Senior Animal Trainer

As an Animal Trainer / Animal Behaviour Specialist, you will be responsible for the safeguarding, well-being and welfare of our animal residents. Your primary responsibilities encompass the attentive care of all animals entrusted to the facility, the meticulous maintenance of their habitats, and fostering a positive team approach within the project.

1. Animal Care & Training Sessions

• Assess the behaviour of each animal.
• Assess the behavioural needs of the animals and develop training plans tailored to individual species and personalities.
• Use positive reinforcement techniques to reward desired behaviours and discourage unwanted ones.
• Implement conditioning exercises to improve an animal’s physical fitness, agility, and coordination.
• Maintain a safe and comfortable environment for the animals in their care.
• Monitor the physical and emotional well-being of the animals, providing appropriate care and medical attention as needed.
• Ensure that animals receive proper nutrition, exercise, and social interaction
• Day to Day animal husbandry.

2. Record Keeping

• Maintain detailed records of the animal’s progress, including training milestones, behavioural changes, and any concerns.
• Document training plans, notes, and recommendations for each animal.

3. Enrichment and Observation

• Assist in the development and implementation of enrichment programs to promote the mental and physical well-being of the animal.
• Conduct behavioural observations to monitor and assess the animal’s behaviour.

4. Visitor Engagement

• Engage with visitors and provide information about the animals and their conservation needs.
• Answer questions and contribute to the educational experience of our guests.

5. Team Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with other animal care sta to ensure seamless operations.
• Assist in maintaining proper inventory levels of food and supplies.

• Minimum of 3-5 years of hands-on experience in animal care with a diverse array of animal species.
• In-depth knowledge of animal husbandry, enrichment, dietary planning, and behavioural observation.
• Demonstrated practical experience in animal training using positive reinforcement and operant conditioning principles.
• Knowledge of safe animal-handling practices, risk assessment, animal welfare standards, and protected contact procedures where applicable.
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities.
• Computer literate (MS O ice) proficiency with computers and ZIMS software applications.
• Diploma/degree in Zoology, Animal Science, Biology, Wildlife Management, Behavioural Science, or a related field is desirable. High school or college level course work.

The individual must possess the following abilities to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some or a combination of the abilities:

• Ability to stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to work outdoors.
• Ability to read, listen and communicate e ectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to access and accurately input information using a moderately complex computer system.
• Hearing and visual ability to observe and detect signs of emergency situations.
• Requires the ability to perform the physical, visual and hearing requirements in the working conditions below.