Zoo Jobs: Bird & Mammal Trainer

Bird & Mammal Trainer

Worldwide Zoo Consultants is a growing company dedicated to developing and managing zoological and aquarium facilities around the world. Our team is made up of animal care specialists, animal trainers, project managers, zoological operations experts and zoological managers from all backgrounds. All working towards providing the very best animal welfare and unique immersive and educational opportunities for visiting guests through a variety of animal experiences, interactions and programs.

Position Summary:

The Bird & Mammal Trainer will work with our diverse collection of birds and mammals. Primary responsibilities include training sessions using positive reinforcement and operant conditioning of the animals. This includes training in all aspects for husbandry, presentation and education, environmental enrichment, observations, record keeping, cleaning, food preparation and participation in the general wellbeing of all animals under the facility’s care. The trainer should have a positive team approach within the Animal Training Department.

Duties & Responsibilities:

· Undertake daily operations within the Animal Training Department to ensure highest level of safety, courtesy, education, efficiency and operational readiness at all times.

· Must demonstrate strong training abilities to train a variety of behaviours, such as; free flight presentations, ambassador animals, husbandry behaviours amongst others.

· Compliance with health and safety standards in accordance with local municipality rules, regulations and facility Standard operating procedures.

· Provide good animal care and ensure habitats meet the needs of the animal.

· Adhere to training routines and schedule for the various animals.

· Perform daily animal husbandry tasks, health checks, animal behaviour observation and training.

· Identify additional behavioural concerns and communicate them to the team.

· Assist in the implementation of new habitats, animal enrichment and educational opportunities to maximize the animal’s well-being and guest experience.

· Maintain up-to-date electronic records on animal health.

· Monitor and identify animal health concerns.

· Communicate to Animal Collection Supervisors and Veterinary Staff about any animal health concerns to develop and implement a care and treatment plan.

· Compliance of all policy and procedure documents.

· Assist in emergency situations to minimize damage, loss or injury to guests, team members, animals or company property.

· Ensure programs engage, educate and entertain to diverse audiences.

Experience, Skills & Qualifications:

· Knowledge of standard operating procedures

· Know-how of carrying out interactive programs with mammals in a safe and educational fashion.

· Strong understanding of animal training principles and techniques (operant conditioning) as well as environmental enrichment principles and techniques.

· Knowledge of staff scheduling.

· Possess good verbal and written communication skills within the English language.

· Conduct themselves in a professional, positive manner with co-workers and guests.

· 4 years + experience with animal behavioural training required.

· Competency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

· Good verbal and written communication skills.

· Strong listening, presentation and decision-making skills.

To be considered for the position please send your resume to recruitment@worldwidezoo.com