Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is seeking an Animal Behavior & Wellbeing Coordinator to support all aspects of the Animal Behavior and Wellbeing programs at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and the Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park. The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in supporting a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to behavior management. The candidate will assist in developing, implementing, and evaluating, training, enrichment, and welfare assessment practices for all collection animals. This position reports to the Manager of Animal Behavior and Wellbeing (ABW).
Duties and Responsibilities (include but not limited to):
- Coordinate and participate in behavioral/welfare data collection.
- Supervising department interns, students, and volunteers as needed.
- Assist Manager of ABW in working with external consultants and internal stakeholders to update ABW program infrastructure.
- Analyze and present behavioral/welfare data to stakeholders.
- Assist animal care staff in creating goal-oriented enrichment and training plans.
- Work with animal care staff to create taxa or individualized welfare assessments when needed.
- Participate in stakeholder meetings to review animal welfare assessments and formulate action plans.
- Work after-hours events to assist in monitoring animal wellbeing as needed.
- Observe animal training sessions and provide feedback on techniques.
- Participate in animal training sessions as a trainer or assistant as needed.
- Complete required professional development/continuing education related to animal training, enrichment, animal welfare, and communication topics.
Experience:
- Applicant must have a minimum of 3 years’ experience doing some combination of the following: animal training, enrichment, assessing welfare, or collecting behavioral data.
- Minimum of 5 years’ AZA accredited zoo experience or similar experience preferred.
- Experience using Zoomonitor preferred.
Education:
- B.S in biology, psychology, behavior analysis, or related biological field.
- Certificate of completion for Susan Friedman’s How Behavior Works/LLA course preferred.
- Certified Professional Animal Trainer - Knowledge Assessed Certificate through IATCB preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Strong desire to teach and learn from people in addition to animals.
- Ongoing commitment to personal and professional development.
- Demonstrated experience working with behavioral data.
- Working knowledge of animal welfare science.
- Evident knowledge of operant/respondent conditioning principles and procedures.
- Excellent communication skills, both oral and written; including the ability to use the appropriate science backed terminology related to animal training.
- Familiarity with AZA accreditation standards related to animal training, enrichment, and wellbeing.
- Ability to work independently to effectively manage time and resources.
- Able to stand for long periods and work in inclement weather conditions to observe animal behavior.
- Computer skills necessary including applications in Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
- A valid driver’s license is required.
- Current Tuberculosis test is required before being hired.
DISCLAIMER
- The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification.
- It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.
- Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.
