Pinniped Specialist

Overview

Responsible for assisting the Pinniped team with the overall care and well-being of the Pinniped collection, ensuring that all welfare best practices and safety standards are followed.  Provides various presentations and tours, which engage and educate the public, promote the Zoo, generate support from sponsors and assist with events on Zoo grounds.

Responsibilities

• Assists the Pinniped team in the overall care and well-being of the region’s animal collection (e.g., animal health, disease diagnosis and treatment, husbandry, animal nutrition, enrichment and other activities related to animal care).
• Works in compliance with animal welfare best practices and all professional standards.
• Works in compliance will all Zoo safety protocols and policies.
• Responsible for the storage, thawing, and processing of daily diets. Responsible for administering vitamins and prescribed medications.
• Invests time learning about animal care and behavior, why and how animals react to various situations, animal and trainer communication styles, methods of animal handling, individual animal behavioral traits and basic care-taking principles.
• Participates in assigned basic husbandry work, and assists as a secondary trainer as needed.
• Responsible for focusing on animal behavior maintenance, behavioral criteria maintenance, animal restraint techniques, and assisting with husbandry behaviors as directed.
• Responsible for maintaining and supporting the facilities and all Animal Programs performance areas including the daily cleaning and disinfection of the pools, dry docks, wet docks, stage, holding pens, locker room, break room and any other facility being utilized for public display.
• Must have above average public speaking skills and present program material professionally.
• Ensure daily program and theater setup.
• Assists and ensures compliance with USDA, AZA, AAMPA and ZAA inspections/accreditations and USDA.
• Offers on-grounds pinniped programming, ensuring high quality engaging experiences for guests.
• Provides "Behind-the-Scenes" tours of Zoo exhibits and support for V.I.P. or other designated events.
• Attends weekly staff meetings within the region and required Zoo-wide staff meetings.
• Assists with training workshops for new and existing seasonal staff as needed.
• Maintains confidential information related to program participants.
• Maintains a cooperative working relationship with other Zoo staff.
• Constantly strives to further the mission of the organization and avidly supports the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks.
• Implements sustainable practices in daily tasks whenever possible.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• BA/BS in education, natural resources, animal related science or equivalent experience and knowledge required.
• Ability to present shows and speak in front of large audiences with enthusiasm and confidence.
• 1 year of experience training and caring for animals, required.
• Ability to understand, remain current, and comply with all professional standards and regulations including USDA, AMMPA, AZA, and ZAA.
• Ability to work in a team approach with other staff members required.
• Knowledge of nature interpretation, animal issues and conservation required.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude in sometimes-stressful situations required.
• Ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing required.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays required.
• Ability to plan and organize work in an efficient and cost-effective manner and without direct supervision required.
• Ability to provide excellent guest service by positively interacting with guests and upholding the Make it G.R.E.A.T. standards required.
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with all Zoo team members and contacts regarding company business required.
• Ability to adhere to standard operating procedures including but not limited to safety protocols required.
• Proof of negative TB screening prior to placement and annually thereafter required.
• Possession of a valid Ohio motor vehicle operator’s license and a good driving record required.
• Ability to adhere to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s drug-free workplace policy including but not limited to pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion and follow-up treatment required.
• Ability to successfully complete a criminal history background check annually required.