Animal Ambassador Care Specialist II

Our mission at the Tennessee Aquarium is to connect people with nature and empower them to make informed decisions about water and wildlife. We provide a team-based culture where partnership, collaboration, and innovation are essential. We are fully committed to creating a diverse, positive, challenging, and rewarding work environment that encourages both professional and personal growth.

The Tennessee Aquarium is seeking an Ambassador Animals Care Specialist II in which the successful candidate will demonstrate the necessary husbandry skills to care for a wide variety of animals including inverts, amphibians, aquatic animals, reptiles, with an emphasis on birds and mammals within the ambassador collection. Duties include providing “state of the art” animal welfare and exhibitry for the animals under their care.  This position will routinely interact with the public to provide experiences such as public presentations and animal training/demonstrations. 

Key Responsibilities

• Perform daily animal husbandry activities for ambassador animals including feeding, cleaning, enrichment, training, and health assessment.
• Responsible for formulating and submitting training plans to the Ambassador Animal Program Coordinator (AAPC) and Training Advisory Group before training occurs.
• Responsible for designing and submitting enrichment items to the AAPC and veterinarian.
• Coordinate with AAPC and veterinary team for health and welfare of collection.
• Develop and maintain professional ties with colleagues in other institutions, attend conferences, make presentations at professional meetings, and participate in AZA conservation programs; keep abreast with current literature related to area of responsibility.
• Engage Aquarium visitors from diverse backgrounds with educational messages about our animals and mission in both formal and informal presentations.
• Observe, log, and report animal behavior, health, and welfare concerns in a timely manner.
• Assist with animal handling training of staff, interns, and volunteers as needed.
• Research to better understand the exhibits and animals within their area of responsibility.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, animal science, animal behavior or zoology preferred; a BS degree in a related field or equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of preferred degree.
• At least 2 years’ experience in animal husbandry, handling, and training in a professional setting.
• Experience working with a variety of mammals and birds.
• Experience working with aquatic animals preferred.
• AZA experience and familiarity with AZA ambassador standards and policies preferred.
• Proven knowledge and practice with operant conditioning and environmental enrichment.
• Valid driver’s license (Required for occasional work-related travel)
• First Aid/CPR Certification a plus
• Ability and interest to acquire knowledge of the care, husbandry, and exhibition of animals.
• Ability to be a team player and communicate positively and effectively with all members of the Aquarium team and our guests.

Full-time, hourly (Starting at $19/hour); must be available to work weekends, holidays, and evenings as needed.

All submissions must be received by June 25, 2024.

The Tennessee Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer committed to promoting an inclusive environment

that values and supports diversity and equity among staff, volunteers, and all of its audiences.