Outreach Specialist

This position is responsible for the husbandry of the species in the ARCC/Outreach collection and presentation of educational wildlife presentations on site.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Handle and present Outreach animals during outreach programs – stage shows, informal in park presentations, virtual presentations, and on-site special events
• Maintain and care for Animal Outreach collection
• Train and socialize with Animal Outreach collection on a daily basis
• Assist Outreach Manager in designing and implementing Outreach programs as needed
• Work with Outreach Manager and Supervisor to maintain animal husbandry, enrichment, and safety
• Participate in the zoo-wide behavioral management program by implementing approved animal training and enrichment projects
• Carry out animal diet directives from Nutritional Services Department; clean and maintain food storage containers
• Able to complete and keep records as required
• Communicate with Outreach Manager and Supervisor regarding animal health and welfare
• Promote the Fort Worth Zoo and its objectives through various media channels and speaking events

Qualifications:

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Strong animal husbandry skills across a variety of taxa
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Ability to operate as a member of a large, diverse team
• Strong organizational and time management skills 
• Ability to maintain a professional appearance and manner out in the public
• Valid driver license with acceptable motor vehicle record to maintain zoo standards of insurability

Education and/or Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Bachelor’s degree in education, Communications, Zoology, Biology, or related field preferred
• At least one-year animal handling, training, and husbandry experience in a zoo setting, compensation will be experience dependent 

Physical Demands: 

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. 
• The employee frequently is required to sit. 
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds

Work Environment:

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
• Team oriented environment
• Ability to work irregular hours (holidays and weekends)
• Ability to work special events and functions as required
• Ability to work outdoors in heat, cold and inclement weather
• This position may be safety sensitive 
• This position may work around animals susceptible to specific diseases, thus may be subject to regular tuberculosis and rabies titer testing, and the routine use of personal protective equipment such as gloves, face masks

Disclaimer

• The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as a complete inventory of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.
• This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.
• Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.
• Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities.
• To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.
• Continued employment remains on an at-will basis.

Benefits 

• This is a full-time position and offers the following benefits: 
• Medical and Prescription Drug (Employee Coverage 90% Employer Paid, Dependent Coverage 55% Employer Paid)
• Vision
• Dental
• Basic Life AD&D (100% Employer Paid)
• Short Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
• Long Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
• Supplemental Life
• Flexible Spending Account
• 401k
• Paid Time Off (Accrual Equivalent to 5 Weeks Per Year)
• PTO Rollover
• PTO Sell Back
• Free Zoo Membership
• Free Guest Passes
• Discounts on Food, Merchandise, Attractions, Admission and Programs