What are the responsibilities and job description for the Ambassador Animal - VHE position at Oregon Metro?
Hello, we’re Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.
The Oregon Zoo is looking for two Ambassador Animal Staff VHE to be members of the ambassador animal care team. This position will include direct animal husbandry duties and presenting educational live-animal programs including large stage shows, animal encounters, and other zoo programming. The Ambassador Animal team fosters meaningful connections between people and wildlife, inspiring conservation action through educational animal experiences.
Tentative VHE Schedule
Position #1: Mid-March – September 15, 2026
Position #2: April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027
As the Ambassador Animal Staff VHE you will
- Present engaging and inspirational conservation education programming to a variety of audiences, including zoo guests, school groups, and nonprofit and governmental agencies. Presentations may include wildlife shows, animal encounters, media appearances, public events, and other zoo-related programming.
- May handle and train the ambassador animal species under care for programs using operant conditioning techniques. Follow appropriate presentation methods for animals used in educational settings.
- Perform day-to-day husbandry as required for species under care, including maintaining standards of care as outlined by area curator, creating and providing behavioral enrichment, and complying with record keeping protocols.
- Perform animal feeding duties such as preparing prescribed diets and make precise reports on food consumption; may administer prescribed medications and follow veterinarian orders for care.
- Perform daily care and maintenance of enclosures, food and water receptacles; check condition of animal environments to assess security and safety of animals; alert supervisor and initiate corrective actions as needed.
- Observe animals to identify normal and abnormal behavior, health problems, adjustments to diet, and changes or response to medication. Identify and report concerns to area supervisor.
- Maintain care standards and comply with all USDA and AZA rules, regulations, and guidelines; work in compliance with safety rules, OSHA standards, work rules, and zoo area policies and procedures.
- Document supply needs and work with supervisor to acquire items used for the area’s daily operations of animal care, training, and educational programming.
- Assist the public and other employees in a professional and courteous manner.
- Follow both written and verbal instructions.
- Effectively communicate to area supervisors, team members, and other zoo departments and guests.
Attributes for success
- Ability to communicate ideas effectively before groups of all sizes and backgrounds.
- Knowledge of animal husbandry and presentation techniques for a wide variety of ambassador animal species.
- Knowledge and skill in operant conditioning techniques.
- Ability to maintain comprehensive and accurate records.
- Comfort and experience working around and with exotic and potentially dangerous animals.
- Ability to work well independently and function as a team member.
- Ability to learn prescribed routines quickly and work without close supervision.
- Ability to perform essential duties, which may include lifting up to 50 pounds and working outside in all weather conditions.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metro’s goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.
Learn more about Metro’s Diversity Action Plan
TO QUALIFY
We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.
Minimum qualifications
- Associate’s degree in a field related program area and 2 years experience working with animals in educational programming; OR
- High school diploma or GED and 4 years of experience working with animals in educational programming ; OR
- Any combination of education and experience which would provide the candidate with the desired skills, knowledge, and ability required to perform the job
Work Week and shift: . Schedules vary based on operational need, weather and events at the zoo,. Weekends, holidays, and some evenings may be required. These positions are considered to be variable hour, with no set schedule and are limited to a maximum of 1,040 hours per 12-month period.
Working Conditions
Duties may require prolonged strenuous efforts in hazardous locations, contaminated areas, enclosed spaces, at heights, under inclement weather, and in proximity to dangerous animals and other adverse conditions. Frequent reaching, walking, standing, lifting, stooping, or carrying of equipment and materials may be required. There may be frequent interruptions or irregularities in the daily work routines.
If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply
If you were terminated for cause during any employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, you may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.
Like to have qualifications
You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider them when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience, including the military, or life experience that are relevant for this position.
- Additional education in biology, zoology, or a related field
- Experience presenting scripted and non-scripted programming to the public
- Experience in writing, developing and scripting animal programs for all types of audiences
- Experience with advanced positive reinforcement training of exotic animals
SCREENING AND EVALUATION
The application packet: The application packet consists of the following required documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.
- A completed online application
- Responses to supplemental questions
The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.
- Initial review of minimum qualifications
- In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
- Consideration of top candidates/interviews
- Testing/assessments (if applicable)
- Reference check
- Background, driving records check for finalist candidate (if applicable)
REPRESENTATON
This position is eligible for overtime and is represented by AFSCME 3580 It is classified as an Education Technician.
Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions. View the classification description.
Questions?
Recruiter: Christina Rentas
Email: Christina.rentas@oregonmetro.gov
Equal employment opportunity
All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law.
Accommodation
Metro will gladly provide a reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.
Veterans' preference
Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.
Hybrid Telework
Positions designated as “hybrid telework,” meaning you will have the option to work away from the office, although there may be times that coming into the office will be required. The designation of Hybrid Telework may be subject to change at a future time. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; Metro cannot support ongoing telework from other locations.
Pay equity at Metro
No matter who you are or where you work at Metro, you deserve to be paid fairly for the work you do. Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics. Metro has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act.
Online applications
Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.
How to Apply
For tips on how to apply and more information on what the application process looks like, visit Metro’s “How to apply” page.
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Metro
Led by an elected council, this unique government gives all residents of greater Portland a voice in shaping the future and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale. We find solutions for our area’s garbage and recycling that protect clean air and water; help plan land use and development to provide jobs and safe transportation; manage local venues that provide a connection to arts and culture and help keep the economy growing; protect 17,000 acres of parks and natural areas, and run the Oregon Zoo, to keep nature close to home.
As part of the Metro family, Oregon Zoo helps make greater Portland a great place to call home. Metro brings people together to shape the future of our area and provides parks, venues, services, and tools on a regional scale.
The Oregon Zoo and Metro
The Oregon Zoo inspires visitors to learn about protecting endangered species and restoring native habitats and is the state's most popular paid attraction. The zoo’s roughly 320 employees welcome more than 1.5 million visitors each year.
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