Assistant Animal Keeper PT

Assistant Animal Keepers are responsible for assisting Animal Keepers in the daily care of the animal collection within all areas of the LIFE exhibit. Assistant Animal Keepers will assist in conducting husbandry, enrichment and training sessions and will 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 reports any concerns to Animal Keepers.  
• Maintain a variety of exhibits including aquatic habitats with life support systems.
• Performs other related duties as assigned. 

 Minimum Qualifications 

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.  
• Experience & Certifications: Applicants should possess the equivalent of one year of experience in a zoo, aquarium, museum, park, or a similar facility including animal husbandry and public programming. 
  1. Employee must be willing to obtain provided CPR and First Aid certification.   
  2. 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.
• 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 and be on feet for extended periods of time.
• 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.
• Kneeling and Crouching (frequently)  
• Must be comfortable in and around water.
• Must be comfortable working on slippery, wet and uneven surfaces. 
• Weight Levels – Lift, Push, Pull
• Up to 80 pounds

 Expected Hours of Work & Travel

• This position is part time. Hours can vary based on the needs of the organization. 
• This position must be able to work weekends, holidays, and after hour events as needed. 
• Must be able to provide a minimum of 3 days per week of availability.

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.