Animal Ambassador Manager

Summary:

The Animal Ambassador Curator is responsible for managing the Animal Ambassador Team, animal behavior programs, including enrichment, training, and welfare initiatives, while also enhancing guest experiences through interactive and educational programs. This role involves the design and implementation of behavior-based enrichment and training programs that support animal health, mental stimulation, and well-being. Additionally, the Senior Animal Behavior and Engagement Keeper will work closely with the curator and guest services teams to create and lead public presentations, animal demonstrations, and interactive exhibits that foster a deeper connection between guests and animals.

Responsibilities:

Animal Behavior & Welfare:

• Implement and monitor behavioral enrichment programs tailored by the husbandry curators to meet the psychological and physical needs of various species following the facility’s species-specific guidelines.
• Develop training programs under direction from husbandry curators using positive reinforcement techniques to facilitate daily care, veterinary procedures, and guest interactions.
• Work with veterinary, curatorial, and national husbandry teams to modify behavior or enrichment strategies based on health and welfare needs.
• Ensure detailed records of behavioral observations, enrichment effectiveness, and training progress are kept for all animals.

Guest Engagement & Education:

• Lead and participate in public demonstrations and animal shows that engage and educate guests on animal behavior, welfare, and conservation.
• Collaborate with the husbandry curator and national husbandry team to design animal experiences that align with the facility’s mission to educate the public on animal behavior and the importance of conservation.
• Facilitate and train staff on guest interactions with animals in a safe and educational manner, ensuring a positive experience for both the guests and the animals.

Leadership & Supervision:

• Assist curators in leading and supervising a team of animal keepers with a focus on animal care, behavior monitoring, and guest engagement activities.
• Provide training and mentorship to staff on enrichment techniques, behavioral observation, and guest interaction protocols.
• Coordinate daily schedules, under the husbandry curator's direction, for public presentations, animal training sessions, and enrichment activities, ensuring all areas are covered and managed effectively.
• Ensure team members follow all safety and animal welfare protocols, and provide guidance on improving guest engagement and animal interactions.

Collaboration & Program Development:

• Collaborate with curator and national husbandry teams to ensure that training and enrichment activities support the overall health and well-being of the animals.
• Alongside curators, work with the marketing and guest services departments to promote events, shows, and programs that highlight animal behavior and conservation efforts.
• Assist in the development of long-term guest engagement initiatives, including special events, animal encounter programs, and conservation education campaigns.
• Regularly assess and refine animal demonstration and guest engagement programs based on guest feedback, participation levels, and the welfare of the animals.

Compliance & Safety:

• Ensure all animal handling and guest interaction practices meet safety standards and adhere to federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., USDA, Fish and Wildlife, company standards).
• Enforce protocols to ensure guest safety during interactions with animals, especially during public demonstrations and encounters.
• Monitor and evaluate guest engagement activities to ensure they align with the facility’s mission and goals for conservation education.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience with animal training using positive reinforcement techniques, preferably in a zoo or aquarium setting.
• Experience in public speaking, guest engagement, or educational programming in a zoo, aquarium, or wildlife setting.
• Strong knowledge of animal behavior, welfare, and enrichment practices for a variety of species.
• Leadership experience, including supervising teams, training staff, and managing schedules.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage and educate diverse audiences.

Preferred Skills:

• Certification in animal behavior or training (e.g., IAABC, CPAT-KA, AZA Behavior Management).
• Experience with program development in guest education, animal interactions, or wildlife conservation outreach.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Animal Science, Biology, Animal Behavior, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in animal care with a focus on behavior management, enrichment, and training.

Working Conditions:

• Physical demands include standing, walking, lifting, and handling animals and equipment.
• Work in both indoor and outdoor environments, sometimes in varying weather conditions.
• Occasional weekend, holiday, or after-hours work may be required for special events or guest programs.