Ambassador Animal Care Specialist; Part-Time

Under the supervision of the Director of Conservation Education and Learning Engagement, the Part‑Time Ambassador Animal Care Specialist is responsible for assisting in the care and training of all Education Department ambassador animals, educational opportunities, and seasonal animal demonstrations on Zoo grounds as well as off‑site outreach events.

• Primary accountability for specific functions and results. The list of essential functions is not exhaustive and may be supplemented or changed as necessary.
• Prepares and provides diet and feeding protocols to Education Department ambassador animals.
• Cleans animal enclosures/cages/exhibits and shifts animals for the purpose of exhibit/enclosure maintenance and modifications.
• Monitors, documents and reports daily animal health and behavioral status, noting short‑and long‑term changes.
• Maintains compliance with AZA and USDA regulations. Reports any potentially non‑compliant issues immediately to the Director of Conservation Education and Learning Engagement and/or the Education Manager.
• Identifies maintenance and safety issues, and aides in their resolution.
• Assists veterinary staff with coordination and treatment routines and medical administration. Helps prepare animals for other medical procedures or surgeries.
• Conducts animal training for animal care, medical procedures, and educational purposes through on‑going planning, tracking and record keeping.
• Completes daily reports, maintains animal care records, animal welfare records, enrichment records and records of animal usage.
• Tracks supply and equipment needs and orders materials as directed to support inventory needs.
• Assists in the development and implementation of educational opportunities including, but not limited to:
  Keeper talks, animal encounters, seasonal animal demonstrations, events, and media appearances.
• Maintains cleanliness and upkeep of ambassador animal exhibit components. Reports signage/interactives issues to Director of Conservation Education and Learning Engagement.
• Provides training for interns as needed.
• Works with the Ambassador Animal Care Specialist team and Education team to assess the effectiveness of specified shows/demonstrations, performs in the shows/demonstrations/programs, and makes appropriate modifications to maintain quality programming as necessary.
• Assists in the development and implementation of other educational programs/special presentations involving various designated animals housed in the Education Department as needed.
• A strong and effective communicator and supportive team player.
• Verbal and written ability to communicate with Zoo staff. Able to interact positively with a variety of individuals from varied socioeconomically backgrounds frequently.
• Interact with courtesy, professionalism, and respect to staff, volunteers, and guests consistent with the organization’s mission and core values.
• Function as a team player, showing trust and mutual respect for all members on the team.
• Innovative and willing to look for solutions.
• Accept and apply constructive feedback.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Conservation Education and Learning Engagement and/or Education Manager.

• Outgoing, enthusiastic personality.
• Experience with physical restraint equipment and practices, vehicles and related maintenance equipment; proficiency in use of all cleaning and husbandry equipment and supplies.

• Must support Buffalo Zoo’s Vision, Mission and Core Values.
• Must possess or be able to obtain within 30‑days of employment a valid New York State driver’s license and have an average or better driving record based on the evaluation process of our insurance company. Retention of position is contingent upon maintaining required license. Must upgrade to classification appropriate to requirements (non‑CDLC or CDL class).
• Successful completion of a post‑offer pre‑employment general medical screen and drug test.
• Successful completion of a post‑offer pre‑employment background check.
• Successful completion of a post‑offer fitness for duty test.
• Must be able to operate a computer, two‑way radio, telephone system, and software on computer, printer, etc.…