Facility
Oregon Zoo / Metro
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
The Oregon Zoo is hiring for a variable hour, 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 and Animal Encounter programs. Other responsibilities will include direct animal care for the animals in the ambassador animal collection. Additionally, will be presenting formal or 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:
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 makes 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 and follow directions from medical staff as warranted
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.
May assist with handling and training of the ambassador animal species under care. Works with supervisor and internal stakeholders to follow appropriate presentation methods for animals used in educational settings.
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 back grounds
Knowledge of animal husbandry and presentation techniques for a wide variety of ambassador animal species
Ability to maintain comprehensive and accurate records
Comfort 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.
Education and Pre-requisites
TO QUALIFY
We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.
Minimum qualifications:
Associate’s degree in a field related program area and 2 years experience; OR
High school diploma or GED and 4 years of experience in a field related to the position; OR
Combination of education and experience which would provide the candidate with the desired skills, knowledge, and ability required to perform the job
Specific schedule: This position will have no set schedule and hours will be variable in nature based on business need (15 to 20 hours/week average, but will vary seasonally – heavier in the summer and lighter in the winter – and may include full time work). This role is expected to work weekends and some evenings. Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination is considered a minimum qualification requirement for Metro job applicants. This proof will be requested during the hiring process.
Required:
Valid driver’s license
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.
Compensation and benefits
Rate of pay for this role is set at $24.99 per hour
Application instructions
To apply for this opportunity and see a full listing of the job announcement, visit our website www.oregonmetro.gov/jobs or this direct link to the posting https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/oregonmetro/jobs/3905087/ambassador-animal-staff?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs