Year-Round Employment Opportunities
Assists Zoo Camp Director in managing all Zoo Camp programs to include promotion, budgeting, registration, program development, staff hiring and training, implementation, evaluation and ensuring compliance/licensing with Onondaga County Health Department. This includes one day Holiday camps throughout the year as well as the holiday, spring, and winter weeklong camps, and Kids’ Night Out programming. This position will also help with curriculum creation for Zoo School classes and fill in as an instructor for any class as necessary. Will require animal handling training. Must be able to work a flexible schedule during the week as needed. Must be available the entire 10 weeks of Summer camp the hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on a rotating schedule with the Zoo Camp Director. Employment pending criminal and driver history records. Promotes the Zoo and its mission.
Essential Job Functions:
- Prepares curriculum for camps with approval from Director
- In the absence of the Director serves in their place
- Assists with daily schedules
- Supervises behind the scenes opportunities
- Handles camper paperwork and follow-up with parents to remind them of what is due
- Facilitates all daily operations of Zoo camp, i.e. check ratios, oversee check in/outs, play care, help with supervision on the trails and fill in for activities as needed
- Works directly with the zoo camp health director to ensure medical safety of children
- Serves as back up counselor in the event of an emergency
- Works with Zoo Camp Director with evaluation of Camp Instructors’ performance
- Assists Zoo Camp Director with scheduling Zoo Camp Instructors
- Assists Zoo Camp Director with training of new Camp Instructors prior to the start of Zoo Camp
- Performs other duties as requested
Desired Training and Experience:
- Minimum Bachelor’s degree in education, zoology, biology, environmental science or related field
- A minimum four years zoo camp counselor experience
- Experience with Special Education preferred
- Previous supervisory experience a plus
Skills / Knowledge Required:
- Red Cross certification in CPR and First Aid
- Proficient with computer programs, including Microsoft Office and PowerPoint
- Ability to be self-directed, flexible, work as a team player
- Excellent public speaking, organizational and record keeping and team building skills necessary
- May be asked to use own vehicle to pick up supplies. Must have a valid NYS Driver’s License, reliable transportation, and a registered and insured vehicle. Mileage is reimbursed
- NYS DMV Clearance
To Apply: Please submit cover letter and resume via email to [email protected]. No phone calls, please.
Responsible for overseeing the ZooGuide program, other interpretation volunteers, and the youth group. Serves as educator; carrying a schedule of classes throughout the year for education programing for all ages. Serves as ZooGuide Coordinator seasonally; Travels throughout Central New York; Regular, full time non- exempt position; Employment pending criminal and driver history records; Promotes the zoo and its mission.
Essential Job Functions:
- Serves a curriculum developer for technology related programming (STEM)
- Serves as the lead educator for tabling events in the community
- Serves as regular program instructor for all education programming
- Serves as ZooGuide Manager seasonally, including recruitment, training and supervising up to two coordinators
- Facilitates youth group meetings
- Serves as a mentor for summer CIT (Counselors in Training) program
- Performs outreach animal care and husbandry as needed – minimum of 8 hours per week
- Adheres to Zoo policies and protocols
Additional Responsibilities:
- Attends regular staff meetings, including Education Staff, All-Staff and Friends of the Zoo meetings
- Runs ZooGuide staff meetings with ZooGuide Coordinators and the ZooGuides themselves
- Required to work Sunday through Thursday; evenings and other weekend days as needed
- Required to work and drive in a variety of weather conditions
- Performs other duties as requested
Desired Training and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in education, zoology, biology, environmental science or a related field
- Minimum of two years’ experience working in an educational capacity in a school, zoo, aquarium, nature center or similar organization
- Minimum of two years’ management experience
- Previous experience with caring for and handling a variety of domestic and exotic animals
- Knowledge of NYS Learning Standards and the Common Core Learning Standards
- Red Cross certification in CPR for the Professional Rescuer and Responding to Emergencies
Skills / Knowledge Required:
- Ability to demonstrate and communicate scientific and conservation messages in a lively, engaging manner to diverse audiences
- Ability to handle, care for and train a variety of domestic and exotic animals
- Excellent public speaking, organizational, record keeping skills and writing skills
- Ability to be self-directed, flexible, work as a team player, achieve established goals and maintain accurate records
- Proficient with computer programs, including Microsoft Office and Google Suite
- Proficiency with zoom, webx and teams and streaming programs such as OBS
- Capable of lifting 50 pounds and handling animal carriers
- Must have a valid NYS Driver’s License, reliable transportation and a registered and insured vehicle. Must be able to use personal vehicle for work purposes. NYS DMV Clear
To Apply: Please submit cover letter and resume via email to [email protected]. No phone calls, please.
The Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo is looking for highly motivated individuals interested in a full-time Animal Care Specialist position. Qualified individuals will be expected to assist in the care of the outreach animal collection under the supervision of full-time animal keepers and managers. Duties include, but are not limited to:
Essential Job Functions:
- Husbandry (cleaning, scrubbing/disinfecting enclosures)
- Creating and implementing approved enrichment
- Notifying Senior Staff of any inconsistencies in the health or behavior of animals in the zoo’s collection
- Diet preparation
- Assisting in data entry
- Animal record keeping
- Animal health care as directed by AZA standards
Skills / Knowledge Required:
- Working knowledge of animal care and feeding practices.
- Working knowledge of materials, methods, and equipment used in cleaning and caring for buildings and grounds.
- Ability to understand and recognize normal and abnormal animal behavior, indicators of stress, social dominance, reproductive behavior, territoriality, etc.
- Ability to interface with zoo guests for animal demos such as demos to educate.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Public speaking skills.
- Ability to cope with the physical demands of the profession (i.e. must be able to lift 50 pounds, work outside in all seasons/weather, stand for prolonged periods of time, etc.).
- Prior experience in a zoological institution, preferably AZA-accredited, is preferred.
- Applicants must possess a valid driver license.
To Apply: Please submit cover letter and resume via email to [email protected]. No phone calls, please.
Position Description: The Event & Volunteer Coordinator organizes and executes fundraising events and recruits and administers the volunteer program for the Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo.
Essential Job Functions:
- Plan, coordinate and execute operations aspects of assigned events ensuring the events are successful.
- Coordinate event services to include guest access/exit, event set-up, custodial, contracting, maintenance, safety and security, food and beverage, and event breakdown.
- Provide day-to-day event planning, preparation and project management for multiple fundraising events and gate drivers.
- Supervises on-call Assistants and volunteers day of event.
- Exceptional and respectful guest service with donors, volunteers, and guests of the zoo.
- Effectively manages questions from guests while representing the Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo during events.
- Coordinates the onboarding of Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo Volunteers and assists with training and placement needs.
- Coordinates assignment of docents and general volunteers as requested to supplement staffing needs for education department programs, special events, and other relevant departmental assignments
- Plans and implements all aspects of volunteer appreciation and recognition programs and events.
- Maintains all volunteer records, posts hours, and uploads all information; Coordinates tracking of volunteer hours for quarterly and annual statistical reports.
- Coordinates volunteers support to all Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo and Rosamond Gifford Zoo departments and the organizations volunteer program.
- Is the primary contact for all Friends volunteers and external inquiries
- Schedules applicable training as needed.
- Schedules, leads and executes monthly volunteer meetings
- Promotes the zoo and its mission.
- Adheres to Zoo policies and protocols.
Desired Training and Experience:
- Excellent organizational, oral, and written communications skills.
- Excellent judgment and critical thinking skills.
- Strong attention to detail
- Adaptable and patient with all age ranges and personalities
Skills / Knowledge Required:
- Ability to work autonomously, as well as with a team, to achieve established goals.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Must have excellent interpersonal communication skills.
- Must thrive in a team environment.
- Ability to work safely in a fast-paced environment.
- A flexible work schedule to include evening hours, weekends and holidays as needed
To Apply: Please submit cover letter and resume via email to [email protected]. No phone calls, please.
Position Description: Responsible for supervising all catering events including set-up, service, and tear down.
Essential Job Functions:
- Ensure service delivery is in accordance with establish Banquet Event Orders (BEO).
- Coordinates with Catering Sales team prior to event to ensure requirements are being met
- Always holds pre-function meetings to ensure that all employees have pertinent information and station assignments
- Effectively supervises the activities of all Catering Servers and Bartenders in the function rooms during assigned shift, ensuring all functional job duties are performed according to established departmental policy/procedure
- Monitors catering function(s) as assigned and informs Chef of any problems that need to be addressed
- Works with all kitchen staff to ensure that food items are appropriately cooked and delivered in a timely manner
- General office duties as assigned
- Provides outstanding guest service while accurately and effectively tendering event check. Ensures that all event checks are settled at the end of each function and entered into the POS System and brought to Accounting at shift end
- Ensures that all rented linen is properly bagged and shipped back, all in house linen is placed in proper bins to be washed
- Ensures all areas are cleaned, swept, and flipped at the conclusion of each event. Recyclables and trash are discarded properly, and alcohol product is secured
- Complete post-event reports and summaries
Desired Training and Experience:
- Three years of related experience in event industry in a leadership role
- Computer knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook preferred
Skills / Knowledge Required:
- Generates creative ideas; Committed to quality of product and service
- Self motivated; Works well with guests; Respects others; Team player; Empowers others
- Must take PRIDE in the workspace and thrive in a team environment
- Demonstrative flexibility, Organizational skills
- Ability to lift moderate to heavy items (50 lbs.) while standing and/or walking
- Working hazards include hot surfaces, wet floors, hot grease and sharp objects
- Shifts may include days, nights, nights and / or weekends and holidays
To Apply: Please submit cover letter and resume via email to [email protected]. No phone calls, please.
Creates and delivers interactive educational programs, on and off-site, as well as virtually, using live animals and animal biofacts. Travels throughout Central New York; Regular, full time non-exempt position; Employment pending criminal and driver history records; Promotes the zoo and its mission.
Essential Job Functions:
- Will be assigned primary responsibilities (registration, program development, delivery and evaluation) for designated programs, and will be cross trained to assist with delivery for other programs as needed.
- Works with Education Program Manager to achieve established program goals, including program impact and revenue
- Trains teammates to deliver assigned programs when needed, providing program plans and materials
- Works with community partners and clients to ensure success of programming
- Continually trains with education animals
- Adheres to Zoo policies and protocols
- Performs outreach Animal Care and Husbandry as needed. Minimum of 8 hours in area per week.
- Uses volunteer management software to secure volunteers for programs
Additional Responsibilities:
- Attends regular staff meetings, including Education Staff, Education Animal Training, All-Staff, individual meetings with Education Program Manager and Friends of the Zoo meetings
- Required to work Tuesday through Saturday; evenings and other weekend days as needed
- Required to work and drive in a variety of weather conditions
- May be required to drive personal vehicle to programs when zoo vehicle is not available (mileage reimbursement provided)
- Performs other duties as requested
Desired Training and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in education, zoology, biology, environmental science or a related field.
- A minimum of one year’s experience working in an educational capacity in a school, zoo, aquarium, nature center or similar organization.
- Previous experience with caring for and handling a variety of domestic and exotic animals
- Knowledge of NYS Learning Standards and the Common Core Learning Standards
- Red Cross certification in CPR for the Professional Rescuer and Responding to Emergencies
- Proficiency with zoom, webx and teams and streaming programs such as OBS
Skills / Knowledge Required:
- Ability to demonstrate and communicate scientific and conservation messages in a lively, engaging manner to diverse audiences both in person and virtually
- Ability to handle, care for and train a variety of domestic and exotic animals
- Excellent public speaking, organizational, record keeping and writing skills
- Ability to be self-directed, flexible, work as a team player, achieve established goals and maintain accurate records
- Proficient with computer programs, including Microsoft Office and Google Suite
- Capable of lifting 50 pounds and handling animal carriers
- Must have a valid NYS Driver’s License, reliable transportation and a registered and insured vehicle. Must be able to use personal vehicle for work purposes. NYS DMV Clearance.
To Apply: Please submit cover letter and resume via email to [email protected]. No phone calls, please.
