Ambassador Commitment: Create meaningful connections and inspire actions that will have a lasting impact on wildlife and wild places.
Responsibilities:
- Under general supervision of the Curator of Mammals, is responsible for supervising husbandry, enrichment, guest engagement, and animal training for animals in Riverbanks’ Hoofstock/Rhino/Pinniped Team’s care.
- Works primarily with Southern White Rhinos, Sea Lions, Seals, Giraffe, Babirusa and other animals as designated.
Essential Functions:
- Supervises and leads the work of the area Keepers (6) and monitors their performance.
- Trains staff, interns, and volunteers in appropriate handling and transport of collection, and ensuring animal care and welfare are always maintained at the highest standards.
- Monitors and reports animal behavior. Plans, supervises, and participates in animal training/operant conditioning, transport, and medical procedures.
- In collaboration with Education departments, conducts presentations during Riverbanks’ Backstage Tours. Interacts directly with guests during informal and formal programs, providing engaging and accurate educational information.
- Delivers a preventative hoof care and maintenance program.
- Maintains regular communication across all departments.
- Designs, maintains, and repairs animal enclosures; maintains aesthetically pleasing enclosures.
- Works with veterinary staff to monitor and treat animal health concerns.
Education and Experience:
- Associate degree in Biology, Zoology or Wildlife Management; Bachelor’s Degree preferred, and three to five years of experience working directly with both exotic and domestic animals in a zoological setting or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities.
- Must demonstrate excellent supervisory and communication skills (written and verbal) in all activities. Knowledge and experience with animal training programs and presenting animal programs for public audiences required.
- Must possess or be eligible for a valid SC driver’s license.
Salary
- $21.66/hr.