Ambassador Animal Specialist
About The Position
The Ambassador Animal Specialist oversees training and development of animal-handling capabilities for Educational Programming. The role liaises with Onondaga County Parks Collection Managers and Zookeepers about educational interactions with animals in the general collection, including enrichment activities, keeper talks, behind-the-scenes tours, classroom programs, and Animal Care and Conservation Camp. The position involves intermittent animal care and daily animal handling, promotes the zoo and its mission, and is a regular, full-time, non-exempt position. Employment is pending criminal and driver history records. The specialist develops and implements training plans for animal handlers in coordination with Senior Animal Management, serves as the primary handler trainer, provides performance feedback, and approves handlers. The role presents ambassador animals in scheduled and unscheduled demonstrations according to handling guidelines and supports routine animal care multiple times per week, including daily husbandry for a variety of species. The specialist follows zoo policies, protocols, and documentation guidelines set by Senior Management. The position requires attendance at regular staff meetings and a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends as needed. Work and driving may occur in a variety of weather conditions. A bachelor's degree in zoology, biology, environmental science, or a related field is preferred; applicable experience may be considered instead. The position requires at least 2–3 years of relevant animal handling, training, and educational demonstration experience.
Requirements
- At least 2–3 years of experience in animal handling, training, and educational demonstrations in a zoo, aquarium, nature center, or similar setting.
- Experience caring for and handling a variety of domestic and exotic animals.
- Ability to communicate scientific and conservation messages in a lively, engaging manner to diverse audiences.
- Ability to handle, care for, and train a variety of domestic and exotic animals.
- Excellent public speaking, organizational, record-keeping, and writing skills.
- Ability to work independently and flexibly, collaborate as a team player, achieve established goals, and maintain accurate records.
- Proficiency with computer programs including Microsoft Office.
- Ability to lift 50 pounds and handle animal carriers.
- Valid NYS Driver’s License, reliable transportation, and a registered and insured vehicle; must be able to use a personal vehicle for work purposes.
- NYS DMV Clearance.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology, environmental science, or a related field; applicable experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement animal-handler training plans with Senior Animal Management.
- Serve as primary trainer for handlers, provide performance feedback, and approve handlers.
- Present ambassador animals in scheduled and unscheduled demonstrations while following animal-handling guidelines.
- Support staff in routine animal care multiple times per week.
- Perform daily husbandry, including cleaning, feeding, and enrichment, for small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, hoofstock, and invertebrates.
- Follow zoo policies and protocols and comply with documentation guidelines established by Senior Management.
- Liaise with Onondaga County Parks Collection Managers and Zookeepers regarding educational interactions with animals in the general collection.
- Attend Education Staff, All-Staff, and Friends of the Zoo meetings.
- Work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends as needed, and work and drive in a variety of weather conditions.
- Perform other duties as requested.
- Promote the zoo and its mission.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
