Zoo Animal Well-being, Behavior and Enrichment Specialist

Zoo Miami is currently looking for a full time Zoo Animal Behavior and Enrichment Specialist. The Zoo Animal Behavior and Enrichment Specialist will provide support to the Manager of Wellbeing, Enrichment and Behavior to collaborate with the Animal Science and Animal Health teams to apply animal behavioral research and welfare science that improves animal care and management. Responsible for conducting research, collecting data, and observing animals to provide critical analysis of animal management, facility design, and training and enrichment to ensure the highest possible levels of animal wellbeing.  As a member of the Wellbeing, Enrichment and Behavior (WEB) team, specialists will be called upon to evaluate enrichment and animal training efforts and assist with promotion of these programs throughout the zoo. The role will require supervision and training of staff, students, interns, and volunteers involved with the WEB team efforts. We are searching for team-oriented candidates that will be approachable, engaging and independent.    

• This position reports directly to the Manager of Wellbeing, Enrichment and Behavior (WEB) and is responsible for supporting and guiding staff in all aspects of management, planning, execution, and evaluation of the Zoo’s welfare and behavior programs.

Responsibilities/duties include, but are not limited to:

• Works in coordination with the Manager of Wellbeing, Enrichment and Behavior to develop and implement animal behavior and wellbeing research projects that will generate actionable findings. 
• Participates in the implementation and regular review of animal welfare assessment protocols, analyze animal welfare/behavior assessment data, and participate in animal wellbeing program evaluation.
• Trains, coaches, mentors, and assesses area staff as it pertains to welfare and behavioral husbandry. 
• Supervises the training of interns, volunteers, and students to successfully conduct animal well-being and behavior research; acts as a mentor for interns and students working with the Wellbeing, Enrichment and Behavior (WEB) department.
• Uses sound monitoring and other environmental monitoring equipment to track environmental variables such as sound, light, and temperature to assess the impact of zoo operations and special events on welfare. 
• Analyzes and summarizes data from multiple sources, such as keeper records, ZIMS, and ZooMonitor, for regular internal reports; publish in collaboration with staff when appropriate.
• Under the direction of the Manager of WEB, assists all areas’ Animal Care Curators, Assistant Curators, Supervisors, and keepers of all levels in their operant conditioning programs.
• Supports, suggests improvements, and evaluates the Zoo’s enrichment program through direct interaction with the Animal Care managers and keeper staff.
• Educates and engages guests and provides exemplary guest service experiences to all zoo guests through various programs, activities and continuous guest interaction.
• Supports all aspects of animal wellbeing assessments, behavioral husbandry management and enrichment protocols, rules, regulations, policies and procedures, ensuring Zoo Miami complies with AZA, USDA, and OSHA standards.
• Works directly with the Manager of WEB, Animal Care management, and keepers under the guidance of the Curator of Wellness, while consulting with the veterinary staff and the Zoo Nutritionist to prioritize and address all welfare and behavioral husbandry needs. Assists in continuous goal setting and prioritization for training and enrichment projects.
• Consults in the decision-making process involving animal health and behavior to provide a stimulating, healthy environment for the entire collection within the parameters set by the Chief of Animal Science, the veterinary team, and the Zoo Nutritionist.
• Assists in the design of fun, educational programs and activities that enhances the guest experience; implement positive, professional programs and activities and informal, interactive learning opportunities for zoo guests of all ages. Works with other departments to develop and implement strategies that will create the best guest experience.
• Responsible for effective communications with curators, assistant curators, supervisors, and keepers as well as the veterinary and nutrition staff. 
• Attends and presents at relevant conferences, professional gatherings, and workshops with an aim to advance the field of animal welfare/behavior research and its application to enhance animal wellbeing.
• The successful candidate will have the ability to manage multiple and complex responsibilities at the same time; be timely and reliable in attendance and performance; and have the ability to work well with all levels of staff, volunteers, vendors, and guests.

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.
• Must possess a Driver license.
• Must be able to work days, nights, holidays, and weekends on a varied work schedule.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters degree in animal behavior, behavioral psychology, biology, zoology or related field.
• Two years’ experience in zoo animal behavioral or welfare research.
• Experience using ZooMonitor, ZIMS, or other relevant programs to collect, track, integrate, and analyze welfare related data. Knowledge of the AZA animal welfare requirements.
• Experienced in the creation and implementation of complex enrichment projects/experiences.
• Familiar with positive reinforcement training and operant conditioning theory.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365.

Further Comments

• Now is a great time to join our family and be a part of Zoo Miami’s dynamic future as we strive to “To Inspire people through engaging experiences to preserve nature in South Florida and across the globe”.
• Zoo Miami is focused on five key commitments:
• Conservation, Our Team, Our Animals, Our Guests, and Our Community through our core values of Welcoming, Caring, Fun, Collaborative and Dedicated.
• Zoo Miami is proud to be active in many global wildlife and environmental conservation initiatives and is involved in over 36 projects taking place on six continents.
• The largest and oldest zoological garden in Florida, Zoo Miami is the only tropical zoo in the continental United States, occupying almost 750 acres (340 developed), the Zoo is home to approximately 2,500 animals representing nearly 400 different species.

Salary

• This is a full time position with excellent benefits with Miami-Dade County