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Buffalo Zoo
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Ambassador Animal Care Specialist (Part-Time)
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Basic Purpose and Responsibility:
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Under the supervision of the Director of Conservation Education and Learning Engagement, the Part-Time Ambassador Animal Care Specialist is responsible for assisting in the care and training of all Education Department ambassador animals, educational opportunities, and seasonal animal demonstrations on Zoo grounds as well as offsite outreach events.
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Essential Functions:
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- Primary accountability for specific functions and results. The list of essential functions is not exhaustive and may be supplemented or changed as necessary.
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- Prepares and provides diet and feeding protocols to Education Department ambassador animals.
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- Cleans animal enclosures/cages/exhibits and shifts animals for the purpose of exhibit/enclosure maintenance and modifications.
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- Monitors, documents and reports daily animal health and behavioral status, noting short- and long-term changes.
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- Maintains compliance with AZA and USDA regulations. Reports any potentially non-compliant issues immediately to the Director of Conservation Education and Learning Engagement and/or the Education Manager.
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- Identifies maintenance and safety issues, and aides in their resolution.
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- Assists veterinary staff with coordination and treatment routines and medical administration. Helps prepare animals for other medical procedures or surgeries.
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- Conducts animal training for animal care, medical procedures, and educational purposes through on-going planning, tracking and record keeping.
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- Completes daily reports, maintains animal care records, animal welfare records, enrichment records and records of animal usage.
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- Tracks supply and equipment needs and orders materials as directed to support inventory needs.
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- Assists in the development and implementation of educational opportunities including, but not limited to: Public talks, animal encounters, seasonal animal demonstrations, events, and media appearances.
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- Maintains cleanliness and upkeep of ambassador animal exhibit components. Reports signage/interactives issues to Director of Conservation Education and Learning Engagement.
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- Provides training for interns as needed.
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- Works with the Ambassador Animal Care Specialist team and Education team to assess the effectiveness of specified shows/demonstrations, facilitates demonstrations/programs, and makes appropriate modifications to maintain quality programming as necessary.
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- Assists in the development and implementation of other educational programs/special presentations involving various designated animals housed in the Education Department as needed.
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- A strong and effective communicator and supportive team player.
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- Verbal and written ability to communicate with Zoo staff. Able to interact positively with a variety of individuals from varied socioeconomically backgrounds frequently.
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- Interact with courtesy, professionalism, and respect to staff, volunteers, and guests consistent with the organization's mission and core values.
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- Function as a team player, showing trust and mutual respect for all members on the team.
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- Innovative and willing to look for solutions.
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- Good attention to detail.
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- Accept and apply constructive feedback.
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- Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Conservation Education and Learning Engagement and/or Education Manager.
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Special Skills:
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- Well-developed communication skills.
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- Outgoing, enthusiastic personality.
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- Experience with physical restraint equipment and practices, vehicles and related maintenance equipment; proficiency in use of all cleaning and husbandry equipment and supplies.
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Other:
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- Must support Buffalo Zoo's Vision, Mission and Core Values.
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- Must possess or be able to obtain within 30-days of employment a valid New York State driver's license and have an average or better driving record based on the evaluation process of our insurance company. Retention of position is contingent upon maintaining required license. Must upgrade to classification appropriate to requirements (non-CDLC or CDL class).
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- Successful completion of a post-offer pre-employment general medical screen and drug test.
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- Successful completion of a post-offer pre-employment background check.
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- Successful completion of a post-offer fitness for duty test.
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- Must be able to operate a computer, two-way radio, telephone system, and software on computer, printer, etc. after training.
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- Must be willing to comply with the department's Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) policies and procedures.
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- Must provide proof of negative TB test at hire (test results within the last 12 months). TB test conducted annually.
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- Regular attendance and punctuality are essential functions of the position.
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- Must be able to work weekends, holidays and requested overtime as necessary.
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- Position is part of the Zoo's emergency weather team and employee is expected to report when the Zoo is officially closed due to weather.
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- Must understand the requirements, essential functions and duties of the position as per the job description and certify such by signing the job description prior to the first day of work.
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Physical Demands
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The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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- Employee may be exposed to a variety of weather conditions or temperatures. Work may be required both indoors and outdoors in various weather and temperature conditions, ranging from rain, wind, snow, cool to cold weather, and extreme heat and humidity. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
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- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, and talk or hear. Use computer hardware and software for periodic periods of time. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
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- Employee is exposed to the environment around animal exhibits and animal holding areas, and will be working around animal excrement, smells, and other debris. The ability to follow animal safety protocols, and treat the animals with care, respect, and dignity is paramount.
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- Employee must be able and willing to perform sustained work of a physical nature that may require heavy lifting. The employee must lift the weight requirements included in the fitness for duty test occasionally/regularly.
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- Passing a fitness for duty test will be required for the successful candidate to be given further consideration for the position.
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The Buffalo Zoo is an At Will employer and all Buffalo Zoo employees are subject to employment eligibility and background security checks as well as testing for illegal substance use as allowed by law.
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Equal Opportunity Employer
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Experience Required
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Experience (Minimum Desired): One year of animal husbandry, animal handling and animal training experience gained through part-time or full-time employment. Other experience through internships or volunteer work is a plus. Experience with domestic farm animals and a wide variety of small exotics is preferred. Six months of teaching/public speaking experience to diverse audiences or equivalent experience.
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Perks
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Sick Time is accrued based on hours worked and is available once accrued (1 hour for every 30 hours worked). Buffalo Zoo family membership (after passing 60-days worked probationary period review). Associates are eligible for discounts while employed at food service and gift shop. Food service discount is 30%. Gift shop discount is 20% (on purchases of $10 or more). Eligible for Zoo Employee Assistance Program (EAP). 403B plan available.
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Salary
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$17.86/hour. This is a part-time non-exempt hourly year-round position.
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How to Apply
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Please submit resume outlining education and experience to (no phone calls please - position open until filled):
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Email Resume/Cover Letter: buffalozoojobs@buffalozoo.org
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Send Resume/Cover Letter by regular mail:
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\t\t\t\t\tBuffalo Zoo
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\t\t\t\t\tAttn: Ambassador Animal Care Specialist PT
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\t\t\t\t\t300 Parkside Avenue
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\t\t\t\t\tBuffalo, NY 14214-1999
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No telephone calls please.
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Buffalo Zoo
300 Parkside Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14214
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