National Aviary · Pennsylvania · posted today
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. 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 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: 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 with a Thursday - Monday schedule. The candidate must be able to work on weekdays, weekends, holidays, and occasionally in the evening as job duties demand.
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