Animal Care Professional - Animal Ambassador

Do you enjoy conveying your passion for conservation to the public in an entertaining yet informative manner? If so, we encourage you to apply to be part of Naples Zoo’s team! The Animal Ambassador department is seeking a Full-Time team-oriented candidate. The qualified candidates will have previous experience in presenting live animals, public speaking and a strong background utilizing operant conditioning techniques. Our current animal collection includes birds, small mammals and reptiles, previous experience working with a variety of animals would be an advantage but not required. We invite you to bring your skills to our team!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Advanced animal husbandry and care of assigned animals to maximize animal wellness 
• Observation of animal behavior to monitor health and wellbeing
• Notification of any animal or safety concerns to the appropriate supervisor
• Maintain records in accordance with protocols and as directed
• Perform all area specific standard operating procedure and assist with training staff/interns as requested 
• Comply with and enforce any zoo wide safety protocols and procedures and bring forth any potential hazards for staff, visitors and animals to the applicable supervisors/managers
• Support veterinary health needs as requested
• Perform animal handling and restraint as needed 
• Actively train approved specific animal behaviors for husbandry, management and veterinary procedures. 
• Actively participate in animal enrichment, including generating and implementing new items and submitting them through the appropriate approval process 
• Respond to emergencies as assigned 
• Knowledge of regulatory standards (USDA. FWC. AZA) and ability to recognize a   concern and report it to the appropriate supervisor 
• Interact with Zoo visitors in an engaging and professional manner; to include but  not limited to, answering questions, conducting shows, keeper chats, and special tours. 
• Provide support for education and conservation programing as needed
• Assist with special events and requests from marketing and development as needed
• Perform skilled assignments related to animal care and wellness and prioritize routines and project in accordance with sound time management and efficiency 
• Effectively communicated with co-workers, supervisor and other Zoo personnel     
• Actively participate in area meeting
• Assist with project management as needed
• OPTIONAL:  Apply to become a trained member of the Zoo’s Weapons Team 

Qualifications and Experience:

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in an animal related field is preferred. Life experience may be substituted.
• Minimum one-year paid experience in an AZA accredited institution or two-year paid experience in a non-AZA institution 
• Must be a positive, effective team member and be able to establish and maintain professional working relationships 
• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds, views and work styles
• Ability to work both independently and as a team
• Ability to adapt to rapidly changing environment and maintain a positive attitude during times of stress
• Must be self-motivated and goal-oriented
• Must have good written and oral communication skills
• Must have knowledge of animal husbandry, animal welfare and operant conditioning
• Must have the ability to work flexible hours, including weekdays, holidays and special events as needed
• Must be able to organize/prioritize workload to meet deadlines
• Ability to drive a vehicle and run small machinery 
• Must be able to think logically and solve problems accordingly
• Must be able to communicate with guests in a kind courteous manner
• Computer competency with Microsoft programs
• Ability to learn Species 360/ZIMS data entry 

Physical requirements:

• Ability to work outside in weather condition typical of South Florida
• Employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 35 pounds and occasionally lift and/move up to 65 pounds, stand for long period of time.
• Ability to drive Zoo bicycles. 
• Ability to frequently use hands and fingers to handle, reach, feel and manipulate objects, tools or controls
• Ability to sit, walk distances, climb, balance, stoop, bend, kneel and crouch
• Ability for close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus
• Ability to hear and talk and use a radio 
• The duties listed above are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment of the position.

SPECIAL INFORMATION

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance
• Naples Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
• The ADA requires Naples Zoo to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities.
• Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with the Human Resources Office. 
• As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Naples Zoo is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive company culture, and our team does not discriminate against candidates and employees because of their disability, sex, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, veteran status, or any other protected status under the law.
• Employee Eligible Benefits & Employment Benefits
• Medical, Dental & Vision Health Coverage
• Company paid Life Insurance policy of $25,000
• Supplemental insurance plans available (disability, GAP, accident, critical care) 
• 403B Retirement and Investment Opportunities
• Accrued Paid Time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement Program available
• Holiday Premium Pay
• Employee Referral Bonuses
• Complimentary Zoo admission for employees and/or their families after 90 days of employment
• Complimentary and discounted admissions to 100+ Florida theme parks for employee and/or their families
• 30% Employee Discount at Naples Zoo Gift Shop & Zoo cafes