Animal Behavior Specialist
Animal Behavior Specialist
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Job Description
Animal Behavior Specialist
GeneralSummary: The Animal Behavior Specialist is responsible forproviding operational and administrative support to the Animal Departmentspecifically in regards to behavioral husbandry programs. This position is alsoresponsible for caring for the animals maintaining exhibits and holding areasmonitoring animal behaviors outside of normal operating hours ensuring animalwelfare and assisting in the facilitation of operations to accommodate specialprojects. Additionally the Animal Behavior Specialist will support the Zoosconservation sustainability education and DEAI (Diversity EquityAccessibility and Inclusion) goals.
EssentialFunctions:
PrimaryFunctions:
- Ensure compliance of all area enrichment andtraining documentation in accordance with Zoo and AZA standards;
- Standardize and align training and enrichmentprograms across the animal department;
- Review and approve enrichment and training proposalsfor all collection animals;
- Maintain the departments central database forapproved enrichment item and browses;
- Ensure compliance of all food-based enrichment withrequirements set by the animal and medical staff;
- Update the Zoos primate enrichment policybiannually as required by USDA
- Attend meetings as assigned and produce detailedwritten summaries of discussions;
- Meet regularly with Curators and Area Managers todiscuss and review training programs;
- Attend animal training sessions in all animal areasas requested by Area Managers;
- Assist Area Managers in fulfilling the requirementsof approved research projects;
- Assist Area Managers with tracking and implementingrecommended changes from the Animal Welfare Committee;
- Provide training for animal care staff onconstruction of enrichment programs protocols and devices;
- Schedule regular training meetings and presentationsfor animal care staff;
- Participate in creation and implementation ofticketed animal experiences for Zoo guests;
- Provide assistance to Area Managers with the Red Keysystem as needed;
- Perform other duties as assigned; and
- Adhere to all policies and procedures of the Zoo.
Communication(Internal and External):
- Maintain all enrichment and training documentationas required by AZA and USDA;
- Provide support for Area Managers with budgetingfor and purchase of enrichment items;
- Provide regular updates to department management onall training and enrichment programs;
- Attend Zoo general staff meetings and departmentalmeetings;
- Interpret the Zoo to guests donors and zooassociates;
- Develop and deliver presentations to externalpartners and professional organizations about Maryland Zoo programs;
- Attend all staff training sessions as directed; and
- Promote the mission of the Maryland Zoo inBaltimore.
Managementof Resources (Financial Human Resources Facilities):
- Ensure enrichment and training devices are in a goodstate of repair;
- Maintain department supply of enrichment andtraining supplies;
- Manage donations of supplies for making animalenrichment;
- Maintain equipment and tools in a good state ofrepair
MinimumQualifications:
Education:
- Bachelors degree in zoology biology or relatedfield preferred.
Experience/Training:
- Proven experience with advanced animal trainingtechniques;
- Familiarity with AZA enrichment and trainingprograms;
- Valid drivers license; and
- Familiarity with ZIMS data entry and analysis.
TraitsDesirable:
- Ability to work with individuals from a wide varietyof ethnic cultural and economic backgrounds;
- Extremely well-organized;
- Self-directed collaborative and detail-oriented;and
- Possess a positive attitude and a generalphilosophy/ outlook in line with the Zoos mission
Equipment:
- Must be able to operate a variety of machines andequipment including computer telephone radio and
- vehicles hand tools animal restraint and capturedevices incubators gardening/carpentry tools and machinery computer scalesetc.
WorkingConditions:
- Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally25 pounds frequently and/or a negligible amount of force frequently orconstantly to lift carry push pull or otherwise move objects. Physicaldemands are in excess of those for sedentary work; must be able to remain onfeet for periods of time stoop kneel crouch crawl push pull climbbalance;
- Must be able to lift and/or carry up to 75 poundswith assistance and 50 pounds unassisted as needed;
- Must be able to travel large areas of the Zoo onfoot as needed;
- Ability to work a flexible schedule to includeweekends holidays and special events;
- Must be able to work in an outdoor weatherenvironment in all seasons and weather including heat/humidity coldtemperatures and/or wet conditions;
- Exposure to potential environmental hazards such aspoison oak/ivy uneven terrain and insect bites/stings.
- Exposure to zoonotic diseases and risk of animalattack; and
- TB test and physical required.
Benefits:
- We offer an excellentbenefits package including 24 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) Sick and Safe Leaveand 2 paid holidays.
- Eligible for medical dentalvision short- and long-term disability and life insurance.
- 401(k) with employer match.
Disclaimer:
The statements above are intended to describe the generalnature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to thisclassification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustivelist of all responsibilities duties and/or skills required of all personnel soclassified. Therefore management reserves the right to revise the job orto require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change.
Please visit our careers page to see more job opportunities.
Required Experience:
Unclear Seniority
Employment Type
Full-Time
