Part-Time Houston Toad Keeper

About the role

The responsibility of this position is to maintain and care for animals within the Texas Native Amphibian Center as directed, primarily focusing on the Houston Toad program; to assist veterinary staff as needed; and to perform a variety of activities related to the assigned area of responsibility. This is a part-time position working approximately 20 hours per week.

Responsibilities

• Provide necessary husbandry parameters and appropriate environments for species in assigned section
• Clean and maintain animal enclosures, including flushing, changing substrate, and removing waste
• Check animal enclosures twice daily and service properly, including cleaning glass and removing dead plants and feces
• Check animal enclosures and locks for security purposes daily and report any problems to supervisor
• Provide backup coverage as relief keeper, including using check sheets, recording observations, and communicating accurately
• Conduct water chemistries on a regular basis and care for feeder insects according to SOPs
• Check animals daily, note observations, and submit Health Alerts as needed
• Maintain animal records, including updating cage cards and TRACKS
• Carry out animal diet directives and discuss any changes with supervisor
• Weigh animals on a regular basis and record in TRACKS
• Implement animal training and enrichment directives and record in TRACKS
• Maintain a safe and clutter-free work environment and monitor building temperatures and equipment
• Act in a professional and courteous manner with coworkers and zoo visitors

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must have one year of zoo keeping experience
• Valid driver's license with acceptable motor vehicle record
• Ability to work independently, understand and follow instructions, and communicate clearly
• High School diploma or equivalent, with one year of increasingly responsible zoo keeping experience
• Bachelor's degree in wildlife management, zoology, animal behavior, biology, ecology, psychology, or related field preferred

Physical Demands

The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and talk or hear. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 75 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment is team-oriented, with exposure to a variety of domestic and wild or potentially dangerous animals, animal odors and body fluids, inclement weather conditions, and chemicals. The employee may be required to work irregular hours, including holidays and weekends, and may be subject to regular tuberculosis and rabies titer testing and the use of personal protective equipment.