The Dallas Zoo is seeking a leader to join our Animal Ambassador Experiences team. The ambassador program has three unique sections directly responsible for the animal husbandry, care, training, and programming of the animals in its respective areas. The Animal Outreach team provides robust and diverse programming on and off-site in the greater Dallas Fort Worth metroplex. This team oversees a varied group of birds, mammals, and reptiles, including prehensile-tailed porcupines, flamingos, tamanduas, penguins, parrots, tortoises, and snakes, to name a few. The Wild Encounters team focuses on up-close encounters through structured presentations at our Wild Encounters stage. Featured animals include Gambian pouch rat, North American porcupine, opossum, southern tamandua, free-flighted black vulture, southern ground hornbill, snakes, lizards, and more! Finally, the Wildlife Show team gives formal, entertaining, scripted presentations on our dynamic stage, showcasing free-flighted birds such as hadada ibis, macaws, birds of prey, pigeons, and trumpeter hornbills. Other cast members include an African crowned crane, bald eagle, ravens, and our newest addition, a white stork. While this position will focus on our outreach area, it will also be cross-trained to support all ambassador sections.
- This position is responsible for collaborating with the Managers of Ambassador Animal Experiences to lead the Ambassador Animal team, covering daily routines as assigned and providing exceptional care to the species housed in Ambassador Animal areas.
- This includes the care, training, and presentation of ambassador animals.
- The Assistant Manager assists in the daily operation of the department, management of animal husbandry programs, and maintenance of associated facilities and vehicles.
- In the Manager's absence, the Assistant Manager will serve as the primary contact and liaison for their assigned section and provide leadership to the team.
- This position will deliver dynamic guest experiences daily that convey the Dallas Zoo's Mission of Engaging People & Saving Wildlife and vision of "Creating a Better World for Animals".
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Organize and coordinate assigned section's daily activities, overseeing the animal care team in all areas and delegating tasks per Manager's direction;
- Lead by example: maintain familiarity with all aspects of husbandry routines in the primary area, assisting if needed;
- Assist in the hiring and training of Ambassador team members in all aspects of husbandry: diet preparation, feeding, cleaning, and maintenance of facilities;
- Assist in the implementation of protocols and operating procedures to maintain a high level of sanitation, animal care, and safety;
- Observe and monitor animals regularly for health and behavioral issues; report relevant animal health situations to veterinarians, Managers, and team;
- Assisting with veterinary treatments and procedures as required;
- Communicate thoroughly and efficiently and ensure accuracy of records in all areas of responsibility;
- Actively manage and participate in operant conditioning and environmental enrichment programs for animals within the section;
- Ensure facilities meet high standards of animal welfare and aesthetics: prioritize enhancement projects, participate in renovations, demonstrate effective maintenance strategies, and maintain compliance with AZA standards;
- Follow all safety protocols and express a thorough understanding of emergency procedures
- Engage zoo visitors with excellent customer service and deliver fun and memorable interpretive experiences that provide positive guest experiences and align with the Zoo's Mission and vision;
- Assist the Manager with team environmental and safety training plans;
- Ensure vehicles and equipment are checked regularly and report any issues to the management team;
- Assist the Manager with the booking and coordinating of outreach programs as well as scheduling team members;
- Assist the Manager with the mid-year and annual review process;
- Work with the Ambassador Animal Management team to coordinate training and scheduling;
- Ability to work weekend days and flexible hours as schedule dictates.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- A Bachelor's degree in biology or a related science field is required;
- Seven or more years preferred of exotic animal care experience at an AZA-accredited facility (ideally with ambassador animals and/or comparable taxa);
- Must be solution-oriented, finding creative solutions for complex challenges;
- Comprehensive knowledge of behavioral management, including operant conditioning philosophy, techniques, and terminology, as well as benefits and goals of environmental enrichment;
- Experience in education, interpretation, or customer service-based field desired.
- The ideal candidate will have an understanding of zoological parks and a strong appreciation for wildlife and the environment;
- Excellent facilitation as well as communication skills, both oral and written;
- Comfort with computer software: MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint;
- Ability to represent the Zoo in a professional manner at all times;
- Ability to exercise sound judgment in emergencies and to respond with appropriate action;
- Candidate must possess excellent organizational skills and the ability to function in a dynamic, team-oriented environment and work independently.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, other employees & zoo guests;
- Must be able to walk, stand, sit, kneel, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above head, pull, bend, climb stairs and ladders and carry up to 50 lbs in all weather conditions;
- Must be able to work irregular hours, including holidays, weekends, and occasional evening events;
- Successful candidates must pass pre-employment drug screening, background check, and TB test;
- Must have a valid driver's license to operate zoo vehicles and reliable transportation.
- The Dallas Zoo offers comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, PTO, and sick time.
- Compensation is hourly pay commensurate with experience and education.
- The Dallas Zoo participates in in-situ and ex-situ conservation programs and encourages and supports staff to participate.
