AMBASSADOR ANIMAL SPECIALIST

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Questions?
Contact our HR Department at hr@pittsburghzoo.org

Position Title: Ambassador Animal Specialist

Department: Education

Position Status: Part-Time

Purpose

Ambassador Animal Specialists are responsible for the implementation of animal ambassador care for the animals housed within the Conservation Education department, including husbandry, training, and care, and delivering educational animal presentations, programs, and guest experiences that further the Zoo’s mission.

Essential Job Functions

  • Focuses heavily on husbandry, training and presenting the education animal ambassadors, including variety of taxa including invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals,
  • Assists in record keeping for the education animal ambassador collection, including daily reports, enrichment calendars, animal welfare monitoring, and animal handling data,
  • Facilitates conservation education programs and presentations both within the Zoo setting and outside of the Zoo setting, including outreaches, Wild Encounters, rentals, birthday parties, and seasonal animal presentations and shows.
  • Assist with light maintenance and repair of animal habitats as needed,

Other Functions

  • Performs other related duties as required.

Performance Factors

  1. Attendance and Dependability: The employee can be depended on to report to work at the scheduled time and is seldom absent from work.  Employee can be depended upon to complete work in a timely, accurate and thorough manner and is conscientious about assignments.
  2. Communication and Contact: The employee communicates effectively both verbally and in writing with superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside the Zoological Society.
  3. Relationships with Others:  The employee works effectively and relates well with others including superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside the Zoological Society.  Exhibits a professional manner in dealing with others, and works to maintain constructive working relationships.
  4. Provides excellent customer service in the areas of guest relations and park beautification:
    • Answers visitor inquiries or finds someone who can;
    • Is knowledgeable of location of exhibits, restrooms, concessions, rentals, etc.
    • Disposes of litter and waste throughout the park and zoo facilities.

Education/Experience/Knowledge/Skills

B.S. or B.A. degree in Zoology, Biology, Education or a related experience engaging with and caring for animals in a zoological park or other informal setting. Strong organizational and time management skills are required, along with excellent written and verbal communication skills.  Demonstrated proficiency with computer software programs, presentation skills and attention to detail are required. Knowledge in the fields of conservation, ecology, and zoology preferred. Act 33 and 34 Clearances and FBI clearances are required, along with a valid PA driver’s license.

 

PHYSICAL requirements

  1. Manual dexterity to operate office machinery such as personal computer, telephone, projector and AV equipment, copier, etc.
  2. Work may be performed within the park in all weather conditions.  Position may be physically demanding and requires sitting, standing, bending, walking, pushing, and lifting up to 50lbs.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to:

HR@pittsburghzoo.org

 

EOE