Animal Ambassador (AAT) Manager [Full-Time]

Animal Ambassador (AAT) Manager Collaborate with a passionate Zoo Crew in San Antonio Choosing where to grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it’s equally important you know that the place you choose to work at will support and guide you. With a diversity of passionate people, San Antonio Zoo is a place where you can collaborate with others securing a future for wildlife. The Impact You’ll Make in this Role As an Animal Ambassador Team (AAT) Manager oversees the day-to-day operations of the department - comprised of Animal Ambassador Specialists, interns, and a variety of program animal taxa, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and invertebrates. This position ensures team members provide proper handling, care and welfare, and maintenance of animals, habitat areas, buildings, and service areas. As an Animal Ambassador Manager, you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative and diverse people in San Antonio. Here, you will make an impact by: As an Animal Ambassador Team (AAT) Manager oversees the day-to-day operations of the department - comprised of Animal Ambassador Attendants, interns, and a variety of program animal taxa, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and invertebrates. This position ensures team members provide proper handling, care and welfare, and maintenance of animals, habitat areas, buildings, and service areas. This position assesses the needs of both animals and employees, determining the best courses of action and opportunities for development. The AAT Manager acts as a liaison between the animal care specialists and senior leadership, helping to ensure adherence to policies and procedures while exhibiting behavior that demonstrates a commitment to reaching the goals and objectives of the department and mission of San Antonio Zoo. This position will play a lead role in the evolution and continuation of San Antonio Zoo's mission-based programming. This position is responsible for overseeing all aspects of behavioral husbandry, training, and enrichment and coordinating public presentations consistent with AZA accreditation standards. Daily duties include but are not limited to: cleaning animal and keeper work areas, diet preparation and delivery, carrying out animal training sessions, treating any injured/diseased individuals as necessary, making observations and recognizing abnormal animal behavior/appearance, acting situations, and to respond with appropriate action. Develop, model, and maintain exceptional guest service standards by training, coaching, and evaluating interpretive staff and docents in guest engagement techniques, effective communication, and creating meaningful, memorable experiences that support the Zoo’s mission. Your Skills and Expertise To set you up for success in this role from day one, the San Antonio Zoo recommends the following skills/qualifications: Bachelor's degree in wildlife management, zoology, biology, or related field is preferred. Five (5) years of experience with progressive exotic animal care, behavior, and husbandry in a zoo or similar environment is preferred. Knowledge/familiarity with AZA accreditation standards, code of ethics, and progressive husbandry standards. Familiar with ZAA, AHA, SSP, or other captive population management programs. Three (3) years of supervisory experience is preferred. Three (3) years relevant experience in the practice of operant conditioning and goal-based enrichment in a zoo or aquarium setting. Understanding of principles and application of operant conditioning training for advanced husbandry behaviors and public demonstrations. Must have strong leadership skills, excellent communication skills, and a proven ability to foster positive relationships with co-workers. Must have excellent observation skills and communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to provide effective feedback to enhance staff performance. Must have the ability to present animals to and interact with zoo guests in a manner that will enhance customer service and education. Experience with hand‑rearing neonate animals and working with rescued, non‑releasable wildlife for educational purposes preferred. Ability to exercise sound judgment in analyzing animal behavior concerns or emergencies and to respond with the appropriate action. Excellent public speaking skills and the ability to create and deliver educational presentations, interactive animal programs, tours, and potential media requests. Must be highly motivated, organized, and solution‑oriented: finding creative solutions to complex challenges with a willingness to adapt positively to change in a fast‑paced environment. Must be able to consistently establish and maintain an effective rapport with all levels of management, team members, interns, volunteers, and guests. Familiarity with several standard software packages utilizing word‑processing, presentations, spreadsheets, etc. Must be 18 years of age or older with a valid Texas Class C driver’s license within 90 days of employment and a clean driving record for vehicle operation. Successful candidates must complete a pre‑employment National Sex Offender Search, Criminal Background Check, Drug Screen, and TB test. The San Antonio Zoo is an equal opportunity employer. San Antonio Zoo will not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. #J-18808-Ljbffr The San Antonio Zoo