Animal Ambassador in Rochmond, Virginia at Maymont Foundation

Maymont is a 100-acre historic estate and park, located in Richmond, Virginia, with many unique experiences for all to enjoy, including the historic Maymont Mansion, The Robins Nature Center, arboretum, formal gardens, and habitats for native Virginia wildlife and farm animals. Since 1975, Maymont has been maintained and operated by the nonprofit Maymont Foundation, committed to creating experiences that delight, educate and inspire its guests.

The Maymont Foundation is seeking a dynamic, efficient and enthusiastic individual to join our team as an Animal Ambassador Specialist. This position blends animal care and guest educational experiences. The Specialist is responsible for animal husbandry, training, socialization, enrichment and public presentations that incorporate a variety of experiential learning methods in the Robins Nature Center and along the newly renovated Virginia Wildlife Trail opening in spring 2026. The Specialist will assist in the development and implementation of public education programs for visitors of all ages. This position reports to the Director of Programming and Curator, Natural Resources.

Essential Functions:

• Create and implement public programming and behind the scenes experiences on-site that build meaningful connections with guests while offering insights into animals’ natural behaviors, habitats, and natural history
• Participate in the planning, scheduling and implementation of educational animal engagement programming interactions, tours, special programs and events, workshops, and classes
• Maintain the appearance of both indoor and outdoor habitats by cleaning and prepping habitats daily to meet Maymont standards for animal care and guest experience
• Care for all animals within area of responsibility and as assigned, including but not limited to, diet preparation, daily husbandry, behavioral enrichment, operant conditioning/training, and application of veterinary treatments
• Assist in analyzing and reporting results of animal engagement program evaluations and feedback for continuous improvement of guest experiences, as well as track animals’ participation in programs
• Work with animal keepers and behaviorists for training plan development; coordinate with leadership within the Zoology and Education teams for all animal care related topics and for use of program supplies and educational materials
• Develop and modify animal enrichment proposals that provide stimulating and safe enrichment appropriate for each species with the goal of eliciting natural behaviors
• Utilize Maymont’s database and other tools to track participation numbers in programs to assist in short- and long- term planning aligned with strategic goals
• Perform preventative medical care of animals in the collection (fecal floats, de-worming, vaccinations, etc.)
• Maintain daily records, including but not limited to inventory, animal care and feeding, and medications
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair animal facilities and equipment, and participate in habitat improvement, design, and other planning
• Research data to properly understand and maintain the animals within area of responsibilites
• Help supervise and engage interns, volunteers and students
• Support other Animal Care and Education teams at The Robins Nature Center, Farm and Landed Zoology as needed
• Participate in Maymont community events as needed, which may be outside of regular work schedule
• Comply with legal, insurance and health/safety regulations, as well as Maymont policies, rules and procedures at all times
• Assist with other duties and tasks as assigned

Core Competencies:

• Great attitude, energy and enthusiasm
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and evenings aligning with program facilitation responsibilities
• Ability to follow detailed written or oral instructions
• Knowledge of biological principles and terms
• Knowledge of safety precautions and willingness to work with normal hazards associated with an animal care facility (e.g., disinfectant chemicals, potential zoonotic diseases, being soiled or wet)
• Willingness to be vaccinated with employer-provided rabies pre-exposure vaccine
• Ability to work effectively and professionally with co-workers and Maymont visitors
• Ability to pass employer-provided training in Basic First Aid and CPR
• Ability to pass a background check
• Experience in animal restraint and handling preferred
• Ability to use operant conditioning techniques
• Valid driver's license required with reliable transportation to/from Maymont
• Ability to operate or learn to use hand and gardening tools, power tools, farm tractor, personal computer, microscope and first aid equipment

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma/GED Equivalent
• Associates degree or higher in biology, science education or environmental science, preferred
• Experience and comfort with public speaking in an informal educational setting
• One year of paid animal care experience in a public zoo/aquarium setting, preferred

Physical Demands:

• Frequent sitting, standing, walking and talking for extended periods
• Frequent climbing, bending, stooping and lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work inside and outside in all-weather conditions throughout the year
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid-time-off and health, dental, vision, disability and life insurance.

FLSA Status: Full-Time Hourly

This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform other job-related duties. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at-will" employment relationship. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Maymont Foundation is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.