Summary:
This position encompasses skilled professional and technical work in the routine daily care of assigned animals, enclosures and related facilities of the Zoo's Animal Ambassador Collection. In addition to husbandry duties, Animal Ambassador keepers will conduct interpretive programming, including participating and leading on-grounds animal presentations, and special marketing events. You will be expected to interact and share stories and conservation messages with visitors in a positive manner, and will you be working closely with Education staff and animal handlers in a fast-paced environment. Position reports to Curator of Ambassador Animals and the Zoological Manager of Ambassador Animals.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
- Successful candidates likely have a minimum of two years training experience
- Experience working free contact with multiple ambassador animal taxa is desired
- Demonstrated knowledge and successful experience in animal husbandry and experience using operant & classical conditioning & animal handling techniques with reptiles, amphibians, arthropods, small mammals, and birds
- Experience handling and presenting animals in front of public, and must be particularly comfortable and proficient with public speaking and guest engagement activities
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Animal Ambassador keeper duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Responsible for the day-to-day husbandry requirements and health of a diverse group of animals in the Animal Ambassador Collection
- Support collaborative efforts pertaining to the collection, such as reproduction, research, enrichment, training and conservation programs
- Observe general animal health and behavior, on a daily basis, and report any abnormal circumstances
- Maintain records of health, behavior, enrichment, operant conditioning and visitor engagement issues in designated programs in assigned areas; Write clear and concise reports and maintain accurate, detailed records
- Perform behavior modification and enrichment programs in assigned areas
- Must be team-orientated and willing to work with other staff members to further not only the goals of the department, but also the Zoo's Mission Statement
- Develop and present visitor engagement programs that include, but are not restricted to, random encounters, educational programs and Meet-the-Keeper programs
- Interact with the public and Zoo staff in a professional and courteous manner
- Make decisions consistent with the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden policies and procedures
- Identify maintenance issues and correct or repair each as required, reporting non-correctable maintenance issues, including potential safety hazards, to the Maintenance Supervisor
- Prepare and follow prescribed diets and feeding procedures for the animal collection
- Will instruct new personnel in the proper methods of animal care, consistent with approved policies, and procedures
- Assist in the training, supervision and evaluation of volunteers and interns, as needed
- Assist veterinary and animal staff with animal handling, capture, restraint, transport and medication administration
- Has the capacity to work well with others while maintaining the ability to work effectively as an individual
- Perform other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
- Education: Associate's degree desired, but commensurate experience will be accepted. Applicants must have a working knowledge of the natural history, biology, captive husbandry & conservation issues
- A progressive approach to ambassador animal welfare and a strong commitment to engage and inspire public audiences are key parts of this role
- Successful applicants must demonstrate excellent communication and problem-solving skills, while applying good judgment, to deliver animal care and guest experiences that meet the highest standards
- The ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with co-workers (including staff, interns, students and volunteer) and public in a professional and courteous manner
- Candidate must be comfortable with guest interactions and in delivering public presentations, including daily keeper encounters
- Self-starter with demonstrated initiative and excellent follow-through
- Proficiency with Microsoft software programs and the drive and ability to learn new programs & tasks
- Be timely and reliable in attendance and performance
- Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as part of a team
- Demonstrated personal motivation, professionalism, and proactiveness driving success
- Appropriate professional appearance, attitude, and personality to work effectively with Zoo staff members, visitors, and the community.
- Demonstrated understanding and acceptance of the Core Values and Behaviors of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Lives these on a day-to-day basis, "Modeling the Way" for others.
- Demonstrated affinity for the Mission of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Requires a valid driver's license and must be insurable through the Zoo's carrier. While performing the duties of the job, the incumbent is regularly required to stand for extended periods of time, walk, and utilize manual dexterity to lift and utilize use tools, heavy materials and equipment. The employee may be exposed to outside weather conditions and must be able to lift/move/carry up to 40 pounds without assistance. This employee may be required to have contact with animals and may be exposed to zoonosis.
POSITION DETAILS & BENEFITS
- This is a full-time (40 hours per week with benefits) keeper position, which is subject to the successful completion of a probationary period and the deduction of union dues.
- Regular off-days will be determined upon hire but will fall between Monday-Thursday. The area schedule consists of (4) 10-hour days.
- Starting pay range is between 21.73 - 25.75 determined by years of field experience.
- Intentional professional development opportunities, for both animal care and "people" skills.
- We offer a highly competitive benefits package supporting our employees' Total Well-Being, including comprehensive & affordable medical, dental & vision coverage (starting the first day of the month following date of hire); Employee Assistance Programs, 401(k) plan with company match; flexible spending accounts; generous paid time off (200 PTO hours accrued throughout the first year of service, 80 of which is loaded into the PTO bank upon hire); company-paid disability & life insurance; park discounts and free passes.
To apply: There are 2 steps for applying to this position:
1. Cover letter and resume should be attached to your online application at Job Opportunities | Cincinnati Zoo
2. Each applicant must also create a video of themselves presenting a program to the public (or create one presenting their favorite animal or animal topic) and post on Youtube.com. Please include the date of the event, description of the setting and the number of people in attendance (if any), as well as the link to the video. Videos are intended to show off candidate presentations skills, so presentations should be audible and the candidate should be easily identifiable. Applications without video presentations will not be considered. |
Cincinnati Zoo
life insurance, paid time off, 401(k)
May 07, 2025