The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden (CZBG) is a leader in animal care, wildlife conservation, sustainability, education, and community engagement. Our Mission is to create adventure, convey knowledge, conserve nature, and serve our community. We accomplish this by inspiring every visitor with wildlife every day by providing opportunities to be close enough to care. We are passionate about our commitment to Animal Excellence and succeed at this by pursuing our Core Values of: Collaborative Relationship; Positivity & Energy; Accountability, Mutual Trust & Respect; Progressive Thinking; Pride, Passion & a Sense of Ownership.
Summary:
This position encompasses skilled professional and technical work in the routine daily care of assigned animals, enclosures and related facilities of the Zoo's Animal Ambassador Collection. In addition to husbandry duties, Animal Ambassador keepers will conduct interpretive programming, including participating and leading on-grounds animal presentations, and special marketing events. You will be expected to interact and share stories and conservation messages with visitors in a positive manner, and will you be working closely with Education staff and animal handlers in a fast-paced environment. Position reports to Curator of Ambassador Animals and the Zoological Manager of Ambassador Animals.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Successful candidates likely have a minimum of two years training experience working free contact with multiple ambassador animal taxa is required
Demonstrated knowledge and successful experience in animal husbandry and experience using operant & classical conditioning & animal handling techniques with reptiles, amphibians, arthropods, small mammals, and birds
Experience handling and presenting animals in front of public, and must be particularly comfortable and proficient with public speaking and guest engagement activities
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Animal Ambassador keeper duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Responsible for the day-to-day husbandry requirements and health of a diverse group of animals in the Animal Ambassador Collection
Support collaborative efforts pertaining to the collection, such as reproduction, research, enrichment, training and conservation programs
Observe general animal health and behavior, on a daily basis, and report any abnormal circumstances
Maintain records of health, behavior, enrichment, operant conditioning and visitor engagement issues in designated programs in assigned areas; Write clear and concise reports and maintain accurate, detailed records
Perform behavior modification and enrichment programs in assigned areas
Must be team-orientated and willing to work with other staff members to further not only the goals of the department, but also the Zoo's Mission Statement
Develop and present visitor engagement programs that include, but are not restricted to, random encounters, educational programs and Meet-the-Keeper programs
Interact with the public and Zoo staff in a professional and courteous manner
Make decisions consistent with the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden policies and procedures
Identify maintenance issues and correct or repair each as required, reporting non-correctable maintenance issues, including potential safety hazards, to the Maintenance Supervisor
Prepare and follow prescribed diets and feeding procedures for the animal collection
Will instruct new personnel in the proper methods of animal care, consistent with approved policies, and procedures
Assist in the training, supervision and evaluation of volunteers and interns, as needed
Assist veterinary and animal staff with animal handling, capture, restraint, transport and medication administration
Has the capacity to work well with others while maintaining the ability to work effectively as an individual
Perform other duties as assi