Ectotherms Keeper - PT

Description

General Statement of Duties

The Ectotherms Keeper is responsible for all aspects of Museum’s reptile, amphibian, aquatic, and invertebrate collections, both ambassador and exhibit animals, including but not limited to cleaning, feeding, inspecting/observing animals, maintaining exhibits, implementing veterinary care, nutrition and enrichment programs, and record-keeping.  Acquires and maintains appropriate knowledge about animals, exhibits, museum policies, procedures, and facilities. The Ectotherm Keeper works in cooperation with curatorial staff as well as other departments to achieve established facility/operational and AZA standards. This position recognizes the capacity to achieve greater results by integrating skilled volunteers, leveraging their diverse knowledge and skills. This position reports directly to the Ectotherms Curator.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or current progress towards it in biology, zoology, psychology, or related field. Significant professional animal care experience may be considered in lieu of a degree
• Minimum 6 months of experience in general animal husbandry (preferably native or exotic ectotherms)
• Ability to physically maintain enclosures to safely and effectively house various ectotherms
• Ability and willingness to learn current operant conditioning and enrichment techniques
• Proficiency in the use and safe operation of hand and power tools in order to make enclosure/exhibit repairs or improvements, while ensuring animal, coworker, and public safety
• Basic knowledge of (or willingness to learn) aquatic life support systems, nitrogen cycle/water chemistry, and reptile lighting systems
• Excellent reliability, time management, communication, and observational skills
• Ability to speak to groups of all ages
• Passion for animals, their welfare and conservation
• Ability and willingness to learn proper handling and restraint techniques of animals in assigned areas
• Must be self-reliant and motivated
• Must be able to remain calm, make sound decisions and provide clear directions in a crisis situation

Duties and Responsibilities

• Be a positive, enthusiastic representative of the Virginia Living Museum
• The Ectotherms Keeper will ensure high customer satisfaction by engaging with museum visitors and answering their questions
• Enhance guest experience by interacting with museum visitors, answering questions, leading engaging tours and educational enrichment opportunities
• Provide daily husbandry of ectotherms collection (terrestrial and aquatic), ensuring safe, well maintained, aesthetically pleasing and naturalistic habitats
• Maintain USDA and AZA standards for animal care and welfare
• Help to ensure all quarantine & biosecurity procedures are followed, including the cleaning of foot baths, and proper use of PPE
• Train, supervise, and work closely with animal care volunteers
• Develop, provide, and document regular enrichment to the ectotherms collection
• Maintain accurate cleaning, feeding, training, enrichment, and welfare records in ZIMS and other record keeping systems
• Assist with veterinary care and provide medications as needed
• Prepare diets for ectotherms collection
• Properly secure all animal enclosures on a daily basis
• Ensure all animal habitats are safe and look professional, create work order for maintenance if needed
• Follow safety guidelines and report any safety concerns to the supervisor
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Must be able to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word and perceive detailed information through oral communication
• Must be able to work mornings, weekends and holidays
• Ability to lift and/or exert up to 50 pounds of force
• Must be comfortable around a variety of live animals and wildlife
• The candidate must have visual acuity to be able to operate motor vehicles and/or equipment
• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, push, pull, lift, grasp, feel, and utilize repetitive motions
• Must be able to move throughout the Museum’s building(s) and outdoor trail as needed
• The candidate will be subject to outdoor environmental conditions such as wind, humidity, and extreme temperatures