Bird, Mammal, and Animal Ambassador Trainer

This is a unique position that requires applicants to be keepers, trainers, educators, and performers all wrapped into one. A day in the life might include preparing our Sumatran tiger exhibit for opening, walking a porcupine through our exhibits, training an ambassador otter for a meet and greet, presenting a binturong for a corporate event, sifting sand on our shorebird exhibit, training a serval how to jump on stage, providing enrichment for a sloth, or prepping diets for the collection.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS :

This position involves training, presentation, and husbandry of all exhibit mammals, birds, and animal ambassadors in the collection. Currently the collection includes Sumatran tigers, North American river otters, macaws, Bonaparte gull, three banded armadillos, an African serval, an African crested porcupine, a binturong, a two toed sloth, and a variety of reptiles. Trainers participate in proper care of the animal collection, including environmental requirements, nutrition, the maintenance and appearance of all exhibits and holding areas, enrichment, formal and informal public presentations, and record keeping. Applicant must be highly motivated and be willing to work flexible hours, which will include nights, weekends, and holidays.

Experience Required

POSITION REQUIREMENTS : College degree in Biology, Zoology, Animal Science, or related field and 1-5 years paid training experience with a focus on operant conditioning; or a combination of a degree and experience that provide the required education and experience. Applicant MUST be able to demonstrate experience in accepted husbandry skills including; small mammal handling / transport, small mammal presentation skills, informal and formal presentation abilities, and developing behavioral and environmental enrichment. Must be highly organized, incredibly self-motivated, creative, team-oriented, with a strong desire to see completion of projects. Paid AZA experience, code red shifting experience is preferable but not required. Must have valid driver’s license. WORKING CONDITIONS : Heavy lifting (50 pounds or more), walking and working within a wet environment. Outdoor work on occasion, under variety of conditions : cold weather, snow, hot weather, rain, mud, and dry land. Work with large carnivores – in a protected contact environment.

Further Comments

Salary

19-$24 / hr DOE