Zoo New England
Animal Wellbeing Advisor – Zoo New England
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Animal Wellbeing Advisor
role at
Zoo New England . This position focuses on animal welfare and enrichment within our accredited zoo.
Duties & Responsibilities
Routinely review and update existing welfare and enrichment policy, procedures and tools, and develop new ones as needed.
Develop or update training materials and conduct training of employees in the importance of animal enrichment and welfare, how ZNE’s programs operates and how to use all the tools available to them.
Assist in creating assessment schedules and enrichment calendars and ensure the high quality and timely completion of animal department logs, enrichment efforts and planners created.
Assist with follow-up on welfare assessment and enrichment offered, with metrics, goals and improvement plans.
Conduct and/or participate in routine welfare assessments, scheduled events, and Quality of Life, in person or remote, routinely to maintain quality of completion and critical thinking.
Work collaboratively with the staff caring for animals, curatorial team and training advisor when applicable, to identify and mitigate behavioral concerns.
Act as an Animal Care representative for the welfare concern process. Provide leadership in the Enrichment Committee (co‑chair or chair) and participate in the Animal Management committee. Participate in welfare related discussions in relevant meetings such as ACOps and VAC.
Observe and advise in the enrichment and welfare of the animal collection, from the perspective of collection planning and exhibit design or modifications.
Maintain enrichment database and inform staff of proper enrichment protocols. Serve as the enrichment committee chair. Participate in the enrichment approval process and assist staff to acquire, design and build enrichment devices.
Create, monitor and follow‑up in behavioral modification plans with the care teams to address abnormal behaviors.
Develop, implement or assist in research on enrichment and welfare internally when needed. Stay informed on advancements in animal welfare and behavioral husbandry, AZA/USDA requirements, and pertinent zoo topics.
When needed, respond to queries received through official zoo channels, related to animal welfare and enrichment from the public and zoo professionals.
Collaborate with outside institutions for enrichment projects (e.g., 'MassArt', 'Northeastern', 'Girl Scouts', 'Aggie schools', volunteer groups, etc.), teach, coach to get usable products.
Perform related work as and/or assigned in any area of the zoo.
Working Conditions
Exposure to a variety of exhibit animals, of all taxa.
Physical tasks: bending, stooping, running, climbing, kneeling, reaching, lifting, moving moderate to heavy objects and using power tools.
Work may occur in uneven terrain, slippery surfaces, confined spaces or elevated positions.
Potential exposure to dust, allergens, varying weather conditions, toxic or hazardous materials.
Must drive and operate motor vehicles with a valid State Driver’s License.
Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, overtime; primarily Monday‑Friday.
Must assist in emergencies and cope with high‑stress situations such as recapture of escaped animals or guest assistance.
Minimum Job Requirements
Knowledge of AZA accreditation standards, code of ethics, and current industry behavioral husbandry practices.
B.S. in Zoology, Biology, Psychology, Ecology or related biological field.
Minimum 5 years’ experience with extensive, progressive exotic animal care, behavior and husbandry in an AZA‑accredited institution or equivalent.
Demonstrated general knowledge and skill development in managing animals in a zoo; ability to train others safely.
Ability to create and strategically implement programs among large teams.
Critical thinking and effective communication of evidence‑based animal welfare and care practices.
TB tested negative before starting and annually thereafter; acceptance of zoonotic disease prevention protocols as mandated by ZNE (rabies, hepatitis, prophylactics, fecal screens, serum storage, etc.).
Creative and positive attitude, organized, with a strong work history.
Excellent oral and written communication skills for technical instructions and information.
Computer proficiency: Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Zoom, ZIMS, etc.
Strong leadership, motivation to engage and enhance others' animal care skills.
Effective time and resource management; can work independently and as a team member.
Preferred Job Requirements
Post‑graduate degree in animal welfare or a related field.
Experience or education in program development.
Effective and engaging public speaker.
Experience teaching and coaching various sized groups.
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Other
Industries Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos
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Animal Wellbeing Advisor
role at
Zoo New England . This position focuses on animal welfare and enrichment within our accredited zoo.
Duties & Responsibilities
Routinely review and update existing welfare and enrichment policy, procedures and tools, and develop new ones as needed.
Develop or update training materials and conduct training of employees in the importance of animal enrichment and welfare, how ZNE’s programs operates and how to use all the tools available to them.
Assist in creating assessment schedules and enrichment calendars and ensure the high quality and timely completion of animal department logs, enrichment efforts and planners created.
Assist with follow-up on welfare assessment and enrichment offered, with metrics, goals and improvement plans.
Conduct and/or participate in routine welfare assessments, scheduled events, and Quality of Life, in person or remote, routinely to maintain quality of completion and critical thinking.
Work collaboratively with the staff caring for animals, curatorial team and training advisor when applicable, to identify and mitigate behavioral concerns.
Act as an Animal Care representative for the welfare concern process. Provide leadership in the Enrichment Committee (co‑chair or chair) and participate in the Animal Management committee. Participate in welfare related discussions in relevant meetings such as ACOps and VAC.
Observe and advise in the enrichment and welfare of the animal collection, from the perspective of collection planning and exhibit design or modifications.
Maintain enrichment database and inform staff of proper enrichment protocols. Serve as the enrichment committee chair. Participate in the enrichment approval process and assist staff to acquire, design and build enrichment devices.
Create, monitor and follow‑up in behavioral modification plans with the care teams to address abnormal behaviors.
Develop, implement or assist in research on enrichment and welfare internally when needed. Stay informed on advancements in animal welfare and behavioral husbandry, AZA/USDA requirements, and pertinent zoo topics.
When needed, respond to queries received through official zoo channels, related to animal welfare and enrichment from the public and zoo professionals.
Collaborate with outside institutions for enrichment projects (e.g., 'MassArt', 'Northeastern', 'Girl Scouts', 'Aggie schools', volunteer groups, etc.), teach, coach to get usable products.
Perform related work as and/or assigned in any area of the zoo.
Working Conditions
Exposure to a variety of exhibit animals, of all taxa.
Physical tasks: bending, stooping, running, climbing, kneeling, reaching, lifting, moving moderate to heavy objects and using power tools.
Work may occur in uneven terrain, slippery surfaces, confined spaces or elevated positions.
Potential exposure to dust, allergens, varying weather conditions, toxic or hazardous materials.
Must drive and operate motor vehicles with a valid State Driver’s License.
Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, overtime; primarily Monday‑Friday.
Must assist in emergencies and cope with high‑stress situations such as recapture of escaped animals or guest assistance.
Minimum Job Requirements
Knowledge of AZA accreditation standards, code of ethics, and current industry behavioral husbandry practices.
B.S. in Zoology, Biology, Psychology, Ecology or related biological field.
Minimum 5 years’ experience with extensive, progressive exotic animal care, behavior and husbandry in an AZA‑accredited institution or equivalent.
Demonstrated general knowledge and skill development in managing animals in a zoo; ability to train others safely.
Ability to create and strategically implement programs among large teams.
Critical thinking and effective communication of evidence‑based animal welfare and care practices.
TB tested negative before starting and annually thereafter; acceptance of zoonotic disease prevention protocols as mandated by ZNE (rabies, hepatitis, prophylactics, fecal screens, serum storage, etc.).
Creative and positive attitude, organized, with a strong work history.
Excellent oral and written communication skills for technical instructions and information.
Computer proficiency: Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Zoom, ZIMS, etc.
Strong leadership, motivation to engage and enhance others' animal care skills.
Effective time and resource management; can work independently and as a team member.
Preferred Job Requirements
Post‑graduate degree in animal welfare or a related field.
Experience or education in program development.
Effective and engaging public speaker.
Experience teaching and coaching various sized groups.
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Other
Industries Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos
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