Manager of Ambassador Animal Experiences

This is a working manager position that is responsible for managing a variety of Dallas Zoo on-site ambassador animal experiences. The Manager of Ambassador Animal Experiences will work with a team of specialists to ensure that animals are utilized safely and appropriately to provide fun and engaging wildlife presentations that convey the Dallas Zoo’s Mission of Engaging People & Saving Wildlife and vision of Creating a Better World for Animals. The Manager of Ambassador Animal Experiences will also be responsible for team schedules, resource management and reporting for all on grounds programming as required. 

 

• Provide oversight for the wildlife housed in Ambassador Animal areas, including the daily supervision and participation in animal husbandry, socialization, enrichment and training of a diverse collection of mammals, birds, and reptiles.

• Hiring, training, scheduling, evaluating, and coaching Ambassador Animal Experiences Team.

• Ensure high standards and professional appearance are consistently maintained with the Ambassador Animal area facilities, vehicles, resources and staff.

• Program development, including animal acquisition, behavior training, and program theming.

• Ensuring high standards for animal welfare and the safety of animals, staff, and guests in alignment with AZA standards.  This includes working with the Director of Ambassador Animal Experiences and other Zoo management staff to develop and implement appropriate husbandry, training and enrichment procedures that properly care for the animal collection. 

• Ensure consistent and up to date record-keeping and scheduling for animal husbandry, training, enrichment and program usage.

• Evaluating Ambassador Animal programming on a regular basis to ensure appropriate messaging aligns with our interpretive presentation format.  Evaluation will also include utilizing natural animal behaviors and highlighting positive reinforcement training. 

• Handling and presenting animals for programming on a regular basis.

• Primary point of contact for the Ambassador Animal collection with various Zoo departments, including the animal health and nutrition departments.  Communication will also include attending meetings as required.

• Working collaboratively with other members of the Ambassador Animal Experiences management team to assist with training and evaluation for a variety of presentations throughout the park.

• Planning, preparing and monitoring budgets with the Director of Ambassador Animal Experiences. 

• Assisting the Director of Ambassador Animal Experiences with strategic planning objectives that provide the necessary resources for program execution and growth, and enhance our current and future programming.

• Ensuring team members are compliant with all Dallas Zoo policies/procedures/ training, and particularly the Zoo’s environmental training program requirements.  

• Responsible for program reservations, team schedules, revenue management, resource management and reporting for all on and off grounds programming as required

• Ability to work weekend days and flexible hours as schedules dictate.

• Represent the Dallas Zoo during all programming including various media events.

• Other duties as assigned.

 

• A Bachelor’s degree in biology or related science field is preferred;

• Must have extensive knowledge of animal husbandry, with at least 5 years preferred of exotic animal care experience at an AZA-accredited facility (ideally with those taxa noted in the “DEPARTMENT” listed above, and/or comparable taxa);

• Must have at least 3 years of experience in a leadership capacity, preferably in an AZA accredited zoological park or aquarium;

• Must have experience working with ambassador animals;

• Experience with free-flighted bird training preferred;

• Promote a positive and cohesive work environment; 

• Serve on the zoo’s emergency response team; 

• Must be solution-oriented, finding creative solutions for complex challenges;

• Comprehensive knowledge of behavioral management, including operant conditioning philosophy, techniques and terminology, as well as benefits and goals of environmental enrichment;

• Experience in education, interpretation, or customer service-based field desired.  Ideal candidate will have an understanding of zoological parks and a strong appreciation for wildlife and the environment;

• Excellent facilitation, as well as communication skills, both oral and written;

• Comfort with computer software: MS Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point;

• Ability to represent the Zoo in a professional manner at all times;

• Excellent verbal, written, problem solving and interpersonal skills required;

• Ability to exercise sound judgment in emergency situations and to respond with appropriate action;

• Candidate must possess excellent organizational skills and the ability to function in a dynamic, team-oriented environment as well as work independently.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with management, other employees and zoo guests;

• Must be able to walk, stand, sit, kneel, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above head, pull, bend, climb stairs and ladders and carry up to 50 lbs. in all weather conditions;

• Must be able to work irregular hours including holidays, weekends and occasional evening events;

• Successful candidates must pass pre-employment drug screening, background check and TB test;

• Must have a valid driver’s license to operate zoo vehicles and reliable transportation.