Do you have a strong desire to inspire people to secure a future for wildlife? The Education Coordinator – Animal Encounters Team oversees and performs the routine care and training of Education’s Ambassador Animals and provides conservation-based presentations and programming. Education Ambassador Animals include, but are not limited to, mammals, birds, reptiles, invertebrates, and amphibians.
- You must be fully committed to San Antonio Zoo's mission to create awareness that inspires action to care for the wildlife we steward and the animals we protect.
- You take pride in knowing your hard work makes a difference in wildlife conservation.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
- Oversee, perform, and coordinate daily care of Education Ambassador Animals, including overall husbandry, heath checks, enclosure maintenance, enrichment and training, health and wellness observations, handling and presentations, and record keeping.
- Associate degree or higher in wildlife management, animal science, zoology, biology, or work experience equivalency
- Enthusiastically participate in daily husbandry and animal training sessions, exhibit maintenance, facility upkeep, unscripted animal encounters, and mission-focused chats.
- Coordinate with Education and Animal Care leadership to ensure proper care, protocols, and efficient communication.
- Develop and coordinate policies, procedures and best practices for Education Ambassador Animal husbandry and presentations in conjunction with the Animal Care Departments and Education leadership, to address the various needs of diverse group of handlers.
- Develop, coordinate, and deliver animal handling and presentation training for the Education Department, including staff and volunteers.
- Maintain current knowledge and status of the zoo’s plant, animal, and conservation initiatives.
- Seek up to date information about education topics and assist with program updates, development, and coordination.
- Ensure safety and wellbeing of animals, staff, volunteers, and participants during programs.
- Communicate information with leadership and coworkers regularly.
- Attend and complete all San Antonio Zoo scheduled meetings, training, and professional development opportunities, as required.
- Adhere to all policies set forth by San Antonio Zoo.
- Enforce all San Antonio Zoo restrictions and limitations.
- Establish and maintain positive, cooperative, and effective working relations with fellow employees.
- Constantly exhibit a guest service attitude, a smile, and an obvious interest in guest comfort and service.
- Communicate with the public in a courteous and tactful manner and assist guests with questions and directions to various areas of the zoo. Address the guest - do not wait to be asked.
- Remove trash and debris from public areas.
- Any and all other duties as assigned.
SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS
- Four years of experience with progressive exotic animal care, behavior, and husbandry in a zoo or similar environment is preferred.
- Minimum of six years of animal handling experience with reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, and birds in a public environment, zoo, or museum setting. Prior experience in an AZA Accredited facility preferred.
- Must possess a valid Texas driver's license, with a clean driving record.
- Ability to communicate and practice animal husbandry, implement various training techniques and enrichment philosophies, and demonstrate a specific understanding of the handling of animals in public presentation situations in accordance with evolving protocols.
- Ability to organize, coordinate, and implement educational animal presentations and programs, independently and as part of a team.
- Understanding of educational interpretive techniques and presentation styles.
- Strong desire to engage and inspire audiences of all ages, including young children and adults, through conservation messages and zoo stories.
- Ability to support, inspire, and train coworkers before, during, and after programs.
- Strong communication skills. Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely. Ability to deliver and follow oral and written instructions.
- Proven team player with positive outlook and ability to work effectively and diplomatically with diverse groups of people.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment and respond effectively under pressure.
- Ability and flexibility to accommodate last minute program and schedule changes with a positive and supportive attitude.
- Successful candidates must complete a pre-employment drug screening and background check.
- Flexibility to work weekdays, weekends, holidays, and after hours. Must be able to work in varying climate and weather conditions (rain, snow, hot, or cold).
- Ability to speak and understand Spanish preferred.
Perks
- We offer robust benefits including medical, dental, vision and 403B.
- As well as Zoo memberships and Zoo discounts throughout the park.
Salary
- $41,600 Annual
