Animal Keeper FT

Summary/Objective
Animal Keepers will be responsible for the daily care of the animal collection within all areas of the LIFE exhibit. Animal Keepers will conduct husbandry, enrichment and training sessions and perform conservation-based keeper talks that include hands on live animal interactions with Orlando Science Center guests.

Essential Functions

• Prepares and feeds daily ration of frozen, fresh, and dry commercial foods. 
• Maintains exhibit aesthetics through regular cleaning of habitats and exhibits.
• Presents public programs with and without live animals to diverse groups on a microphone.
• Participates in departmental and special events both at the science center and off property. 
• Represents the Orlando Science Center in a professional manner with all guests and staff.
• Proficient at opening and closing duties of the Life Exhibit. 
• Monitors and observes animal’s health and welfare and report any concerns to Animal Care Manager.

• Administers routine medical care to OSC’s living collection.

• Maintains a variety of exhibits including aquatic habitats with life support systems.
• Maintains animal records using ZIMS record keeping system and daily logs.
• Trains youth and adult volunteers and interns.
• Acts as part of a ride out crew during severe weather to ensure animal health and safety and to assist as needed for facility support.             
• Performs other related duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Education: High School diploma or equivalent  
• Experience & Certifications: Applicants should possess the equivalent of 2 years’ experience in a zoo, aquarium, museum, park or a similar facility including animal husbandry and public programming. 
• Employee must be willing to obtain provided CPR and First Aid certification.   
• Must be comfortable and willing to work in and around water.
• Must provide proof of negative tuberculosis (TB) screening within six months prior to employment and annually thereafter.
• Must be willing to maintain necessary vaccinations as required (rabies)

 Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with a variety of taxa
• Knowledge of USDA, FWC and AZA standards and requirements.
• Must be proficient in all Microsoft Office Software.
• Must be highly motivated, organized, and demonstrate a willingness to adapt positively to corporate change.
• Experience speaking in front of large, diverse audiences.

 Supervisory Responsibility

N/A

Physical Demands

• Ability to remain in a stationary position.  
• Moves throughout the museum.   
• Ascends/descends stairs throughout the museum. 
• Ascends/descends ladders or other equipment to perform various tasks. 
• Observes and reacts to the needs of guests, staff, volunteers, and community partners. 
• Communicates and exchanges accurate information with guests, staff, volunteers, and community partners in a variety of formats including in-person, electronically, and over the phone. 
• Operates a computer and/or office equipment efficiently and accurately.
• Manipulates and moves components weighing up to 80 pounds, including those that may be low to the ground or above eye level. 
• Occasionally works in outdoor environments. 
• Frequently works in indoor environments.
• Must be comfortable in and around water.
• Must be comfortable working on slippery, wet, and uneven surfaces.
• Kneeling and Crouching (frequently) 
• Weight Levels – Lift, Push, Pull
• Up to 80 pounds

 Expected Hours of Work & Travel

• This position is full-time and must be able to work weekends, holidays, and after hour events as needed. 

Telecommuting

This position is required to be onsite 100% of the time. 

 Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.