What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Ambassador position at Woodbridge Aquarium and Wildlife Center?
The Animal Ambassador Team at Layton Aquarium and Animal Encounters plays a key role in educating the public, enhancing visitor experiences, and promoting conservation efforts. Team members will be responsible for handling and presenting both aquatic and terrestrial species in a safe, engaging, and educational manner, leading demonstrations, answering questions, and participating in animal enrichment and care routines. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about wildlife, education, and animal welfare.
Key Responsibilities:
- Connecting Animals with Guests through Interactive Education ~ 75% of day:
- Share exciting and educational information about each animal, sparking curiosity and inspiring a deeper understanding and appreciation of wildlife.
- Lead live, interactive presentations that bring animals to visitors of all ages, highlighting their behaviors, biology, and conservation efforts in an engaging and accessible way.
- Engage with a wide variety of species, including aquatic animals (e.g., fish, marine invertebrates, amphibians) and terrestrial animals (e.g., reptiles, birds, mammals), to create meaningful connections with guests, while ensuring the safety of both animals and visitors.
- Interact with guests, answering questions and offering insights into the animals' natural behaviors, habitats, and conservation status.
- Foster positive and educational experiences that inspire visitors to care about wildlife and conservation.
- Lead group tours and provide support for special events and educational programs.
- Animal Care & Enrichment - up to 25% of day:
- Assist with the daily care routines of ambassador animals, including feeding, cleaning enclosures, and observing animal health.
- Help implement enrichment activities via engagement schedules to keep the animals mentally and physically stimulated.
- Work closely with animal care staff to ensure the well-being of all ambassador animals.
- Safety & Protocol Compliance:
- Follow established safety protocols for animal handling, guest interactions, and facility procedures.
- Ensure the safety of both animals and visitors by maintaining a calm and professional demeanor at all times.
- Participate in ongoing training to remain up-to-date with best practices in animal care and visitor safety.
- Team Collaboration & Communication:
- Collaborate with other team members to ensure smooth operations of the Animal Ambassador Program.
- Assist in developing and refining educational content for presentations and demonstrations.
- Communicate effectively with fellow staff members, animal care professionals, and management to address any concerns regarding the animals or guest experiences.
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent required; college degree in biology, environmental science, zoology, or related field preferred.
- Previous experience working with animals, preferably in a zoo, aquarium, or other wildlife facility, is highly desirable.
- Experience in public speaking, education, or customer service is a plus.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: $15.00 - $17.00 per hour
Supplemental Pay:
- Bonus opportunities
Work Location: In person
Salary : $15 - $17
