Animal Care Specialist - Australasia Team (Full Time)

Department: Animal Care | Classification: Non-Exempt | Reports to: Animal Care Manager | Starting pay: $17.50/hour

About the role

The Animal Care Specialist performs routine work assignments involving the daily care and welfare of animals within their area. This position also maintains animal habitats and holding areas and interacts with the public to provide information related to the Zoo & Aquarium’s animal collection. The Australasia Team is responsible for the daily husbandry of Bornean orangutans, Sumatran tigers, Francois langurs, red pandas, lion-tailed macaques, rhinoceros hornbill, red kangaroos, Matschie’s tree kangaroos, two species of wallabies, dingoes, emu, Wyoming toads, parrots, and other species of Asian and Australian birds in a free-flight aviary.

Responsibilities

• Performs daily animal husbandry activities (40%):
  • Preparing diets and delivering animal feedings
  • Administering medications and assisting with various animal health procedures
  • Observing, logging, and reporting issues concerning animal behavior, health, and welfare
  • Training animals for basic husbandry behaviors
  • Creating and implementing various enrichment items/strategies
• Completes daily maintenance of exhibits and holding areas (40%):
  • Cleaning habitats, holding areas, and staff areas
  • Performing minor repairs and improvements
  • Reporting maintenance issues and potential safety hazards to appropriate manager
  • Lawn and other horticultural maintenance within habitats
• Maintains daily reports and other required records (10%)
• Interacts with Zoo & Aquarium guests and the public (10%):
  • Performing various animal chats and animal presentations, as well as assisting with special events related to assigned area
  • Engaging with visitors to answer questions about the Zoo & Aquarium and animals
• May be requested to perform other duties or special projects as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, animal science, zoology, or related field preferred. Applicable experience can be substituted on a year-for-year basis for candidates not currently holding a degree
• Previous hands-on experience with the care and management of similar species strongly preferred
• Knowledge of animal husbandry, behavior, procedures for proper care, and training of exotic animals
• Strong observational skills to recognize and evaluate conditions of animal health, diets, and behavior
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions, including procedures for care and maintenance of animals, habitats, service, and holding areas
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Valid driver’s license
• Negative TB test or ability to obtain one
• Ability to lift 50 pounds and sufficient mobility to ensure a safe work environment
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time
• Ability to manage stress, endure high-risk situations when feeding, transferring, or restraining animals, and make immediate decisions concerning the safety of animals, staff, or the public
• Flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and evening hours, in all weather extremes
• Must pass a background and drug screening