Zoo Jobs: Animal Trainer

Animal Trainer – Full Time

Natural Encounters, Inc. has a full-time Animal Trainer position available for a career-minded and team-oriented individual who is passionate about training animals and their human caregivers. The person applying for this position should have significant bird and/or other animal training experience and be able to travel nationally and internationally.

Animal Trainer Job Description:

Responsible for working directly with NEI senior consultants and trainers to learn the skills necessary to teach zoological professionals the science of behavior-change principles and the application of positive reinforcement training techniques. Ultimately this position may evolve into leading consultation and animal-training projects at various facilities around the world.

Job Duties include:

Working closely with NEI consultants and trainers at projects that include teaching facility staff the art and science of best-practices animal training principles
Conducting presentations focused on animal training and educational program design, development, and presentation
Participating in the husbandry and training of animals at the NEI Training and Education Center and possibly at NEI’s shows at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and other locations
Assisting with administration of medications to collection animals
Communicating to supervisors and curator any concerns about animal health and welfare
Preparing and delivering diets for animals
Maintaining a clean and healthy environment for the animals in the collection as set forth by AZA and industry standards
Assisting as needed during health exams and procedures
Assisting in the design, development, and production of shows and educational programs
Participating in and perpetuating a positive, team-based atmosphere and upholding the NEI Code of Conduct
Performing other duties as assigned by management

Qualifications:

A good understanding of scientific behavior-change principals
A minimum of three (3) years of professional experience training a wide variety of animals at zoological or related facilities
Knowledge of natural history and species-specific behaviors of a wide variety of taxa
Observable skills in training a variety of animals as shown in a video submitted with application or during the 90-day probation period.
Excellent observational skills and sensitivity to animal behavior
Strong communication skills and ability to create trusting relationships with animals, including coworkers
Ability to thrive in a group setting with supportive feedback and quick application of constructive criticism
Flexibility in schedule and ability to travel on short notice for extended periods of time
Current driver’s license and passport within six months of employment
Ability to maintain a positive attitude in stressful situations
Ability to follow directions and apply constructive feedback