Animal Caretaker - Ambassador Animal (Temporary)

About the position

The Animal Ambassador Caretaker at the OKC Zoo is responsible for ensuring the well-being of ambassador animals through daily husbandry practices and maintaining their environments. This role also enhances the guest experience by presenting animals and engaging with visitors, creating positive and memorable moments. This is a temporary full-time position that involves a variety of skilled and semi-skilled tasks to ensure the safety and care of animals, staff, and the public.

Responsibilities

• Participate in daily animal husbandry tasks and assessments related to food, water, cleanliness, health, animal transfers, and behavior.
• Observe, monitor, and report animal behavior changes and medical concerns; keep detailed records of animal weight, health, enrichment, training, and behavior.
• Maintain and renovate exhibits, service areas, and equipment.
• Support daily purposeful enrichment and documentation to promote, encourage, and evaluate natural and guest engaging behaviors.
• Develop a basic understanding of and the ability to perform operant conditioning training.
• Participate in animal training programs to prepare ambassador animals for educational programs.
• Train staff and volunteers on presentation techniques and ambassador animal training for educational programs; monitor the use of animals to ensure proper handling is performed and welfare standards are met.
• Monitor animal health and assist in veterinary medical procedures; provide medication and treatment to animals as directed by veterinary staff.
• Educate and interact with guests in both formal and informal settings; provide positive, memorable guest experiences.
• Represent the Zoo knowledgeably and professionally during all working hours, including at external community events.
• Collaborate with other zoo departments.
• Understand and follow all of the Zoo's safety and emergency protocols.
• Participate in and respond to safety-related issues and drills.
• Conduct research on both current species and new species, as assigned.
• Plan and organize work projects for the area; acquire needed supplies and materials for work projects.
• Participate in animal transfers, both off and on site.
• Participate in conservation activities that support the zoo's mission.

Requirements

• One (1) year of paid experience working in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facility with relevant taxa or an equivalent combination of education and experience, including qualifying unpaid AZA internships.
• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• Valid Oklahoma driver's license within thirty (30) days of hire and pass driver's history check.
• Completion of OKC Zoo Global Academy training in the first six (6) months of employment.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in presentation skills.

Benefits

• Competitive hourly pay ranging from $15.31 to $17.61 per hour.
• Opportunity to work in a dynamic zoo environment.
• Engagement with animals and the public.
• Experience in animal care and conservation efforts.