Ambassador Animal Program Manager

Audubon Nature Institute comprises Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium, Audubon Insectarium, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species, Woldenberg Riverfront Park, and Audubon Wilderness Park

• At Audubon Nature Institute, we are more than a collection of parks, museums, and conservation centers—we are a dedicated team with a shared mission to celebrate, protect, and connect people to the wonders of nature.
• Our work is guided by our culture code, which is at the heart of everything we do.
• We believe in Activating Impact by integrating tangible, real-world outcomes into all our initiatives, fostering a culture where every action contributes to a positive environmental impact.
• We are committed to Empowering Optimism, using positivity to inspire others to act and believe in their capacity to create meaningful change.
• We strive to Create Connection by engaging with people from all walks of life, knowing that the collective strength of a diverse community can address the most pressing challenges facing our natural world.
• At Audubon, we embody the spirit of Le Bon Temps, infusing the joy and vibrant culture of Louisiana into our everyday work, celebrating our unique heritage while advancing our mission.
• As Leaders of the Pack, we constantly seek smarter, innovative solutions, challenging conventions to drive the change we want to see in the world.

What You’ll Do (Summary of role)

• The Ambassador Animal Program Manager (“Manager”) is a key member of the Learning & Engagement (L&E) Team and is responsible for the overall management of the Ambassador Animal Program at Audubon Zoo including supervision of the Ambassador Animal care staff, care and management of the animal collection and oversight of ambassador animal programming.
• The Manager is responsible for ensuring excellent daily care and wellbeing of a diverse animal collection which includes reptiles, invertebrates, mammals and birds.
• With guidance and input from the Director of Engagement, the Ambassador Animal Program leadership team works in close collaboration and partnership with the Zoo Engagement Program team to ensure we maintain a cohesive and effective system to deliver engaging programming with our ambassador animals while providing an excellent level of animal welfare.
• The main responsibilities of this position are hiring, scheduling, training, and supervision of Ambassador Animal care staff, interns, and volunteers; managing and ensuring daily care & wellbeing of the ambassador animal collection, developing and implementing onsite programming, ensuring guest and animal safety procedures are followed, working with the Director of Engagement and other stakeholders to develop and revise ambassador animal policies and procedures including animal handling, animal care guidelines and collection planning and working cooperatively with other L&E teams to maximize the guest experience and support other L&E programming.
• The Manager will also actively collaborate with the Zoo Animal Care and Veterinary teams.
• This includes regular meeting participation, contribution to policy development and implementation, animal management decisions, animal care staff appreciation and more.
• The Manager may be called upon as a leader to provide general operational support for the Zoo as needed.
• As a leader on the L&E team, the Manager participates in strategic and financial planning, effective resource management, proactive communication both internally and externally, and promotes appropriate professional development opportunities for the entire team.
• As a member of the L&E Department, this position will participate in and support a variety of Learning and Volunteer programming as necessary.
• The Manager will support the needs of Audubon Nature Institute and its various facilities as required.

Day to Day Responsibilities

• Supervising, scheduling, training, evaluating and coaching Ambassador Animal Program supervisors, coordinators, specialists, interns, and volunteers at Audubon Zoo
• Recruiting, interviewing, hiring and onboarding Ambassador Animal Program staff, interns and volunteers with the support of the Director of Engagement
• Developing and implementing multi-faceted training and support resources for Ambassador Animal staff, interns, and volunteers
• Ensuring the health and wellbeing of all ambassador animals is maintained through daily observation, active communication with veterinary staff, and assistance with medical procedures and treatment as needed.
• Ensuring all necessary daily records and communications for the collection adhere to best practices and meet all required standards and regulations
• Working with the Director of Engagement, Ambassador Animal team, and Zoo Engagement Program team to develop strategic and impactful ambassador programming and policies
• Collecting data and feedback on programming and interpretive impact.
• Communicating clearly and professionally with other departments to promote a cooperative work environment and ensure that guests have positive interactions and appropriate programming during their visit.
• Actively collaborating with Marketing, Development, Membership and Special Events to support non-routine special events.
• Ensuring all the Learning & Engagement spaces are well maintained and organized.

Additional/Overall Skills:

• Maintain a positive attitude and a strong sense of accountability, fostering a collaborative team environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute.
• Thrive in a team environment, using your organizational and technical skills to ensure the smooth execution of creative projects that resonate with our audience.
• Celebrate the successes of your team and bring enthusiasm to your work, reflecting the joyful culture that is at the heart of Audubon’s mission.
• Stay adaptable and open to learning new skills, embracing change and innovation as opportunities to lead and grow.
• The above listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. They do not exclude other duties as assigned.

What We’re Looking For

Must Haves:

• 5+ years working experience in an Ambassador Animal program
• Experience with formal team leadership and coordination
• Experience in developing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs tailored to diverse audiences
• Bachelor’s degree required in Education, Biology, Zoology, Communications, Ecology,
• Environmental Education or other related field, and/or equivalent work experience.
• Experience in an AZA institution and familiarity with AZA standards
• Demonstrated experience working with a wide variety of species including reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, mammals and birds
• Demonstrated experience with operant conditioning and environmental enrichment
• Demonstrated experience and ability to develop and deliver informal guest-facing programming such as chats, animal encounters, etc.
• Demonstrated experience in effective management and communication with youth and adults from diverse backgrounds
• Must be able to work holidays, weekend and occasional after hour events.
• Must have a valid, state-issued driver’s license.

Nice-to-Haves:

• Experience with free flight training and programming
• Experience working with or overseeing volunteers
• Extensive knowledge of wildlife conservation
• Experience working with program accessibility and inclusion
• Certified Interpretive Guide certification or equivalent credential

Physical Requirements

• Physical Demands:
• Ability to stand and walk for up to 2/3 of the day.
• Ability to pass annual TB tests.
• Ability to lift and carry objects up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to reach above shoulder level, stoop and squat to retrieve kennels and animals, which also may require stepping on stools.
• Ability to perceive visual, odor, or behavioral changes in animals to determine changes in animals’ stress level or general wellbeing.
• Must have excellent peripheral vision, depth perception, and quick motor response for animal and audience control during presentations.
• Ability to speak loudly to crowds in a variety of situations included moderate to loud crowds.
• Frequent use of hands and arms to operate office equipment and manual tools.
• Visual ability to read, write, and operate standard office machinery.

Environmental Conditions:

• May be exposed to high, medium, or low noise intensity
• Works effectively in a moderately noisy office
• Constant contact with co-workers required
• Exposure to fluctuations in temperature is required
• Exposure to extreme heat and outdoor conditions is required