Animal Experiences Specialist
About The Position
Craft WOW Moments. Inspire Action. Drive Conservation. At Tanganyika Wildlife Park, we go beyond caring for animals. We create once-in-a-lifetime experiences that make you say "WOW". Inspiring generations to become conservation champions. If you're passionate about animals, driven by purpose, and believe that one moment can change a life then this is where you belong. Why Tanganyika? A Front Row Seat to Conservation in Action We’re not a zoo. We’re an experience. At Tanganyika, you’ll be part of a team pioneering interactive conservation experiences that educate, engage, and empower. We do conservation a bit different our focus is conservation one person at a time. Making people aware of the species, getting them interested, and then calling them to action. Work That Gives You Goosebumps From helping a toddler feed a giraffe for the first time to guiding a training session with a curious lemur, your job here is anything but ordinary. This is the kind of place where work and wonder collide. Real Growth. Real Mentorship. Real Impact. Whether you're starting your career or seeking your next challenge, Tanganyika invests in you . We care about you beyond the workplace with initiatives to help our team reduce their consumer debt to an employee assistance program to our Dream Manager program, we want you to become the best YOU. A Culture That Cares—For Animals and Humans We lead with love, and it shows. Our team is fiercely supportive, deeply passionate, and united by a shared purpose. And yes, your “co-workers” might include sloths, rhinos, and porcupines. Purpose That Reaches Beyond the Park Every moment you create here fuels a global mission. Whether it’s supporting field conservation projects or inspiring a child to become a future biologist, your work leaves a legacy. The AES team brings animal encounters to life through behind-the-scenes tours, meet & greets, and offsite programs. From guest engagement to behavior training, this team does it all—with creativity and heart. You'll work with a wide variety of ambassador animals like sloths, macaws, otters, penguins, and more, all while helping guests form unforgettable connections and supporting our broader animal training efforts. Love training and inspiring others? You’ll fit right in!
Requirements
- A combination of formal education (e.g., degree or coursework in zoology, biology, animal science, or related field) and hands-on experience working with exotic or domestic animals in a zoological, aquarium, sanctuary or equivalent setting that demonstrates the necessary skills for this position
- Basic understanding of operant conditioning and positive reinforcement training
- Excellent public speaking and customer service skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines
- Ability to work long hours, weekend, weekdays, holidays
- Ability to stand and walk for up to 8 hours per day with frequent stooping and bending
- Ability to routinely lift up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds
- Desire to grow as a team member and human being
Responsibilities
- Create meaningful connections between guests and animal conservation through safe, engaging, and educational experiences that inspire ongoing support for the park.
- Maintain thorough knowledge of ambassador species and stay current on their conservation status.
- Communicate effectively about animal ambassadors, answering guest questions and sharing conservation stories.
- Train and reinforce behaviors following established protocols to support animal welfare and guest interaction.
- Assist zookeepers with training sessions and provide constructive feedback to ensure consistency and quality.
- Evaluate each ambassador session and document progress accurately in the Animal Care Software.
- Uphold high standards of cleanliness, safety, and professionalism in all AES areas.
- Provide occasional husbandry support to other Care Team departments as needed.
Benefits
- Year round, full-time position
- Starting hourly rate of $16.50/hr with pay modifiers for training experience and/or keeper experience
- Professional development program (tiers and badges) that allows staff to improve their skill set and earn additional pay compensation
- Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
- Supplemental Insurance
- HSA
- 401(k) with match
- Unlimited PTO starting at 90 days
- In-house discounts
- EAP - mental well-being program including therapy sessions for all staff and their immediate family
- Complimentary admission to TWP for yourself and family
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
