Ambassador Animal Specialist

zoonewengland; Stoneham (MA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Zoo New England is seeking an Ambassador Animal Specialist I to oversee daily care and welfare of the ambassador collection within the Education Department. You will work with reptiles, birds, mammals, and amphibians, providing diets, enrichment, and accurate recordkeeping while supporting educational tours and presentations.

Collaborate with leadership to plan enrichment and training, maintain health records, and assist with school programs and events.

Qualifications

• At least one year of experience facilitating animal care in a zoo, aquarium, or shelter setting.
• Preferred experience with Raptors, Reptiles, and Small Mammals.
• Comfortable with public speaking, reading scripts, and implementing basic animal training during public programming.
• Ability to address groups of all ages and aptitudes.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).

Responsibilities

• Daily animal care including diet preparation, feeding, cleaning, medicating, providing behavioral enrichment, etc.
• Attend planning sessions with leadership to evaluate and maintain the species in our collection through ambassador animal planning.
• Maintain records on collection health, enrichment, and training.
• Collaborate with veterinary staff and education team to ensure health and safety of animals.
• Facilitate ambassador animal enrichment programs and growth.
• Support education programs, tours, chats, events, and animal experiences.

Skills

Public speaking

Data analysis

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

CPR/AED and First Aid Certification

Job description

Reports To: Animal Experience Manager

Essential Job Functions

The Ambassador Animal Specialist I (AA S) will be responsible for the daily care and maintenance of the ambassador animal collection within the Education Department. The AAS works directly with a variety of animal species including reptiles, mammals, birds, and amphibians. They are responsible for maintaining high-quality welfare by providing daily diets, behavioral enrichment, and recordkeeping for ambassador animals in our care. In addition, the AAS assists in the development of enrichment and training programs for specific animals or species. They will also ensure that we are practicing the highest standards of care for our collection. As a member of the Education Team, the AAS also facilitates educational programs, such as tours and presentations for the public.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Daily animal care including diet preparation, feeding, cleaning, medicating, providing behavioral enrichment, etc.
• Attend planning sessions with the Director of Education and Ambassador Experience Manager (AEM) to evaluate and maintain the species in our collection through ambassador animal collection planning.
• Able to give and receive feedback effectively while embracing a growth mindset.
• Maintain records on our collection’s health, enrichment, and training.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with the AEM, Veterinary Staff, and if necessary, Animal Care Staff, to ensure the health and safety of ambassador animals.
• Facilitate our ambassador animal enrichment program and contribute to their growth.
• Work closely with Education Managers to maintain quality volunteer, teen, and intern training.
• Assist with programs as needed (overtime may be necessary), including but not limited to education programs (ex. school programs), chats, events, and animal experiences.
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Education or AEM.

Minimum Job Requirements

• At least one year of experience facilitating animal care in a zoo, aquarium, or shelter setting.
• Preferred experience with Raptors, Reptiles, and Small Mammals but not necessary.
• Comfortable with public speaking, reading scripts, and implementing basic animal training during public programming.
• Able to work independently as well as part of a team; ability to work well with Zoo staff and project partners.
• Experience working with data and using data to convey meaningful information.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and in writing).
• Ability to address groups of all ages and aptitudes.
• Certification in CPR/AED and First Aid; institutional first responder.
• Valid driver’s license and a driver in good standing with a reliable vehicle; use of personal vehicle for institutional purpose as needed.
• Able to lift 50 pounds and walk over uneven terrain and in all weather.