Animal Care Specialist II

Description

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, staff training, acquisition & disposition for the assigned animal collection and holding area management for the assigned aquatic collection, as well as other related projects and programs. Responsibilities will 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, inspire and lead by example by being patient, kind, humble, respectful, selfless, forgiving, honest, communicative, and committed when interacting with one another and guests.
• Understand and 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. 
• Understand and 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.
• Execute effective written and verbal communication within assigned team and between teams, the leadership team, and other departments
• Commute between two facilities to care for animals at offsite quarantine facility.
• Oversee assigned area and act as team lead in absence of area senior, including coordinating activities of fellow team members, daily volunteers, and interns. 
• Understand and execute educational strategies that will lead to delivery of strong conservation messaging and excellence in visitor experience that are presented on a regular basis. 
• Monitor animal food, supplies, and maintenance equipment. Report purchasing needs to area senior, curator, and appropriate department representatives.
• Coordinate with Director of Animal Health and Animal Health department in carrying out medical procedures and prescribed protocols in assigned areas. Assist with 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.
• Develop advanced knowledge of animal life histories, industry innovations and progressive animal care through professional meetings and conferences, trade journals, and communication with professional colleagues. 
• Assists with design, development, and construction of new exhibits and/or life support systems. 
• Assist in training new Animal Care team members to ensure compliance with established standards and protocols.
• 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.

Requirements

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree in biology, related field, or equivalent experience required.
• Three to four years of professional husbandry, training and interactive guest experience at a public zoo, aquarium, or similar institution with demonstrated knowledge and experience in zoological operations and animal care preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team in a constantly changing environment as well as individually, with a minimum of supervision. 
• Certification from a recognized SCUBA training organization. 

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work a flexible schedule which may include evenings and/or weekends and holidays.
• Ability to respond to emergencies on an on-call basis.
• Employee must 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.
• The employee is frequently required to balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb stairs, or crawl.
• No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance, and agility of movement which might interfere with ability to work.
• 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