An Animal Care Specialist at Miami Seaquarium will be responsible for the care and display of Tropical Birds, Flamingos, South African Penguins and reptiles living in exhibits throughout the park as well as being a resource for the Animal Care Department staff. The primary responsibilities will include working as assigned in any of the aquarium exhibits or areas.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Ensuring all work environments are safe and any safety concerns are reported immediately.
• Maintain open and professional communication with departments that interface with the Animal Care Department.
• Ensure a quality experience and accurate information given during presentations and guest encounters by active participation and feedback to the team.
• Function as a team player, showing trust and mutual respect for all members on the team.
• Uphold the highest standards of courtesy and conduct.
• Respond to all animal and operational emergencies as required.
• Responsible for all tasks in the assigned exhibits. Including keeping up with maintenance and husbandry schedules.
• Ensure all exhibit and husbandry standards are met every day.
• Demonstrate basic knowledge of animal care including diets, water preferences, scientific nomenclature, range, habits, and compatibilities. Apply this knowledge to the exhibits and animal collection.
• Assist in training keepers in all areas of animal care and operations.
• Perform mentoring responsibilities as assigned for new keepers and teach them assigned tasks.
• Assist management with administrative tasks such as ordering supplies.
• Participate in exhibit projects such as renovation, repairs or modifications.
• Participate in on site animal procedures and moves.
• Demonstrate proper small animal restraint and handling techniques.
• Administer prescribed medical treatments as directed by the veterinarian and curator.
• Apply animal training techniques to improve the health and welfare of the animal collection, and to meet program needs.
• Perform roles in animal interactions: Bird interactions, Penguin Encounter and other encounters as assigned, ensuring an excellent guest experience and safety.
• Provide accurate and informative interpretations of animal exhibits to guests by performing formal and informal discussions and/or tours.
• Provide and develop species specific enrichment items.
• Represent Miami Seaquarium at industry conferences by presenting work that contributes to the aquarium and zoological industry.

Requirements:

Education: College degree in Marine/Life Science or related field, or commensurate experience. SCUBA certification from an internationally recognized certifying agency and CPR certification preferred.

Languages: Fluent English

Skills:

• Demonstrated excellent animal observation and record keeping skills.
• Demonstrated professional presentation skills
• Pass all required department tests, that may also include a swim test.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to recognize and correct normal operational challenges or seek prompt assistance from senior personnel.
• Possess the characteristics of an Animal Care professional demonstrating competence, professionalism, teamwork, mutual respect and commitment to the mission of Miami Seaquarium.
• Availability to work full time, 40hrs per week, this may include working weekends, holidays, and nights.
• Must be able to move/ lift up to 50lbs on a daily basis.

Experience:

• Basic knowledge of general Avian and reptile biology, nutrition, natural history and behavior
• Proven experience with habitat maintenance, animal food preparation & nutrition requirements, general husbandry practices and animal restraint/capture techniques.
• Proven experience with performing animal interactions with guests.
• Appropriate understanding and experience with operant conditioning and training.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $15.00 - $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 – 45 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Holidays

Ability to Relocate:

• Key Biscayne, FL 33149: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person