DOG TRAINER

Worldwide Zoo Consultants; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 220,345 - 293,793; Full time

Job summary

Worldwide Zoo Consultants in Abu Dhabi is looking for a professional to oversee zoological projects, build customer relationships, and ensure compliance with best practices. The role involves project site inspections, client engagement, and the development of standard operating procedures.

Ideal candidates should have at least five years of relevant experience, strong communication skills, and be adept with animal care software. A background in Business Management is desirable.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of experience in zoological, aquarium or animal operations.
• Practical experience in overseeing animal collections and care staff.
• Must be able to conduct themselves professionally with co-workers and clients.

Responsibilities

• Promote the company's mission as directed by the Managing Director.
• Build strong relationships with clients by providing exceptional customer service.
• Develop SOPs and procedures per EAZA, AZA and WAZA guidelines.
• Oversee scheduling and tracking of Animal Care Department assignments.

Skills

Verbal and written communication skills

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Proactivity

Computer literacy (MS Office)

Education

College level course in Business Management

Excellent academic science background

Tools

Animal Care Software

SharePoint

Job description

Project Development and Oversight

• Promote the mission of Worldwide Zoo Consultants as directed by the Managing Director.
• Participate and contribute towards the design, development and operations of new zoological projects through design workshops and day-to‑day animal husbandry and operational oversight.
• Conduct a project site inspection to ensure that the projects are being carried out in line with the WZC’s agreed Scope of Services deliverables and schedule as per the agreement.
• Participate in meetings, workshops and travel locally and internationally as required by the projects department.
• Record minutes of the meeting and follow up on the action items recorded.
• Display extreme ownership of the projects the Managing Director assigned to you to ensure complete execution and handover.

Client Relationship Management

• Build strong relationships with all clients by providing world‑class customer service.
• Have a strong sense of anticipation for the client’s needs and be able to set and deliver the project according to the client’s expectations.
• Be a meticulous planner and organizer.
• Have extreme attention to detail and a passion to drive change for the better.

Compliance and Best Practices

• Develop SOPs, protocols and procedures per EAZA, AZA and WAZA guidelines.
• Always consider best practices and animal welfare ethics as a culture in all you do.
• Conduct a project site inspection to ensure that the projects are being carried out in line with the WZC’s agreed Scope of Services deliverables and schedule as per the agreement.
• Participate in meetings, workshops and travel locally and internationally as required by the projects department.
• Record minutes of the meeting and follow up on the action items recorded.
• Monitor the health of the animals and ensure all animals under the Company’s care are trained for husbandry, show, and interactive behaviours.
• Assist with the development and provide on‑site assistance of new facilities and projects both internally and externally with other companies (this will include but is not limited to zoological parks, aquariums and other animal facilities).

Leadership and Staff Training

• Staff training individually and in groups using WZC’s training manual or modules.
• Assist in developing and implementing operational procedures to ensure human and animal safety.
• Maintain animal record logs relating to the behavioural and medical conditions of the animals, as well as record all conditioning.
• Develop improved feeding, housing, sanitation, parasite and disease control practices.

Departmental Collaboration

• Oversee scheduling and tracking of Animal Care Department time and assignments.
• Order animal food, equipment and products for use by animal care staff.
• Work closely with the Managing Director to ensure the exhibits and animals inhabiting them are healthy.
• Work closely with the Veterinary Team to develop and employ sound medical programs for animal collection, including diet formulation, preventative medicine, testing, quarantine and healthcare.
• Work closely with the Managing Director to develop and maintain marketing videos, brochures and social media portfolios for the Company.

Qualifications

• Must possess good verbal and written communication skills within the English language and must be able to conduct themselves professionally and positively with co‑workers and clients.
• Must have strong attention to detail and be highly professional, proactive, self‑motivated, independent, a problem solver, and be able to work with intermittent guidance.
• Computer literate (MS Office) proficiency with computers and current software applications such as Animal Care Software and the WZC’s SharePoint portal.
• College level course in Business Management work desirable with an excellent academic science background.
• Minimum five (5) years of progressive experience in zoological, aquarium or animal operations.
• Practical experience in overseeing an animal collection and animal care staff is essential.