Position Summary:
The successful candidate will be working with a variety of taxa from reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals including species such as penguin, sloth, turtle, tortoises, snakes, and others. The employee’s primary objective and responsibility will be to lead a diverse team in the continual development of the aquarium’s animal ambassador program. This entails the development, training, and evaluation of all staff and animals involved in the ambassador program. The employee will also oversee the daily operation of all programs associated with the ambassador team and will work with leadership to facilitate these programs. The position requires a highly motivated individual who will work in a team setting and take direction from the Curators, Managers, and/or Director of Animal Care and Conservation.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
•Lead a diverse team in the continual development of the aquarium’s animal ambassador program.
•Develop, train, and evaluate of all staff and animals involved in the ambassador program.
•Oversee the daily operation of all programs associated with the ambassador team.
•Work with leadership to facilitate these programs and assist in the creation of new programs.
•Provide care for all animals in the animal ambassador department through proper husbandry protocols. This could include daily observations, feedings, providing enrichment, participating in training sessions, and water quality monitoring.
•Ensure guest satisfaction by maintaining exhibits through daily maintenance.
•Help ensure support areas are clean, organized and safe.
•Comply with all SOPs pertaining to daily operations and safety.
•Maintain records in accordance with protocols or as directed.
•Promote conservation, animal welfare, and good stewardship in daily tasks.
Requirements
•A four-year degree in aquatic sciences, zoology, biology, psychology or related field
•At least six years of animal care experience. Preferred animal care experience from an accredited AZA institution.
•Successful completion of pre-employment drug screening and SCUBA dive physical
•Multi-taxa knowledge of a large variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
•In depth knowledge of operant conditioning and positive reinforcement animal behavioral conditioning techniques
•Record-keeping, collection management experience.
•Familiarity with basic medications and vaccination programs.
•Knowledge of proper animal conformation & body conditions, gestation / incubation periods and nutrition.
•Excellent observation and communication skills
•Strong interpersonal skills and ethics that generate and sustain a positive team atmosphere and professional environment
•A valid driver’s license and the ability to travel if necessary
•Valid SCUBA certification or physical ability to obtain certificate
•Ability to work weekends, holidays, days closed due to inclement weather, and to travel for extended periods of time to perform collecting and other duties.
•Experience in preparing and conducting informal educational programs.
•Able to lift a minimum of sixty (60) pounds.
•Strong command of the English language, both written and verbal.
Note: Position will involve exposure to inclement weather, dust, potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species, and potentially dangerous machinery, restraint devices and toxic chemicals and/or drugs. Occasional use of protective clothing or equipment is required e.g. goggles, mask, gloves, and gowns.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Team Requirements
•Safety & Security - All Team Members are required to adhere to all Mississippi Aquarium safety and security standards.
•Attendance & Appearance - To maximize the guest’s experience, all Team Members are required to adhere to Mississippi Aquarium standard operating procedures regarding attendance and dress code policies as it relates to individual job functionality.
•Sales & Guest Services - Our forward-thinking business model requires listening and understanding the needs of our guests both internal and external. To that end, we must always be focused on the guest experience which is the key driver for return guest visitation and increased sales.
•Team Partnership - All Team Members are focused on supporting each other to complete the guest experience. Therefore, supporting, facilitating, and participating in activities that promote team effectiveness is vital to our Organization.
Physical Demands & Work Environment
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop; kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
