Animal Care Assistant - Madagascar

Job Title: Animal Care Assistant – Madagascar 

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Classification: Seasonal 

Hours: 40 hours/week (Wednesday - Sunday) (total of 935 hours)

Pay Rate: $15.40/hour 

This is a seasonal position with a maximum duration of six months starting in May.  The exact end date will be determined by the official start date.

Summary: 

The Animal Care Assistant in the Expedition Madagascar department will provide daily husbandry and care for one of the largest assemblages of Malagasy species (including 9 species of lemurs, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, birds, and fish) in fourteen indoor and four outdoor habitats.  Must be willing to work in a fast-paced and highly changing environment. This position will help aspiring animal care professionals acquire valuable hands-on experience with a wide variety of species to fulfill a pre-requisite to gaining employment in the zoological field. This position reports directly to the Expedition Madagascar Supervisor. 

Duties and Responsibilities (include but not limited to):   

• All aspects of animal husbandry including, but not limited to cleaning, feeding, medicating, assisting with medical procedures, enrichment, habitat maintenance and general upkeep of building and animal enclosures.

• Observes and reports all animal behaviors and other general observations verbally and in writing. 

• Practices good communication skills and the capacity to work well with others while maintaining the ability to work effectively as an individual.  Must be team-oriented and willing to work with other staff members and interns.

• Demonstrates safe working practices and effective time management skills in a fast-paced and flexible work environment. 

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Must be at least 18 years of age.

• Strong communication and organizational skills, including attention to detail. 

• Knowledge of a safe working environment for the animals, employees, and visitors.

• Ability to work independently and with a team. 

• Animal husbandry knowledge.

• Operant conditioning experience. 

• Ability to speak publicly to large and small groups. 

Candidates might be (depending on position) required to pass a pre-employment background check, drug test, negative skin tuberculosis test, and possess a valid driver’s license with a good history. 

Working Conditions and Physical Effort: 

• Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, or extended hours when required.

• This position requires considerable physical exertion – such as regularly climbing stairs and ladders, climbing over barriers (up to 4’ high) to access habitats, lifting heavy objects (up to 50 pounds), and/or assuming awkward positions.  This position also requires working in hot and humid conditions.  

DISCLAIMER 

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.  

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC. 

Salary : $15