Animal Care Specialist I

POSITION SUMMARY:

As part of the OdySea Aquarium team, this position requires a dedicated individual to carry out all aspects of animal husbandry, exhibit maintenance and holding area management for the assigned aquatic collection, as well as other related projects and programs. Responsibilities also include maintaining organized written records pertaining to animal health, feeding, and behavioral observations. Fostering a positive team atmosphere, attention to animal health, exhibit excellence and guest experience are the driving priorities in accomplishing the goals of this position. 

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• As a member of the Animal Care team, you will inspire and lead by example by being patient, kind, humble, respectful, selfless, forgiving, honest, and committed when interacting with one another and guests.
• Execute excellent animal care and management in assigned area through regular feedings, water quality monitoring, administering treatments, exhibit maintenance, developing husbandry and veterinary behavioral training programs and environmental enrichment programs as directed by the area senior and curator.
• Complete appropriate records pertaining to the health and behavior of animals are kept, including daily care, treatment administration, behavioral training, acquisition/disposition, and enrichment activities.
• Coordinate activities of daily volunteers and interns.Execute educational strategies that will lead to delivery of strong conservation messaging and excellence in visitor experience that are presented on a regular basis.
• Cooperate with Director of Animal Health and Animal Health department in carrying out medical procedures and prescribed protocols in assigned areas. Participate in organizing and preparing for involved medical procedures.
• Keeps work area clean and organized and reports atypical animal behavior, exhibit status, or mechanical issues to supervisors in a timely manner.
• Take active role in educating guests with species information and conservation messaging. Upholds standards of excellence in guest experience. Participate in education, public relations, and membership programs including facility tours and lectures.
• Research and suggest upgrades, enhancements, and changes to exhibit systems, record keeping, animal care, staff development, content messaging, conservation initiatives and guest experience as needed to the curator.
• Further develop knowledge of animal life histories, industry innovations and progressive animal care through consistent and deliberate effort within area assignments, reading of trade journals and communication with professional colleagues.
• Develop skills with design, development, and construction of new exhibits and/or life support systems
• Commute between two facilities to care for animals at offsite quarantine facility.
• Cross-trains with other staff within husbandry and animal health services.
• Comply with safety and security directives, policies, and procedures.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree in biology or related field or equivalent experience required.
• One to two years of professional husbandry, training, and interactive guest experience at a public zoo, aquarium, or similar facility. Emphasis should be on animal care and maintenance of exhibit and holding areas.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team in a constantly changing environment as well as individually, with a minimum of supervision.
• A valid driver’s license with a good driving record. Advanced certification from a recognized SCUBA training organization preferred.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work a flexible schedule which may include evenings, weekends and/or holidays.
• Ability to respond to emergencies on an on-call basis.
• Ability to perform strenuous and/or heavy physical labor.
• No history of allergy related to animals or plants, which might interfere with ability to work.
• Employee must be able to occasionally lift or move, carry, push, or pull up to 50lbs. 
• Ability to stand for long periods of time, as well as walk. 
• Ability to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb stairs, or crawl.
• Ability to talk, hear, and speak 
• No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance and agility of movement which might interfere with ability to work. 
• Must be able to take directional cues directly or indirectly.
• Ability to work in an environment that may be loud at times.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions, including occasional extreme hot or cold, and wet and/or humid conditions. 
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.