Zoologist - Animal Ambassadors

Dallas Zoo Management•Dallas, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Dallas Zoo is seeking a zoologist to join our Animal Ambassador Experiences team. The ambassador program has three unique sections directly responsible for the animal husbandry, care, training, and programming of the animals in its respective areas. The Animal Outreach team provides robust and diverse programming on and off-site in the greater Dallas Fort Worth metroplex. This team oversees a varied group of birds, mammals, and reptiles, including prehensile-tailed porcupines, flamingos, tamanduas, penguins, parrots, tortoises, and snakes, to name a few. The Wild Encounters team focuses on up-close encounters through structured presentations at our Wild Encounters stage. Featured animals include Gambian pouch rat, North American porcupine, opossum, southern tamandua, free-flighted black vulture, southern ground hornbill, snakes, lizards, and more! Finally, the Wildlife Show team gives formal, entertaining, scripted presentations on our dynamic stage, showcasing free-flighted birds such as hadada ibis, macaws, birds of prey, pigeons, and trumpeter hornbills. Other cast members include an African crowned crane, bald eagle, ravens, and our newest addition, a white stork.

Requirements

An Associate’s degree in an animal science, biology, or related science field plus one year of paid animal care experience is required.
Must have knowledge of animal care and basic husbandry skills.
Must be capable of practicing, or willing to learn, safe methods of capture and restraint for a variety of taxa (which may include potentially dangerous species).
Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, following instructions and documenting animal care activities appropriately.
Ability to exercise sound judgment in emergency situations and to respond with appropriate action.
Must be able to walk, stand, sit, kneel, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above head, pull bend, climb stairs and ladders and carry up to 50 lbs.
Must be able to work holidays and weekends, both regular and irregular hours as required.
Regular, reliable and punctual attendance is an essential function of this position.
Must be able to actively work outdoors in hot or inclement weather.
Successful candidates must complete pre-employment drug screening, background check and TB test.
Must have a valid driver’s license to operate zoo vehicles and reliable transportation.

Nice To Haves

A Bachelor’s degree in an animal science, biology, or related science field is preferred.
At least one year preferred of exotic animal care experience at an AZA-accredited facility (ideally with Ambassador Animals, and/or comparable taxa).
Must be a flexible, efficient, self-motivated team player, and solution-oriented: finding creative solutions to complex challenges.
Must have basic knowledge of research techniques and practices, with solid observation skills.
Must be able to establish and maintain an effective rapport with all levels of management, employees, interns, volunteers, and zoo guests.
Ability to represent the Zoo in a professional manner at all times.
Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with management, other employees & zoo guests.

Responsibilities

Provide overall daily care of assigned animals and exhibits to ensure animal health, safety, and welfare, staff and public safety as set forth by AZA, USDA, and DZM.
Observe and monitor animals’ general health and behavior, reporting any abnormal behavior to manager and/or veterinary staff.
Prepare and provide food for assigned animals, following written instructions, provide water and administer medication as instructed to ensure proper nutrition and health.
Clean animal exhibits, holding pens, food prep areas, and equipment, maintaining a high level of sanitation, conducting pest control activities and reporting any mechanical defects that would endanger the animal, zoo staff, and/or guests.
Achieve the highest standards of animal welfare and wellness by providing environmental enrichment and training sessions, using operant conditioning, as applicable.
Participate in or assist with the capture and restraint of a variety of taxa including dangerous species.
Prepare and update animal records, reports and surveys, assisting in research projects as necessary to ensure thorough documentation and enhanced knowledge of animal biology.
Perform general maintenance and repair of exhibits: painting, repairing fences and shelters, abating erosion, planting ground cover and removing weeds.
Provide assistance with animal transfers and/or procedures as directed.
Interact positively and professionally with animal care and veterinary staff and volunteers.
Actively encourage interest in wildlife through positive interaction with zoo guests via educational presentations focused on animals, biology, conservation, and environmental issues.
Utilize the enrichment item/device proposal form to create new enrichment ideas and items to be added to taxa repertoires and properly record the results of enrichment items after each use.
Collaborate with other zoo personnel as needed to meet the zoo’s mission. This can include, but is not limited to, assisting and participating in media events, special tours, and public relations projects.
Participate in and support zoo-wide initiatives, committees, and work groups.
Understand and support Dallas Zoo’s Strategic and Master Plans and departmental collection plans.
Study specific reference materials pertinent to animal care, behavior and natural history as assigned.
Follow all safety protocols and understand the animal keeper's role in emergency procedures, responding to emergencies as required.