Ambassador Animal Trainer & Presenter

Healing Strides Counseling; City of Syracuse (NY); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

This full-time position at the Aquarium's Life Sciences Department focuses on the ambassador animal program, caring for a diverse collection and leading public presentations with animals including small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. The role emphasizes safety, animal well-being, and engaging guest experiences.

Responsibilities include training and enrichment, maintaining habitats and records, assisting with events, and collaborating with veterinary and education staff.

Qualifications

• One year + experience with animal husbandry required; training animals in a show or presentation capacity highly preferred.
• PADI Open Water or equivalent (or able to obtain within 90 days of employment) required.
• First Aid, Emergency O2, and AED certification are preferred but will be provided if needed.
• Degree in wildlife/marine biology or relevant work experience required.
• Proven aptitude for developing compelling habitats preferred.
• Experienced animal care staff with a strong background in reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals required.
• Working knowledge of animal husbandry, disease prevention and treatment, and breeding/rearing techniques.
• Working knowledge of operant conditioning and environmental enrichment.
• Extensive knowledge of the disposition, habits, food requirements, and environmental needs of a diverse animal collection.
• Experience in the care of flora and fauna in a public aquarium setting.
• Experience working with relevant authorities and accrediting associations.
• Competency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Must have strong teamwork, interpersonal, and organizational skills conducive to a positive work environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong listening, presentation and decision-making skills.
• Creative problem solver who thrives when presented with a challenge.

Responsibilities

• Develop and train animal behavior and enrichment activities as directed by the Senior Trainer and department Curator.
• Hold public animal chats, training, and enrichment demonstrations consistent with the facility’s philosophy and procedures on an assigned schedule
• Assist with animal/guest interactions and encounters on a regular basis
• Assist in area training for new employees
• Assist in the preparation and operation of special events after normal business hours as needed
• Maintain up-to-date electronic records on animal health, water quality, system maintenance, system checks and stock reports.
• Monitor and identify animal health concerns, disease diagnosis and water quality concerns.
• Communicate animal health concerns to Senior Trainer and department Curator; work with veterinary and water quality staff to implement care plans as directed.
• Undertake daily operations within the Life Sciences Department to ensure highest level of safety, courtesy, education, efficiency and operational readiness at all times.
• Maintain positive representation to professional agencies, institutions and various committees.
• Comply with health and safety standards in accordance with local municipality, state and federal rules and regulations.
• Provide animal care and ensure habitats meet compliance of facility specific policies and procedures.
• Perform duties in order to reduce loss/waste, control costs and accurately communicate expenses.
• Assist in the implementation of new habitats and educational opportunities in order to maximize guest experience.
• Assist in emergency situations to minimize damage, loss or injury to guests, team members, animals or company property.
• In collaboration with all departments, ensure habitats and programs engage, educate and entertain diverse audiences.
• Work closely with all departments to ensure volunteers and educators provide exemplary guest service and engagement.
• Perform dive requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Animal husbandry

Public speaking

Teamwork

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Degree in wildlife/marine biology or relevant work experience

First Aid training

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

This full-time position at the Aquarium's Life Sciences Department focuses on the ambassador animal program, caring for a diverse collection and leading public presentations with animals including small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. The role emphasizes safety, animal well-being, and engaging guest experiences.

Responsibilities include training and enrichment, maintaining habitats and records, assisting with events, and collaborating with veterinary and education staff.