Animal Experience Manager

Essential Job Functions: The Animal Experience Manager (AEM) is responsible for managing Zoo New England’s (ZNE) ambassador animal collection as well as coordinating the suite of animal experiences between Franklin Park and Stone Zoo. The AEM will curate experiences that will engage the millions of visitors that visit ZNE. They will further enhance the zoos’ robust suite of experiences, and develop new experiences as the ambassador collection for the zoos’ and the education department grows. Oversight of the daily care and maintenance of the collection in the Education Department is one of the primary responsibilities of this position. The AEM will oversee the care of amphibians, birds, invertebrates, mammals, and reptiles. They are responsible for coordinating and maintaining high quality welfare by providing daily diets, behavioral enrichment, and recordkeeping. The AEM will report to the Director of Education and oversee a staff of three Ambassador Animal Specialist (AAS). In addition, the AEM is responsible for coordinating and maintaining routine enrichment and training programs. AEM is responsible for the preparation of assessments, designs and plans related to the ambassador collection and its ability to support the Education Department’s needs. The AEM will facilitate ambassadors at educational programs, events, and offsite outreaches. Duties and Responsibilities: Responsible for ensuring daily animal care is performed by team of AAS, and if needed, contribute to care which includes diet preparation, feeding, cleaning, medicating, providing behavioral enrichment, etc. Evaluate and enhance the collection through ambassador animal collection plan with Director of Education. Serve as liaison between the Animal Care (AC), Guest Service (GS), Development, and all other Division’s and Department’s for animal experiences and ambassador encounters. Oversee all ambassador introduction plans or birth plans, with goal of enhancing the collection to fit the needs of the zoos. Oversee and maintain all records about animal health, enrichment, and training through ZIMS. Oversee any procedure plans (such as Risk Management) or assessments (such as Quality of Life) needed for collection. Oversee the growth in our ambassador animal enrichment program. Ensure effective communication between AAS, AC staff, and Vet Staff to ensure the health and safety of ambassador animals. Maintain training programs for animal handling ensuring staff and volunteers are up-to-date and aligned with best practices. Oversee all areas in need of improvement within ambassador animal area involving daily operation, organization improvements, and husbandry standards. Implement new programs and experiences with an enhanced training plan for a growing collection. Work closely with AC staff to ensure proper training of front-line staff on presenting ambassadors and conducting experiences. Work closely with Education Department Managers to maintain quality training of all education staff and volunteers. Oversee ambassador animal internship programs at both FPZ and SZ. Attend and serve on all necessary committees and meetings, included but not limited to; Animal Management Committee, Education meetings, Veterinary and Animal Care meetings. Serve as Point of Contact (Institutional Representatives- IR) for all necessary SSP and SAFE programs. Assist with programs as needed, including education programs, chats. events, and animal experiences. Oversee ambassador animal internship programs at both FPZ and SZ. Other duties as assigned by the Director of Education. Job Requirements: Minimum six years of experience facilitating animal care in a zoo, aquarium, or shelter setting. Preferred two years of experience in a management role. Hours 8:00 – 4:00 Sunday through Thursday. Must be able to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as required. Must be able to travel and work between Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo. Able to work independently as well as part of a team; ability to work well with Zoo staff and project partners. Experience working with data and using data to convey meaningful information. Excellent communication skills (verbal and in writing). Ability to address groups of all ages and aptitudes. Maintain up-to-date CPR/AED and First Aid certifications. Valid driver’s license and a driver in good standing with a reliable vehicle; use of personal vehicle for institutional purpose as needed. Able to lift 50 pounds and walk over uneven terrain and in all weather.

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