Animal Care Specialist

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County was the first museum in L.A. to open its doors 109 years ago and is poised for an exciting new era as it plans for the future. Having recently completed a new strategic framework, the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County—including NHMLA at Exposition Park, La Brea Tar Pits and museum in mid-Wilshire, and the William S. Hart Museum in Newhall—is looking forward to new building projects and campaigns, exhibitions, community outreach, and innovative audience engagement.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County values and endeavors to support diversity, equity, inclusion, and access within its organization and communities. Candidates who identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color (BIPOC), neurodiverse, gender, a person with disability, a veteran, and/or a part of the LGBTQAI community are welcome and encouraged to apply. 

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is seeking a Animal Care Specialist for our Exhibits department. The Animal Care Specialist works closely with the Manager of the Living Collections at the Natural History Museum. It is an exciting time as we embark on new journeys of becoming a museum of, for, and with L.A.

Responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to: 

• Provides the primary daily care of animals and general maintenance of the exhibit and behind-the-scenes areas where they are housed. 80% of time

  • Provides care of venomous snakes and invertebrates in accordance with all NHM policies regarding handling and safety, and as assigned. Is responsible for the safety and well-being of colleagues when working with venomous snakes together. Leads emergency responses for such and communicates effectively with appropriate emergency personnel.

  • Adheres to all United States Department of Agriculture, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Drug Enforcement Agency, State Veterinary Board, and city permit requirements.

  • Assists with animal training, enrichment and welfare initiatives

  • Maintains accurate records of animal care tasks performed and observations of animal health and conditions.

  • Covers the shifts of fellow Care Specialists in emergencies

  • Assists with procurement of live animal food and supplies as needed, including hiking outdoors and driving a Museum vehicle to collect specimens and food. 

• Special care: 14% of time

  • Attends to sick, stressed and injured animals in accordance with procedures established by veterinary and Museum staff, including medication administration, chemical safety, and emergency response. May need to attend to wildlife emergencies.

  • Responds to medical and other facility emergencies with independent judgment, including bringing animals to emergency care outside of scheduled hours if needed

  • Observes animal behaviors and stress conditions during public presentations and exhibitions in order to determine appropriate rest periods or rotation off of display.

• Liaison for program: 5% of time

  • Assists in the training and onsite supervision of care volunteers, Museum Educators, work study students and interns as needed.

  • Interacts with visitors, answers public inquiries, delivers education programs and participates in public relations activities.

• Non-essential duties and responsibilities as assigned by Manager, Living Collections dependent on organizational need. Assists in the development of new live animal exhibits and education presentations as needed. 1% of time

This position has the following requirements:

• Background:

  • Demonstrated minimum 1 years’ experience (volunteer or paid) in animal husbandry or veterinary care at a professional facility required. Experience in working with/around exotic animals is highly desirable.

  • College level coursework or accredited certification is highly desirable

• Demonstrated working knowledge of the biology and health requirements for reptiles, amphibians, raptors, small mammals, and various invertebrates highly desirable

• Basic understanding of all equipment used to maintain live animals including aquatic equipment, snake hooks and raptor handling equipment. 

• Demonstrated ability to work safely and with a clear head around and with venomous or dangerous animals is highly desirable. Ability to use safety equipment and to wear protective clothing. Lift 50 lbs, grasp/lift snake tongs with adult rattlesnake at the end will be required.

• Ability to work safely and efficiently around live animals in a way that promotes well-being of live animals and staff. 

  • Willingness to, and knowledge of how to foster a humane, ethical and enriching environment for every animal in the Living Collection.

  • Has acute observation skills to detect minute ailments, body condition changes or behaviors, and excellent communication to relay complicated information to supervisors or veterinarians.

  • Is required to show excellent, independent judgment, and act in a way that does not cause unnecessary harm or adverse conditions for any animal or staff member. Must and act quickly and efficiently to make human and animal safety decisions in pressured or emergency situations. Willingness to accept responsibility for the lives of the Collection animals in their care.

  • Must comprehend detailed directives and demonstrate flexibility when changes occur or priorities change. Is expected to accept routine coaching and make adjustments accordingly

  • Ability to listen to and understand complicated scientific information and ideas presented verbally and in writing. Ability to effectively communicate ideas verbally and in writing and be able to mentor incoming staff and volunteers effectively.

  • Must possess an outgoing and relatable personality and the ability to interact effectively and positively with children of all ages, their families, other Museum visitors, staff, vendors, and contracted personnel

  • Is extremely reliable, and has an understanding of the need of living creatures to have consistent care. Has an understanding that taking care of themselves contributes to the care of the collection.

  • Ability to work flexible hours including weekends, some evenings, and most holidays.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is especially interested in candidates whose background and experience have prepared them to contribute to our commitment to engagement and inclusion at culturally diverse audiences in museums and in sciences.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is seeking applicants who have demonstrated experience and commitment working with a diverse community. Hourly rate for this position is $22.03 based on experience plus excellent benefits. This is a full time regular, non-exempt position. 

A cover letter, current resume, and list of 3-4 references are required for all applicants. Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the position is filled. Interested candidates please visit www.nhmlac.org/careers-our-museums and click the link of the position for which you are interested or go directly to the online application.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.