Oregon Zoo / Metro
Ambassador Animal Staff
This opportunity is closing on March 28 at 5pm PST, don't delay and apply today!
The Oregon Zoo is hiring for a full time Ambassador Animal Staff employee. This position will be a member of the ambassador animal care team and will have the opportunity to work with the Wildlife Show, Animal Encounter programs, special event displays, and other zoo-related programming. Other responsibilities will include direct animal care for the animals in the ambassador animal area. Additionally, will be presenting formal and informal educational programs and performing in the summer Wildlife Show and other public events.
The Oregon Zoo has a reputation for leading groundbreaking research, participates in local and global conservation efforts, and strives to exceed AZA animal welfare standard. The zoo is also deeply committed to sustainability and conservation education. Thanks to a generous $125 million voter approved bond measure, the zoo is transforming into a game changing facility welfare, species and habitat conservation outcomes, and green building practices.
As the Ambassador Animal Staff you will:
- Present engaging and inspirational conservation education programing to a variety of audiences, including zoo guests, school groups, and nonprofit and governmental agencies. Presentations may include wildlife shows, animal encounters, media appearances, public events, and other zoo-related programming.
- Handle and train the ambassador animal species under care for programs using operant conditioning techniques.
- Works with supervisor and internal stakeholders to follow appropriate presentation methods for animals used in educational settings.
- Perform day-to-day husbandry as required for species under care, including maintaining standards of care as outlined by area curator, creating and providing behavioral enrichment, and complying with all record keeping protocols.
- Perform animal feeding duties such as preparing prescribed diets and make precise reports on food consumption. Regularly communicate with supervisor regarding husbandry.
- Perform daily care and maintenance of enclosures, food and water receptacles; check condition of animal environments to assess security and safety of animals; alert supervisor and initiate corrective actions as needed
- Observe animals to identify normal and abnormal behavior, health problems, adjustments to diet, and changes or response to medication. Identify and report concerns to area supervisor; observe and communicate animal health status with veterinary staff.
- Maintain care standards and complies with all USDA and AZA rules, regulations, and guidelines; works in compliance with safety rules, OSHA standards, work rules, and zoo area policies and procedures
- Document supply needs and works with supervisor to acquire items used for the area’s daily operations of animal care, training, and educational programming
- Assist the public and other employees in a professional and courteous manner Follow both written and verbal instructions
- Effectively communicate to area supervisors, team members, and other zoo departments and guests
Attributes for success:
- Ability to communicate ideas effectively before groups of all sizes and backgrounds
- Knowledge of animal husbandry and presentation techniques for a wide variety of ambassador animal species
- Ability to maintain comprehensive and accurate records
- Comfort and experience working around and with exotic and potentially dangerous animals
- Ability to work well independently and function as a team member
- Ability to learn prescribed routines quickly and work without close supervision
- Ability to perform essential duties, which may include lifting up to 50 pounds and working outside in all weather conditions
Diversity and inclusion: At Metro, we’re committed to hiring a workforce representative of the communities we serve, recognizing that a diverse workforce strengthens our organization. We invest in employees by supporting equitable and inclusive hiring practices, employee policies and training programs.
Experience Required
Minimum qualifications:
Associate’s degree in a field related program area and 2 years experience working with animals and educational programming; OR
High school diploma or GED and 4 years of experience in a field related to the position; OR
Any combination of education and experience which would provide the candidate with the desired skills, knowledge, and ability required to perform the job
Required:
Valid driver’s license
Further Comments
Background check: The candidate selected for the position must be enrolled in the Office of Child Care’s Central Background Registry. The background check process includes a criminal background check through the Oregon State Police, a record check through Department of Human Services Child Protective Services and the fingerprint based criminal background check through the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Salary
$28.93 - $38.79 Hourly
How to Apply
To see a full job description and to apply, visit our website at www.oregonmetro.gov/jobs.
Oregon Zoo / Metro
Portland, OR
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