The Zoo Animal Enrichment Specialist will support the Wellbeing, Enrichment, and Behavior (WEB) team to ensure the highest levels of animal wellbeing through enrichment programs, goal-based animal management, and educational initiatives. The Specialist will oversee the enrichment approval process, ensuring proper processes for animal safety, and maintain the enrichment library, inventory tools and supplies. They will work collaboratively with Animal Care staff to encourage natural behaviors and improve animal welfare through behavior-based and goal-based enrichment strategies. This role will also oversee zoo-wide enrichment initiatives, such as enrichment contests and workshops, and provide training for staff, students, interns, and volunteers.
CORE DUTIES:
- Manage the enrichment approval process and ensure compliance with safety protocols.
- Maintain the enrichment library and inventory of tools and supplies.
- Organize and maintain enrichment spaces to optimize functionality and safety.
- Guide Animal Care teams in developing, implementing and evaluating behavior-based and goal-oriented enrichment plans that encourage natural behaviors and improve animal wellbeing.
- Educate and guide Animal Care staff in behavior-based and goal-oriented enrichment practices.
- Lead zoo-wide enrichment initiatives, including workshops and contests, to promote staff engagement and creativity.
- Collaborate with the veterinary team and Zoo Nutritionist to integrate enrichment into holistic animal care plans.
- Collect, analyze, and summarize data from ZIMS and keeper reports to track program effectiveness.
- Train and mentor interns, students, and volunteers in enrichment and behavioral management practices.
- Ensure compliance with AZA and USDA standards for enrichment programs and animal welfare.
- Support the design and development of exhibits and programs to incorporate enrichment opportunities.
- Represent Zoo Miami at conferences, workshops, and professional gathering to advance animal enrichment and welfare practices.
- Performs other related tasks as required.
Experience Required
- MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school diploma or GED.
- Three years of experience in animal training in a zoological setting, park or related setting are required, including the shaping of animal behavior through management changes such as timing and spread of reinforcement and various enrichment items.
- Must possess a Driver license. Must be able to work days, nights, holidays, and weekends on a varied work schedule.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in animal behavior, zoology, biology, or a related field.
- Three years of experience in zoological setting.
- Familiarity with AZA standards for enrichment and animal welfare.
- Experience with the development and implementation of complex enrichment projects.
- Knowledge of positive reinforcement training and operant conditioning.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365.
Perks
- This is a full time position with excellent benefits with Miami-Dade County.
Salary
- $49,605.54 - $87,746.66
