Outreach Specialist

About the Role

This position is responsible for the husbandry of species in the Animal Outreach & Conservation Center (ARCC), Outreach collection, and educational wildlife presentations on site.

Responsibilities

• Handle and present Outreach animals during outreach programs – stage shows, informal in-park presentations, virtual presentations, and on-site special events
• Maintain and care for Animal Outreach collection
• Train and socialize with Animal Outreach collection on a daily basis
• Assist Outreach Manager in designing and implementing Outreach programs as needed
• Work with Outreach Manager and Supervisor to maintain animal husbandry, enrichment, and safety
• Participate in the zoo-wide behavioral management program by implementing approved animal training and enrichment projects
• Carry out animal diet directives from Nutritional Services Department; clean and maintain food storage containers
• Complete and keep records as required
• Communicate with Outreach Manager and Supervisor regarding animal health and welfare
• Promote the Fort Worth Zoo and its objectives through various media channels and speaking events

Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Strong animal husbandry skills across a variety of taxa
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Ability to operate as a member of a large, diverse team
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to maintain a professional appearance and manner in public
• Valid driver license with acceptable motor vehicle record to maintain zoo standards of insurability

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Communications, Zoology, Biology, or related field preferred
• At least one-year animal handling, training, and husbandry experience in a zoo setting

Compensation will be experience dependent.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and talk or hear
• Frequently required to sit
• Must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds

Work Environment

• Team-oriented environment
• Ability to work irregular hours (holidays and weekends)
• Ability to work special events and functions as required
• Ability to work outdoors in heat, cold, and inclement weather
• This position may be safety sensitive
• May work around animals susceptible to specific diseases, thus may be subject to regular tuberculosis and rabies titer testing, and the routine use of personal protective equipment such as gloves and face masks

Benefits

• Medical and Prescription Drug (Employee Coverage 90% Employer Paid, Dependent Coverage 55% Employer Paid)
• Vision
• Dental
• Basic Life AD&D (100% Employer Paid)
• Short Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
• Long Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
• Supplemental Life
• Flexible Spending Account
• 401k
• Paid Time Off (Accrual Equivalent to 5 Weeks Per Year)
• PTO Rollover
• PTO Sell Back
• Free Zoo Membership
• Free Guest Passes
• Discounts on Food, Merchandise, Attractions, Admission, and Programs