Animal Ambassador

Position Overview:

The Animal Ambassador Team at NorCal Aquarium plays a key role in educating the public, enhancing visitor experiences, and promoting conservation efforts. Team members will be responsible for handling and presenting both aquatic and terrestrial species in a safe, engaging, and educational manner, leading demonstrations, answering questions, and participating in animal enrichment and care routines. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about wildlife, education, and animal welfare.

Key Responsibilities:

Connecting Animals with Guests through Interactive Education ~ 75% of day:

• Share exciting and educational information about each animal, sparking curiosity and inspiring a deeper understanding and appreciation of wildlife.
• Lead live, interactive presentations that bring animals to visitors of all ages, highlighting their behaviors, biology, and conservation efforts in an engaging and accessible way.
• Engage with a wide variety of species, including aquatic animals (e.g., fish, marine invertebrates, amphibians) and terrestrial animals (e.g., reptiles, birds, mammals), to create meaningful connections with guests, while ensuring the safety of both animals and visitors.
• Interact with guests, answering questions and offering insights into the animals' natural behaviors, habitats, and conservation status.
• Foster positive and educational experiences that inspire visitors to care about wildlife and conservation.
• Lead group tours and provide support for special events and educational programs.

Animal Care & Enrichment - up to 25% of day:

• Assist with the daily care routines of ambassador animals, including feeding, cleaning enclosures, and observing animal health.
• Help implement enrichment activities via engagement schedules to keep the animals mentally and physically stimulated.
• Work closely with animal care staff to ensure the well-being of all ambassador animals.

Safety & Protocol Compliance:

• Follow established safety protocols for animal handling, guest interactions, and facility procedures. 
• Ensure the safety of both animals and visitors by maintaining a calm and professional demeanor at all times.
• Participate in ongoing training to remain up-to-date with best practices in animal care and visitor safety.

Team Collaboration & Communication:

• Collaborate with other team members to ensure smooth operations of the Animal Ambassador Program.
• Assist in developing and refining educational content for presentations and demonstrations.
• Communicate effectively with fellow staff members, animal care professionals, and management to address any concerns regarding the animals or guest experiences.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; college degree in biology, environmental science, zoology, or related field preferred.
• Previous experience working with animals, preferably in a zoo, aquarium, or other wildlife facility, is highly desirable.
• Experience in public speaking, education, or customer service is a plus.

Skills & Attributes:

• Passion for wildlife conservation and a deep commitment to animal welfare.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and confident in high-pressure or unpredictable situations.
• Comfortable handling and interacting with a variety of species, including those that may be unfamiliar or challenging.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to stand, walk, and move around the facility for extended periods.
• Willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Must be able to perform animal handling tasks that may involve bending, kneeling, or crouching.

Additional Information:

• This position will require “Retail” hours which include weekend, evening, and holiday hours.
• Background check and/or drug testing may be required.