Ambassador Animal Trainer

The job listing for the Ambassador Animal Trainer position was posted on April 19, 2024, and it will expire on May 17, 2024. National Aviary has several internship job opportunities, but make sure to read the job description carefully to ensure that it meets your professional and personal needs. The employer's lack of disclosure of salary means that you can negotiate based on the company's commitment to employee volunteer programs and social responsibility initiatives. Although the vacancy is in Pittsburgh, the company may be open to considering remote candidates who have the right skills. A prerequisite for this job is to have 12 months of experience in the same field. The work venue is Pittsburgh , PA , Pittsburgh , PA.

National Aviary

Ambassador Animal Trainer

Reports to: Senior Manager of Animal Programs

SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE: The National Aviary’s Education Trainers are part of a dynamic and energetic Animal Programs Department performing all job assignments with a positive attitude that reflects the National Aviary’s mission to inspire a respect for nature through an appreciation of birds. Working closely with the organization’s Ambassador Animal Collection, Education Trainers actively develop and participate in optimal animal husbandry, enrichment, training and handling animals; facilitate education classes, tours, events and experiences; perform in the National Aviary’s scripted free-flight interactive experiences;  and assist with program development.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Promotes and protects the welfare of the ambassador animal collection by practicing excellent animal husbandry and enrichment, following established standard operating procedures.
• Develops a strong understanding of and employs the principles of basic and advanced operant conditioning.

• Provides production assistance and performs in scripted indoor and outdoor free-flight interactive experiences and encounters.
• Identifies, initiates, and ensures completion of habitat maintenance and improvement projects.
• Maintains a strong understanding of the principles that underlie animal welfare in the zoological field and supports the National Aviary’s Animal Welfare Program.
• Maintains an understanding of the welfare indicators for the species and individual animals under their care.
• Maintains awareness and understanding of the National Aviary’s animal collection and environment, and appreciates each animal’s natural history and personal story.
• Completes formal welfare assessments regularly.
• Facilitates education offerings (including classes, tours, events, and experiences) for visitors, schools, scouts, organized youth organizations and adult groups as needed, on-site and off-site.
• Adheres to all National Aviary protocols and procedures.
• Interacts with visitors utilizing National Aviary Visitor Engagement protocol

Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

OTHER DUTIES: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for their job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The Education Trainer has no formal supervisory responsibilities. The Education Trainer may mentor interns and volunteers.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Satisfactory Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check and Child Abuse History Certification
• Satisfactory FBI Criminal Record Check
• Valid Driver’s License and ability to pass Department of Motor Vehicles check

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee constantly positions self to complete cleaning and maintenance of habitats and exhibits, including under and around obstacles. The employee regularly transports crates and supplies up to 50 pounds. The employee regularly uses utensils and tools including knives, scissors, hoses, falconry equipment. The employee regularly operates hand and power equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

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Work environments will include climate-controlled office spaces, public areas where the noise level may be loud, and outdoors where work may need to be done in inclement weather conditions, including extremes of temperature and precipitation. The employee is regularly exposed to various disinfecting agents and common allergens such as latex, nuts, and seafood.

POSITION TYPE/ EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:

This is a full-time position.  The candidate must be able to work on weekdays, weekends, holidays, and occasionally in the evening as job duties demand.

Experience Required

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS: • Ability to be a good team player and maintain a positive attitude. • Strong presentation and interpretation skills, as well as the ability to interact and communicate with a variety of audiences in a professional and engaging manner • Strong oral and written communication skills • Ability to organize and complete projects in a timely manner, using initiative and proper professional judgment; ability to work independently and as a team EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: • Undergraduate degree in Zoological Sciences, Environmental Education, or similar field required • 1 year relevant professional experience in a zoo, nature center, museum, or other informal learning center • 1 year previous animal handling experience, with considerable knowledge of the principles, methodologies, and practices of animal care and husbandry; avian training experience using operant conditioning strongly desired

How to Apply

Interested Candidates should send their cover letter, resume and application to Christa Gaus, Christa.Gaus@aviary.org

Note: Our application can be found on our website

National Aviary
700 Arch St
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Phone: 412-323-7235

Useful link(s) for this job

• https://www.aviary.org/about-us/jobs/
• click apply button below

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