaviors and build new repertoire in experienced and naive animals.
- Clean and maintain animal enclosures, service areas, and holding facilities using rake, shovel, wheelbarrows, ladders, and other tools daily and as required.
- Assist in treating zoo animals under instructions of a manager or zoo veterinarian.
- Professionally represent San Antonio Zoo through daily programs, special events, and media appearances.
- Participate in events, media, outreach, and other requests on and off zoo grounds.
- Travel with the animal ambassador team and ensure safety and welfare of animal collection.
- Assist with animal transfers and procedures.
- Assist in the design, construction, and maintenance of animal habitats and displays.
- Successfully secure animals, their enclosures, and other associated structures.
- Provide information and assistance to the public, supporting the Zoo's mission and vision.
- Upholds all company policies and procedures.
- Constantly exhibit an attitude of service inside and outside of the zoo, showing hospitality to all.
- Be fully committed to the mission of San Antonio Zoo to create awareness that inspires action to care for the wild world we steward and the animals we protect.
- Performs other work-related duties as required and assigned.
Requirements
- Ability to safely work around delicate, wild, and potentially dangerous animals.
- Ability to create, plan, implement, and execute a variety of activities in the Animal Ambassador program.
- Ability to communicate effectively, presenting biological, historical, and conservation information in a professional and engaging manner.
- Strong desire to work with the public.
- Knowledge of animal behavior and experience in the application of operant conditioning techniques.
- Associate degree in wildlife management, zoology, biology, or related field preferred.
- Minimum one-year progressive zookeeping experience in an AZA-accredited facility or similar.
- Sufficient delicacy to handle, examine and move without harming sick, injured, or small (often neonatal) animals.
- Sufficient strength, agility, and coordination to net, capture, and/or restrain animals of varying size, strength, and agility.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office and ability to learn other software platforms.
- Must be 18 years of age or older with a clean driving record for vehicle operation.
- Successful candidates must complete a pre-employment National Sex Offender Search, Criminal Background Check, and Drug Screen.
