Facility
Reid Park Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Reid Park Zoological Society is seeking a temporary Animal Welfare Specialist for 3-4 months approximately 30 hours weekly.
The Society is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to support, advocate for and enhance the value of Reid Park Zoo and its mission to encourage commitment to the conservation of biological diversity and to provide educational and fun experiences for visitors of all ages. Reid Park Zoo is the largest attended cultural attraction in Southern Arizona with approximately 500,000 visitors annually. Be a part of a vibrant, growing organization as Reid Park Zoo implements an exciting master plan that will be investing over $60M in new exhibits over the next ten years.
No phone calls or visits please. This position is open until filled. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff by creating an inclusive environment.
The Animal Welfare Specialist works collaboratively with the Animal Care Team to evaluate and monitor animal welfare throughout the Zoo. As welfare status changes, the Specialist will work on problem-solving with the team to modify and increase welfare status. Work may include but is not limited to increased observations, creating new training or enrichment plans, brainstorming dietary or habitat modifications, and supporting animal care research species natural behavior or other topics with the goal of increasing welfare. Specialist will also review all formal welfare concerns and provide written documentation to how concerns are investigated and resolved. Animal Welfare Specialist will also train keepers on the use of welfare software and may utilize welfare modules in ZIMS. At times assistance with hands-on animal training may be required. Animal Welfare Specialist will evaluate welfare from a holistic view and may interact with any department at the Zoo as it relates to welfare. This position will work seamlessly with Training and Enrichment Coordinators at the Zoo.
Reports To: Director of Zoo Operations
Responsibilities:
Animal Welfare:
– Creating and maintaining welfare tracking program.
– Identifying moderate or low animal welfare scores and create plans to address.
– Maintain all welfare, enrichment and training records for the Zoo.
– Completes reports as needed including but not limited to daily animal reports, enrichment logs, water quality logs, training logs, medication logs, animal incident reports, etc.
– Develops & implements training/enrichment activities for animals following AZA guidelines and per department practices and protocols.
– Trains utilizing positive reinforcement to aid in animal management & promote visitor education.
– Reports welfare concerns to supervisor.
– Follows all animal care protocols and policies.
– Assist in the training of new staff with regards to welfare and mentoring volunteers.
– Communicates with other welfare specialists across AZA zoos to lead welfare work.
Communication:
– Participates in formal presentations e.g., Keeper talks, special events, behind-the-scenes tours etc.
– Answers visitor questions concerning animals, conservation, zoo operations, etc.
– Participates in AZA groups including animal welfare group.
Health & Safety:
– Assists in the capture and/or physical/ chemical restraint & transportation of animals.
– Participates in emergency drills.
– Responds to animal emergencies following approved protocols.
– Stays current on required vaccinations.
Education and Pre-requisites
Preferred Qualifications, Skills and Abilities:
– Paid exotic animal care experience.
– Training in animal welfare monitoring
– Experience & understanding of Behavioral Flow Model of enrichment.
– Experience designing ethograms and welfare program.
– Education: Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in a biological science, animal or zoology related program.
– Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
– Regular physical attendance at work.
– Must be able to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions if required.
– Work assignments are subject to the hazards inherent in caring for exotic & dangerous animals in a zoological institution.
– Able to work flexible work schedule and adjust as required. Weekend, special event and some holiday work are required.
– Please note that this document is not an exhaustive list. It is intended to give a reasonable idea of what might be required.
Compensation and benefits
Rate is $15.95 hourly. This is a temporary position for 3-4 months. 30 hours weekly.
Application instructions
Apply online at: https://reid-park-zoological-society.oasisrecruit.com/job/560249/animal-welfare-specialist-temporary-3-4-months-30hrs-weekly