Outreach Specialist
Fort Worth Zoo, Fort Worth, TX, United States
Fort Worth Zoo, 1989 Colonial Pkwy, Fort Worth, Texas, United States of America
Job Description
Posted Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 6:00 AM
Summary
This position is responsible for the husbandry of the species in the Animal Outreach & Conservation Center (ARCC), Outreach collection and educational wildlife presentations on site.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Handle and present Outreach animals during outreach programs – stage shows, informal in park presentations, virtual presentations, and on‑site special events
Maintain and care for Animal Outreach collection
Train and socialize with Animal Outreach collection on a daily basis
Assist Outreach Manager in designing and implementing Outreach programs as needed
Work with Outreach Manager and Supervisor to maintain animal husbandry, enrichment, and safety
Participate in the zoo-wide behavioral management program by implementing approved animal training and enrichment projects
Carry out animal diet directives from Nutritional Services Department; clean and maintain food storage containers
Able to complete and keep records as required
Communicate with Outreach Manager and Supervisor regarding animal health and welfare
Promote the Fort Worth Zoo and its objectives through various media channels and speaking events
Qualifications
Must be 18 years of age or older
Strong animal husbandry skills across a variety of taxa
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Ability to operate as a member of a large, diverse team
Strong organizational and time management skills
Ability to maintain a professional appearance and manner out in the public
Valid driver license with acceptable motor vehicle record to maintain zoo standards of insurability
Education and/or Experience
High School Diploma or equivalent
Bachelor’s degree in education, Communications, Zoology, Biology, or related field preferred
At least one-year animal handling, training, and husbandry experience in a zoo setting, compensation will be experience dependent
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds
Work Environment
Team oriented environment
Ability to work irregular hours (holidays and weekends)
Ability to work special events and functions as required
Ability to work outdoors in heat, cold and inclement weather
This position may be safety sensitive
This position may work around animals susceptible to specific diseases, thus may be subject to regular tuberculosis and rabies titer testing, and the routine use of personal protective equipment such as gloves, face masks
Disclaimer
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as a complete inventory of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.
This job 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 to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.
Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an at-will basis.
Benefits
Medical and Prescription Drug (Employee Coverage 90% Employer Paid, Dependent Coverage 55% Employer Paid)
Vision
Dental
Basic Life AD&DD (100% Employer Paid)
Short Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
Long Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
Supplemental Life
Flexible Spending Account
401k
Paid Time Off (Accrual Equivalent to 5 Weeks Per Year)
PTO Rollover
PTO Sell Back
Free Zoo Membership
Free Guest Passes
Discounts on Food, Merchandise, Attractions, Admission and Programs
Fort Worth Zoo, 1989 Colonial Pkwy, Fort Worth, Texas, United States of America
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Job Description
Posted Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 6:00 AM
Summary
This position is responsible for the husbandry of the species in the Animal Outreach & Conservation Center (ARCC), Outreach collection and educational wildlife presentations on site.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Handle and present Outreach animals during outreach programs – stage shows, informal in park presentations, virtual presentations, and on‑site special events
Maintain and care for Animal Outreach collection
Train and socialize with Animal Outreach collection on a daily basis
Assist Outreach Manager in designing and implementing Outreach programs as needed
Work with Outreach Manager and Supervisor to maintain animal husbandry, enrichment, and safety
Participate in the zoo-wide behavioral management program by implementing approved animal training and enrichment projects
Carry out animal diet directives from Nutritional Services Department; clean and maintain food storage containers
Able to complete and keep records as required
Communicate with Outreach Manager and Supervisor regarding animal health and welfare
Promote the Fort Worth Zoo and its objectives through various media channels and speaking events
Qualifications
Must be 18 years of age or older
Strong animal husbandry skills across a variety of taxa
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Ability to operate as a member of a large, diverse team
Strong organizational and time management skills
Ability to maintain a professional appearance and manner out in the public
Valid driver license with acceptable motor vehicle record to maintain zoo standards of insurability
Education and/or Experience
High School Diploma or equivalent
Bachelor’s degree in education, Communications, Zoology, Biology, or related field preferred
At least one-year animal handling, training, and husbandry experience in a zoo setting, compensation will be experience dependent
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds
Work Environment
Team oriented environment
Ability to work irregular hours (holidays and weekends)
Ability to work special events and functions as required
Ability to work outdoors in heat, cold and inclement weather
This position may be safety sensitive
This position may work around animals susceptible to specific diseases, thus may be subject to regular tuberculosis and rabies titer testing, and the routine use of personal protective equipment such as gloves, face masks
Disclaimer
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as a complete inventory of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.
This job 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 to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.
Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an at-will basis.
Benefits
Medical and Prescription Drug (Employee Coverage 90% Employer Paid, Dependent Coverage 55% Employer Paid)
Vision
Dental
Basic Life AD&DD (100% Employer Paid)
Short Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
Long Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
Supplemental Life
Flexible Spending Account
401k
Paid Time Off (Accrual Equivalent to 5 Weeks Per Year)
PTO Rollover
PTO Sell Back
Free Zoo Membership
Free Guest Passes
Discounts on Food, Merchandise, Attractions, Admission and Programs
Fort Worth Zoo, 1989 Colonial Pkwy, Fort Worth, Texas, United States of America
#J-18808-Ljbffr