Facility
California Science Center Foundation
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
The Senior Keeper, under the supervision of the Husbandry Manager, is primarily responsible for providing proper husbandry to the terrestrial animals, including daily observations of dietary and behavioral habits, cleaning and maintaining assigned exhibit and holding areas, tracking inventory, and keeping accurate and up to date records of assigned terrestrial collections. The Senior Keeper uses independent judgment and critical thinking to problem solve when necessary, keeping animal welfare at the forefront of decisions and actions. The Senior Keeper is also responsible for the daily oversight of assigned areas, ensuring that related projects are progressing, and leading the daily activities of Keepers while serving as a role model. The Senior Keeper practices supervisory skills by modeling positive, example-setting behavior while demonstrating a commitment to reaching the goals and objectives of the department and mission of the California Science Center Foundation.
MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Works in collaboration with the Husbandry Manager to establish and maintain best practices based on industry standards to fulfill these major job responsibilities.
• Responsible for the daily care and husbandry of terrestrial collections which may include reptiles, amphibians, mammals, birds, and invertebrates.
• Practices good judgment in decision-making as related to animal care, emergency situations, and projects, particularly in the Husbandry Manager’s absence.
• Daily duties include but are not limited to: cleaning animal and keeper work areas, prepping and feeding food, carrying out animal training sessions, treating any injured/diseased individuals as necessary, making observations and recognizing abnormal animal behavior/appearance, acting upon/reporting such observations in a timely manner, and completing all necessary records and paperwork thoroughly.
• May provide care and husbandry of other living collections as needed, including aquatic animals.
• Responsible for the care of all living collections in any and all emergency conditions.
• Adheres to and abides by Federal, State, and local agency laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances, as well as AZA standards.
• Assists with acquiring specimens through organization of trades/loans/purchases with other zoological institutions, suppliers, and when required by participation in collecting trips.
• May assist in veterinary procedures as necessary.
• Assists with procurement of supplies and equipment.
• Assists in the advancement and implementation of exhibit goals by contributing to the design and management of the exhibit development.
• Acts as role model for Keepers by exhibiting common sense decision making, high levels of professionalism and positivity, excellent animal husbandry, and supporting management directives.
• Using judgment and common sense decision making, serves as main point of contact for terrestrial staff in Husbandry Manager’s absence.
• Responds to work-related problems through the chain of command by creating solutions that will continue the workflow with as few interruptions as possible.
• Under the direction of the Husbandry Manager will assist with developing husbandry staff through training and increasing productivity and efficiency.
• Trains, develops, and oversees the work of terrestrial Husbandry volunteers.
• Contributes to the mission of the California Science Center Foundation by stimulating curiosity and inspiring science learning in everyone by creating fun, memorable experiences.
• Performs other duties as required.
Education and Pre-requisites
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology or related field required OR equivalent experience.
• 3+ years progressive levels of responsibility providing daily husbandry to terrestrial animals, preferably at an AZA-accredited institution. 1+ years of experience training/supervising others highly preferred.
• Knowledge of modern principles of animal care and welfare, including behavioral enrichment, exhibitry, nutrition, disease, transport, and training; strong operant conditioning skills a plus.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of planning and acquisition of species and specimens, including setting up enclosures, quarantine procedures, etc.
• Specific knowledge of the herpetological and invertebrate life of the Sonoran Desert and tropical ecosystems highly desirable.
• Must possess strong observational skills to ensure animal health and safety.
• Must possess sound judgment and ability to use common sense for effective decision-making.
• Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds, kneel, bend, crouch, squat, and stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to work effectively in wet conditions, mostly indoors but with the potential for outdoors as well.
• Knowledge of safe animal handling practices and maintaining a safe working environment.
• Working knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances as applicable to possessing native and exotic wild animals, as well as AZA standards guiding animal care protocols.
• Strong computer (MS Office programs such as Excel, Word, and Outlook) and organizational skills. Experience with Tracks record-keeping system highly preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership ability; experience mentoring others preferred.
• Ability to work independently as well as leading a team.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule which includes weekends and holidays as required.
Compensation and benefits
Hourly pay range: $20.40 – $22.50.
California Science Center Foundation employees receive excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement package; free science center membership, group term life insurance, and 11 paid holidays.
Application instructions
Send Cover Letter, Resume, Salary Target and Job Application to the HR Dept. via fax at 213-744-2673, email to HR@cscmail.org, or mail to the California Science Center Foundation, H. R. Dept, 700 Exposition Park Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90037.
Job Application: https://californiasciencecenter.org/file/cscf-job-applicationpdf
Only applications that include a cover letter, resume, salary target and completed job application will be considered. No phone calls please. EOE.