Animal Experiences Specialist

Animal Experiences Specialist (AES)

Are you passionate about wildlife conservation and dedicated to creating WOW moments that inspire stewardship of animals? As a premier destination for animal lovers and conservation advocates, Tanganyika offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the care and education of a diverse range of species while working in a supportive environment. 

Why Tanganyika? 
Innovative Conservation Efforts: Be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to preserving wildlife and educating the public. 

Engaging Work Environment: Enjoy a lively atmosphere where every day brings new opportunities to make a difference. 

Professional Growth: We are committed to providing ongoing training and development to help you advance in your career. 

Community Impact: Work in a role that directly influences the lives of animals and helps our guests create memories that last a lifetime. 

The AES team is responsible for a variety of animal experiences and encounters throughout the park including our behind the scenes tours, meet and greets and offsite programs. This position is not only responsible for the guest facing side of the experiences like sharing facts, but also the animal training that takes place during and in between experiences. This team loves getting creative and innovative, working to find ways to connect guests to our animals! The AES team also works closely with zookeepers in the other Care Team departments to improve our already extensive animal training program. As part of the AES team you will have the chance to train with a variety of animals, including lizards, tortoises, small mammals, penguins, sloths, macaws, porcupines, otters, and more!

If you love training and creating special connections between guests and animals, then this position is perfect for you!

Basic Duties Include:

• Create a special connection between guests and animal conservation through fun, safe, and informative experiences with the goal of them wanting to continue supporting our conservation efforts by giving back to the park.
• Be knowledgeable about ambassador species and stay updated on their conservation status.
• Talk about animal ambassadors and answer questions during experiences.
• Train new and maintenance behaviors in accordance to training protocols.
• Assist zookeepers in training sessions and provide feedback for ensuring consistency in training methods.
• Evaluate each training/ambassador session and record in Animal Care Software.
• Maintain cleanliness of Meet & Greet room.
• Occasionally assist other Care Team departments with husbandry.

Requirements:

• Combination of education and hands-on experience that provides the required skills for the position
• Basic understanding of operant conditioning and positive reinforcement training
• Excellent public speaking and customer service skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines
• Ability to work long hours, weekend, weekdays, holidays
• Ability to stand and walk for up to 8 hours per day with frequent stooping and bending
• Ability to routinely lift up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds
• Desire to grow as a team member and human being

Compensation and Benefits:

• Year round, full-time position
• Starting hourly rate of $15.00/hr with pay modifiers for training experience and/or keeper experience 
• Professional development program (tiers and badges) that allows staff to improve their skill set and earn additional pay compensation
• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Supplemental Insurance
• HSA
• 401(k)
• Unlimited PTO starting at 90 days
• In-house discounts
• EAP - mental well-being program including therapy sessions for all staff and their immediate family
• Complimentary admission to TWP for yourself and family

If you have any issues apply please email [email protected] for assistance.