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We are seeking a dedicated individual to join our Wild Encounters Outreach Team, responsible for the comprehensive care and well-being of our animal collection. This role ensures adherence to best practices in animal wellbeing and safety standards. The successful candidate will deliver engaging presentations in school settings and throughout the local community as well as on zoo grounds. They will also lead guided tours that educate the public, promote the Zoo, and garner support from sponsors.

One of the most rewarding aspects of being part of the Wild Encounters Outreach team is the ability to reach people in the local community that may never get the opportunity to visit the zoo. Each day presents unique opportunities, while consistently involving the core elements of animal care and guest interaction. You will be responsible for the husbandry of a wide variety of species within the Wild Encounters Outreach department, including but not limited to two-toed sloths, African penguin, dingoes, fox, skunk, macaw, tamandua as well as various raptor and reptile species.

Responsible for assisting the Wild Encounters team with the overall care and well-being of the Wild Encounters collection, ensuring that all welfare best practices and safety standards are followed.  Provides various presentations and tours, which engage and educate the public, promote the Zoo, generate support from sponsors and assist with events on Zoo grounds.

Husbandry / Care Responsibilities

• Assists the Wild Encounters team in the overall care and well-being of the region’s animal collection (e.g., animal health, disease diagnosis and treatment, husbandry, animal nutrition, enrichment and other activities related to animal care).
• Works in compliance with animal wellbeing, best practices and all professional standards.
• Provides daily care and assists with training of the Wild Encounters collection assigned to the department.
• Cleans and maintains animal exhibit areas, performs basic horticulture work (e.g. caring for region’s egress/ingress, general grounds beautification) and disinfects animal enclosures.
• Responsible for the storage, thawing and processing of daily diets following written diet plans.
• Responsible for gaining an understanding of diet manipulation with guidance from a Senior Specialist.

Presentation Responsibilities

• Must be able to speak publicly and present daily programs professionally.
• Provides support for V.I.P. or other designated events.
• Provides "Behind-the-Scenes" tours of Zoo exhibits as requested.
• Cohesively work in free contact training sessions while presenting to audience and provide information about the animals and their behavior.
• Assists with all on-grounds presentations and Wild Encounters to ensure high quality, engaging experiences for guests.
• Make decisions regarding the safety of animals and people at display location.

Event Coordination

• Assists in the coordination and implementation of promotional appearances including but not limited to television, civic and service groups, charity events, festivals, Zoo special events, corporate events, schools, and miscellaneous programs.
• Transports animals to scheduled programs.
• Ensure daily program and presentation setup.
• Conducts other programs as necessary.

Other Responsibilities

• Assists and ensures compliance with USDA, AZA, and ZAA inspections/accreditations and USDA.
• Ensures compliance will all Zoo safety protocols and policies.
• Assist and support all facility maintenance of the Wild Encounters collection area.
• Constantly strives to further the mission of the organization and avidly supports the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks.
• Implements sustainable practices in daily tasks whenever possible.

Degree/Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in zoology, animal science, biology or relevant field required. Four years of relevant zookeeping experience may be substituted for a degree.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in zookeeping (6 months to one year), or approved equivalent required.
• Experience with public speaking, including presenting wildlife and conservation content.
• Minimum six months’ animal husbandry and training experience working with ambassador animals including mammals, birds, and reptiles in a fluid presentation-style program.
• Ability to successfully perform animal husbandry duties within a diverse animal collection preferred.
• P.R./First Aid certification preferred.

Business Acumen

• Ability to understand, remain current, and comply with all professional standards and regulations including USDA, AZA, and ZAA.
• Knowledge of animal and conservation issues required
• Ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing is required.

Teamwork

• Ability to work as a team with other staff members.
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with all Zoo team members and contacts regarding company business required.

Other essential aspects of the role:

• Ability to maintain a positive attitude in sometimes stressful situations is required.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays required.
• Ability to plan and organize work in an efficient and cost-effective manner without direct supervision is required.
• Ability to provide excellent guest service by positively interacting with guests and upholding the guest service standards required.
• Ability to adhere to standard operating procedures including but not limited to safety protocols required.
• Proof of negative TB screening prior to placement and annually thereafter required.
• Possession of a valid state issued motor vehicle operator’s license, and a good driving record required.
• Ability to adhere to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s drug-free workplace policy including but not limited to pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion and follow-up treatment required.
• Ability to successfully complete a criminal history background check annually required.