Facility
Lincoln Children’s Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
The Welfare Coordinator is responsible for developing and maintaining training, welfare tools, and enrichment programs with an emphasis on improving the health and well being of all animals. This position requires record keeping and fulfilling AZA standards. The Welfare Coordinator will work directly with the Animal Department in observing, evaluating, and implementing training and enrichment practices that enhance the daily animal husbandry of all animals used for education purposes.
Essential Job Functions
Coordinate and contribute to welfare communication for Lincoln Children’s Zoo serving as a key spokesperson and representing the organization.
Oversee comprehensive animal welfare assessments, best practices, workshops, and training to ensure the highest level of care for the animals residing at Lincoln Children’s Zoo.
Communicates daily with the Animal Department regarding any behavioral husbandry or welfare concerns.
Collect behavioral data to identify any concerns and welfare issues. Apply data to development of goals addressing observed issues.
Ensures Animal Department training and enrichment logs, calendars, and requests are up to date.
Follow-up on welfare assessments with metrics and potential goals/plans.
Stay current with industry resources and media regarding animal welfare practices, training methods, and progressive enrichment techniques.
Provide a holistic outlook on behavioral husbandry and animal welfare to help develop and implement appropriate goals and plans. This includes aiding in development of welfare assessment tools and working with animal care staff to create progressive goals and practices.
Comprehends basic and advanced training terminology, reinforcement scenarios, and techniques. Can teach this information to staff effectively and ensure appropriate messaging during public presentations and events.
Familiar with maintenance behaviors in animal areas with the ability to assist in training sessions as requested.
Develop appropriate behavior-based training and enrichment goals and plans with animal care departments and assist in creating calendars and records.
Assist animal care staff in acquiring, designing, and creating training and enrichment devices; assess existing exhibits/enclosures to improve individual animal well-being.
Participate in training/enrichment demonstrations, interviews, social media requests, and education programs as needed.
Train complex behaviors (i.e.- side presentation/injection, ultrasound) as requested, and aid in teaching staff advanced techniques.
All other duties as assigned.
Education and Pre-requisites
Preferred Talents:
Superior communication and collaboration skills.
Proficiency in developing effective training techniques, applications, and tools.
Ability to manage time effectively while utilizing the appropriate resources.
Excellent knowledge of the full Microsoft Suite and specifically excel.
Flexible and adaptable.
Passion for LCZ’s mission and genuine appreciation for wildlife and conservation.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in biology, psychobiology, animal science, or related biological field.
Minimum of three (3) years’ AZA accredited zoo experience.
Proven experience in animal welfare and conservation.
Valid driver’s license
Compensation and benefits
Pay: $45,000 annually
Benefits package include:
401(k) & 401(k) matching
Life insurance
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance
Application instructions
Please apply online at: https://www.indeed.com/job/welfare-coordinator-8b760d2597a4ad71
Or submit your resume to olivia@zellehr.com