One of the best things about being on the Animal Encounters team is that no two days are alike but all include the same basic elements- caring for animals and engaging with guests! A large portion of the day will be spent caring for a range of species that help to make up the Animal Programs department collection. Just a few of the animals you could provide husbandry for are macaws, opossums, servals, sloths, ball pythons, even hissing cockroaches!

Our morning husbandry includes cleaning habitats as well as back of house habitats, making enrichment, and prepping diets.

Be part of guest engagement by assisting with creating moments that touch the heart to teach the mind by engaging with the guests while speaking with visitors in the hallway, in the tortoise yard, after presentations, and more! 

Once the zoo closes for the day all of our ambassadors need settled for the night during our evening husbandry routines. 

Responsible for assisting with the husbandry of various animal ambassadors at the Animal Encounters Village.  May also support full time staff with presentations and tours, which engage and educate the public, promote the Zoo and generate support.

• Responsible for care and handling of animals at the Animal Encounters Village and upkeep of their facilities within acceptable safety protocols.
• Care of animals to include; diet preparation, cleaning enclosures, creating enrichment and preparing exhibits.
• May conduct and assist with on-grounds encounters, tours, and presentations at the Animal Encounters Village at Adventure Cove.
• Observes and sometimes assists in the training of Animal Encounters Village collection.
• Writes daily reports.
• Ensures proper animal handling/care procedures and safety protocols are followed in all programs.
• Engages guests frequently, while educating them on animals and conservation.
• Maintains a cooperative working relationship with other Columbus Zoo Family of Parks staff.
• Constantly strives to further the mission of the organization and avidly supports the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks.
• Implements sustainable practices in daily tasks whenever possible.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must be at least 19 years old.
• At least one year completed towards a bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Ability to work in June, July and August required.
• Ability to work in a team approach with other staff members required.
• Must be outgoing and willing to talk to many different types of people.
• Knowledge of nature interpretation, animal issues and conservation preferred.
• Able to perform heavy physical work for extended periods of time.
• Able to work in varied weather conditions (i.e. extreme heat, rain).
• Able to maintain courteous and helpful behavior.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude in sometimes-stressful situations required.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays required.
• Attend events as an informed ambassador for the organization, upholding guest service standards.
• Ability to adhere to standard operating procedures including but not limited to safety protocols required.
• Proof of negative TB screening prior to placement and annually thereafter required.
• Possession of a current valid state motor vehicle operator’s license and a good driving record required.
• Ability to adhere to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s drug-free workplace policy including but not limited to pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion and follow-up treatment required.
• Able to maintain appropriate employee appearance (see uniform guidelines in the employee handbook).
• Ability to successfully complete a criminal history background check annually required.