Animal Behavior Specialist

General Summary: The Animal Behavior Specialist is responsible for providing operational and administrative support to the Animal Department specifically in regards to behavioral husbandry programs. This position is also responsible for caring for the animals, maintaining exhibits and holding areas, monitoring animal behaviors outside of normal operating hours, ensuring animal welfare, and assisting in the facilitation of operations to accommodate special projects. Additionally, the Animal Behavior Specialist will support the Zoo’s conservation, sustainability, education, and DEAI (Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion) goals.

Essential Functions:

Primary Functions:

• Ensure compliance of all area enrichment and training documentation in accordance with Zoo and AZA standards;
• Standardize and align training and enrichment programs across the animal department;
• Review and approve enrichment and training proposals for all collection animals;
• Maintain the department’s central database for approved enrichment item and browses;
• Ensure compliance of all food-based enrichment with requirements set by the animal and medical staff;
• Update the Zoo’s primate enrichment policy biannually as required by USDA
• Attend meetings as assigned and produce detailed written summaries of discussions;
• Meet regularly with Curators and Area Managers to discuss and review training programs;
• Attend animal training sessions in all animal areas as requested by Area Managers;
• Assist Area Managers in fulfilling the requirements of approved research projects;
• Assist Area Managers with tracking and implementing recommended changes from the Animal Welfare Committee;
• Provide training for animal care staff on construction of enrichment programs, protocols, and devices;
• Schedule regular training meetings and presentations for animal care staff;
• Participate in creation and implementation of ticketed animal experiences for Zoo guests;
• Provide assistance to Area Managers with the Red Key system as needed;
• Perform other duties as assigned; and,
• Adhere to all policies and procedures of the Zoo.

Communication (Internal and External):

• Maintain all enrichment and training documentation as required by AZA and USDA;
• Provide support for Area Managers with budgeting for, and purchase of, enrichment items;
• Provide regular updates to department management on all training and enrichment programs;
• Attend Zoo general staff meetings and departmental meetings;
• Interpret the Zoo to guests, donors, and zoo associates;
• Develop and deliver presentations to external partners and professional organizations about Maryland Zoo programs;
• Attend all staff training sessions as directed; and,
• Promote the mission of the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore.

Management of Resources (Financial, Human Resources, Facilities):

• Ensure enrichment and training devices are in a good state of repair;
• Maintain department supply of enrichment and training supplies;
• Manage donations of supplies for making animal enrichment;
• Maintain equipment and tools in a good state of repair

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology, or related field preferred.

Experience/Training:

• Proven experience with advanced animal training techniques;
• Familiarity with AZA enrichment and training programs;
• Valid driver’s license; and,
• Familiarity with ZIMS, data entry and analysis.

Traits Desirable:

• Ability to work with individuals from a wide variety of ethnic, cultural and economic backgrounds;
• Extremely well-organized;
• Self-directed, collaborative and detail-oriented; and,
• Possess a positive attitude and a general philosophy/ outlook in line with the Zoo’s mission

Equipment:

• Must be able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including computer, telephone, radio, and
• vehicles, hand tools, animal restraint and capture devices, incubators, gardening/carpentry tools and machinery, computer, scales, etc.

Working Conditions:

• Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, 25 pounds frequently and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Physical demands are in excess of those for sedentary work; must be able to remain on feet for periods of time, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, push, pull, climb, balance;
• Must be able to lift and/or carry up to 75 pounds with assistance and 50 pounds unassisted as needed;
• Must be able to travel large areas of the Zoo on foot as needed;
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to include weekends, holidays, and special events;
• Must be able to work in an outdoor weather environment in all seasons and weather, including heat/humidity, cold temperatures, and/or wet conditions;
• Exposure to potential environmental hazards such as poison oak/ivy, uneven terrain, and insect bites/stings.
• Exposure to zoonotic diseases and risk of animal attack; and,
• TB test and physical required.

Benefits:

• We offer an excellent benefits package including 24 days of Paid Time Off (PTO), Sick and Safe Leave, and 2 paid holidays.
• Eligible for medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability and life insurance.
• 401(k) with employer match.

Disclaimer:

The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of all personnel so classified.  Therefore, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change.

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