Facility

Tiger World in Rockwell, NC

Closing Date

Description

Tiger World Endangered Wildlife Preserve, a non-profit charity, has an immediate opening for a Full-Time permanent Animal Behavior Professional to help care and manage our collection of Big Cats and Primates.
We are located just 20 minutes North of Charlotte, NC and have amazing animals including Lions, Tigers, Jaguars, Leopards, Lemurs, Baboons, Bears, Birds, Reptiles, and more. Tiger World is a 501(c)3 non-profit public charity focused on conservation through education. We reach over 30,000 children a year through tours and demonstrations in addition to our general guest attendance. We are an intimate experience for guests to get a closer look and better understanding of not only tigers, but all 36 species residing within our conservation center. Staff has the privilege of engaging guests about the residents while utilizing operant conditioning training both protected and free contact with a variety of animals. Our zoo takes care of individual animals all with different personalities and we are looking for an individual keen on listening to the animals and their needs. Our diverse collection requires an expert in motivational positive reinforcement and of course patience. The chosen individual will mentor new staff on the use of operant conditioning training to enrich the lives of their animals and create a stress-free working environment for the animal’s health care.
SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR;
1. Monitoring and documenting Daily Animal Health.
2. Preparation of diets including processing of meat, fruits/veggies and daily administration of supplements.
3. Maintaining cleanliness of animal habitats and food areas.
4. Operant conditioning & environmental/behavioral enrichment.
5. Build relationships with the animals and develop/implement operant conditioning training and behavioral enrichment.
6. Work with current staff to enhance operant conditioning training and continuously improve skills.
7. Teach new staff and enhance current staff the concepts of operant conditioning training and supervise training sessions for feedback and progression.
8. Create and/or maintain husbandry practices for voluntary captive health care.
9. Assist with veterinary care, vaccinations, blood draws, chemical immobilization and baby raising as needed.
10. Educational tours, keeper talks, Big Cat Blast shows, traveling exhibits (radio/tv station, parades, schools, etc.)
11. Interaction and Handling of animals plus participate with the Emergency Response Team.
12. Modifying exhibits and participation with building of new exhibits.
13. Maintenance of grounds in and around exhibits.

Education and Pre-requisites

EDUCATION AND PRE-REQUISITES
Full-Time permanent position working at least 40 hours per week including weekends, holidays, and events as needed. Successful candidates will work in close proximity to dangerous animals, and professionalism, trust, and excellent communication skills are required.
1. BS degree in Biology/Zoology or related field or equivalent education, experience, and training. EATM a plus 🙂
2. MINIMUM of 2 years of operant conditioning husbandry and training with class 1 animals in a licensed zoo/facility.
3. Must possess a strong understanding of free contact felid raising including the ability to read precursors to aggression and knowledge of redirection.
4. Requires a team player that will interact positively with guests, staff, and volunteers.
5. Must be able lift at least 60 pounds.
6. Must work under challenging conditions and extreme weather.
7. Must be a motivated self-starter with a positive attitude and good work ethic.
8. Must have Leadership Skills and be able to follow instructions and required policies and procedures.
9. Must be honest, trustworthy and organized and be passionate about working with Big Cats.
10. Must have valid driver’s license and social security card or Work Visa.
11. One [1] letter of reference/recommendation.
12. Up to date vaccinations including for Tetanus and be TB Negative.

Compensation and benefits

STARTING ANNUAL SALARY: $30,000 – $35,000 Depending upon experience. Vacation/Sick Time earned at 1 day per month of employment.
Health Care Stipend available of $100 per month.
On-site living opportunity is available for the right person.

Application instructions

Please send your Resumé and Cover Letter to careers@tigerworld.us (letter of recommendation needed upon request). We also enjoy pictures of your past experiences, please include them with your application. We carefully evaluate all applicants and will call for interviews over the phone. Good Luck!