Ambassador Keeper 1

Brevard Zoo POSITION OVERVIEW Located along Florida’s Space Coast in Melbourne, Brevard Zoo is an AZA-accredited facility housing over 900 animals representing nearly 200 species. The Zoo is well-known for its strong conservation missions, interactive experiences such as guided kayaking, giraffe feedings, and behind-the-scenes animal encounters. The Ambassador Keeper I position performs daily animal care, enrichment, training, and public presentation duties for a diverse collection of ambassador species. These include sloths, skunks, porcupine, parrots, birds of prey, domestic goats, rhinoceros iguana, and other small mammals, birds, and reptiles used in on‑site programming. This position requires a high standard of animal wellbeing and professionalism in guest‑facing interactions. Successful candidates will demonstrate proficiency in positive reinforcement training, confident public speaking abilities, adaptability across taxa, and collaboration in a dynamic, team‑oriented environment. EDUCATION AND RELEVANT EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS REQUIRED Minimum 1 year of ambassador animal experience in a zoological, wildlife, or animal care facility, preferably AZA-accredited or equivalent. Demonstrated experience in animal handling for programs, including safe transport, presentation, and public engagement. Familiarity with positive reinforcement training. Ability to present confidently in front of diverse audiences, both formal and informal. Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, evenings, and after‑hours events. Willingness to work outdoors in inclement weather, including in temperatures exceeding 100°F and high humidity. Valid State of Florida driver’s license or obtain valid Florida driver’s license within 30 days from date of hire. PREFERRED/DESIRED Two or more years of professional experience with ambassador animals. Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in a related field. Documented experience with operant conditioning, behavioral management, or training plan implementation. Experience with public programming, media interactions, or educational presentations. Familiarity with AZA Ambassador Animal Guidelines and animal wellbeing standards. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Provide daily husbandry for all animals in the Ambassador Animal section, including cleaning, feeding, training, enrichment, and behavioral observation. Implement and participate in behavioral training programs to prepare ambassador animals for safe handling, educational presentations, and interactive experiences. Conduct presentations, animal encounters, and other public programs in a professional, engaging manner. Collaborate closely with the Conservation Learning team to support ambassador animal programs, ensuring seamless coordination between keeper‑led and educator‑led presentations. Assist with training new staff, interns, and volunteers in ambassador animal handling and wellbeing practices. Accurately maintain daily records, including medical logs, training documentation, and program usage data. Perform basic habitat and equipment maintenance to ensure safety and animal wellbeing. Speak in front of small and large audiences on designated topics. Willingness to work under the guidance of Animal Management and Conservation Learning teams to ensure ambassador animal use aligns with Brevard Zoo’s wellbeing, training, and conservation messaging standards. Support departmental goals for training consistency, guest satisfaction, and animal wellbeing outcomes. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Strong understanding of animal behavior and operant conditioning principles. Demonstrated ability to safely handle and present a wide range of taxa including reptiles, birds, and mammals. Excellent public speaking skills, adaptable to guests of all ages. Clear, professional communication with co‑workers, management, and guests. Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast‑paced, guest‑interactive environment. Maintains accurate records and contributes to departmental communication. Ability to follow all Zoo standard operating procedures and safety protocols. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS/HAZARDS Combination of indoor and outdoor work. Exposure to extreme weather, high heat, and humidity. Requires frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, and visual acuity. WORK SCHEDULE This position requires availability to work weekends, holidays, and after‑hours ambassador events as part of normal job duties. The above information in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with the Zoo’s policies on evaluation of personnel. Brevard Zoo provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Brevard Zoo complies with applicable state and local laws governing non‑discrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Brevard Zoo expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Brevard Zoo’s employees to perform their expected job duties is not tolerated. Brevard Zoo will not tolerate retaliation against employees who raise concerns or who file a claim of discrimination whether through external agencies or through Brevard Zoo’s internal procedures. Brevard Zoo is committed to an inclusive environment where employees are encouraged to be their authentic selves. We value the diverse qualities, perspectives, and experiences of all individuals. Join us in sharing the joy of nature to help people and wildlife thrive. Full Time; FLSA Hourly Non-Exempt How to Apply Apply to Madison Polk at with resume and cover letter. Brevard Zoo8225 N. Wickham RdMelbourne, FL 32940Fax: brevardzoo.org #J-18808-Ljbffr