Training and Enrichment Coordinator

John Ball Zoo is in the midst of exciting growth and increasing opportunities. The addition of this position demonstrates John Ball Zoo’s commitment to this growth. Reporting to the Behavioral Husbandry Curator (BHC), the Training and Enrichment Coordinator will help grow the Zoo’s training and enrichment programs by mentoring and advising animal care staff in animal training projects, approve training and enrichment paperwork, and help ensure the Zoo continue to meet AZA and USDA animal behavior-related standards.

• This position’s hourly pay ranges: $23.25 - $27.35

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE TRAINING AND ENRICHMENT COORDINATOR (TEC) AT JBZ

• The Training and Enrichment Coordinator (TEC) provides direction and assistance to animal care staff and managers on animal training and enrichment initiatives.
• They assist with the continued growth of the Animal Care department’s animal training skill by providing trainers with positive constructive session feedback, encouraging team collaboration of behavior-related brainstorming, helps develop the Zoo’s Train the Trainer program, and provides feedback on training-related projects.
• The TEC will be expected to mentor staff on animal training techniques, help problem solve behavioral challenges, help write and approve behavior shaping plans, oversee enrichment approval, and assist with behavior-related paperwork and record keeping.
• The TEC will help oversee the Zoo’s enrichment program by responding to keeper enrichment inquiries, monitoring enrichment compliance, facilitating enrichment program reviews, assist with enrichment acquisition, and overseeing enrichment building by the Zoo’s Enrichment.
• The behavior programs at John Ball Zoo are rooted in the SPIDER model of continual improvement.
• Decision making for these programs is driven by data, when possible.
• As such, the TEC will be expected to help create, use, and maintain the Zoo’s training and enrichment databases, analysis processes, and applicable documentation.
• The TEC will be expected to stay up to date on animal behavior-related science and techniques to help ensure JBZ continues to grow and evolve in this every changing discipline.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE TRAINING AND ENRICHMENT COORDINATOR (TEC) AT JBZ

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a life science, preferably biology or psychology. Animal training related certifications are a bonus
• At least 3 years professional experience using positive reinforcement training techniques and behavior-based enrichment. Thorough understanding of animal behavior, operant conditioning and other behavior modification techniques, and environmental enrichment. Experiencing teaching and mentoring others is strongly preferred.
• Strong written and verbal skills and be able to successfully communicate effectively with all levels of the Animal Care Team, Enrichment Volunteers, and other departments.
• Comfortable and confident speaking in front of small and large groups of colleagues, managers, and guests.
• Able to work in a team as well as independently, self-motivated, organized, and willing to take initiative.
• Comfortable using Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite and ZIMS. Experience using TRACKS and video editing software is a bonus.
• Must be able to work weekends, holidays, and evenings, as requested.

WHO WE ARE

• At John Ball Zoo, our mission is to inspire our community to be actively engaged in the conservation of wildlife and our natural environment.
• John Ball Zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1983 which assures excellent animal care and a dedication to conservation.
• As one of the top attractions in Grand Rapids, we welcome over 700,000 guests each year who are able to experience over 2,000 animals of over 230 species that represent the beautiful wildlife living in our world!
• We are passionate about our mission focused on education and conservation but know that our 120+ full time and 350 seasonal people guided by our core values accomplish this mission.
• Our core values are: Conservation, Education, Community, Celebrate, and Compassion.

BENEFITS AT JBZ

• We offer incredibly competitive benefits. This includes FREE:
• Medical plan option
• Short-term disability
• Long-term disability
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Dental & Vision for employee & family
• 12 Full weeks of parental leave       

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

• We offer generous vacation time, 6 days of personal time, and 11 paid Holidays each year.
• We offer a 4% match and 3% employer contribution to your 401k, zoo discounts, employee-only zoo experiences, tuition reimbursement, additional medical benefits to meet your and your family's needs, and a FREE Premium Zoo membership for you and your family.   

NEW TO GRAND RAPIDS

• Come live in the beautiful Grand Rapids where you can find live music, art festivals, outdoor recreation, and nationally ranked food and craft beverages.
• You can drive 20 minutes and be by the beautiful Lake Michigan, hike and kayak by the Grand River, or stay downtown and enjoy a variety of food and drinks.
• Grand Rapids is known as Americas’ best beer city, nation's craft beverage capital, and a top 20 U.S. Foodie city.
• There is a little bit of everything here in Grand Rapids to attract everyone including our growing zoo!
• John Ball Zoo is a drug free facility under federal regulations.
• Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• We invite individuals from all backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, hairstyles, or any other characteristic to join our team where diversity is not just acknowledged but celebrated.
• We envision a future of being a world-class zoo,  a premier education facility, a renowned conservation center, and a wildly successful national visitor attraction. Want to help make the adventure come alive? Apply today and join us!

Salary

• $23.25 - $27.35