Facility
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Summary/Purpose of Position:
This position will be responsible for the daily care and management of Carnivore Department and related areas with a primary emphasis on the Cheetah Program at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center. This position will assist the Carnivore Curator and the Senior Carnivore Specialist and help increase programmatic involvement with selected conservation programs. The Carnivore Department consists of cheetah, maned wolves, Mexican wolves, red wolves, coati and black footed cats. This position may also fill in as needed in other areas within the Animal Care Department.
Specific/Mandatory Duties
The essential responsibilities of the Animal Care Specialist: Carnivores include but are not necessarily limited to the following:
• Daily keeper care of carnivore collection including nutritional, husbandry, and housing needs.
• Maintenance of animal facilities within the Carnivore Department.
• Enhance the conservation programs and educational opportunities through sound animal management practices.
• Ensure compliance with Employee Handbook, Risk Management Plan, safety rules and
procedures, and company vision, mission, values and goals.
• Progressive involvement and understanding of all carnivore programs.
• Progressive understanding of captive carnivore management “best practices”, especially regarding cheetah.
• Maintain a high standard of care for all animals and facilities on a day to day basis.
• Maintenance and routine cleaning of all carnivore areas.
• Assist with all medical/management procedures within the carnivore department.
• Keep accurate records and report to supervisor.
• Assist with training & oversight of Carnivore Intern Program.
• Implement/continue a training and enrichment program in conjunction with the Carnivore Supervisor.
• Assist Neonatal Care Program Supervisor as needed.
• Regular and dependable attendance is required.
• Be available for after-hours and weekend call out in emergencies.
• Able to lift and carry 50 pounds.
• Be able to bend over.
• Ability to spend up to 2/3 of the work day standing/walking.
• Ability to work outside all day in weather ranging from extreme heat +100 degrees to extreme cold, below freezing and in wet conditions.
• Ability to drive and/or operate small maintenance equipment e.g., chainsaw, weed trimmer, mower, hand tools, truck and lawn tractor.
• Ensure compliance with Employee Handbook, Risk Management Plan, all other safety rules & procedures, the company vision, mission and goals.
The secondary responsibilities of the Animal Care Specialist: Carnivores include but are not necessarily limited to the following:
• Some public speaking
• Carry out other duties and responsibilities as assigned
• Fill-in duties as assigned in other areas within the AC Department
• Assist with some animal management/medical procedures as needed outside of carnivore department.
• Ability to assist customers as needed
• Provide lecture opportunities both on and off site
• Assist with or implement some research initiatives as needed
• Assist with corporate functions
Education and Pre-requisites
Desired Qualities, Experience and Educational Skills:
• B.S. in biology, zoology, animal science, or a related field
• Two years of experience with non-domestic carnivores, preferably cheetah
• Carnivore training experience preferred
• Some maintenance experience preferred
• Interest in wildlife conservation
• Ability to work as a team member, or alone
• Ability to take instruction from multiple supervisors
• Self motivated
• Flexibility in daily schedule and expectations
• Creative thinking
Compensation and benefits
Benefits Offered:
Partially subsidized insurances (medical, dental, vision), subsidized life insurance, as well as 401K savings (after 3 months of service), through the Company’s programs for these, are applicable to this position. Compensatory time off, a length-of-service related leave system, and staff discounts at our Overlook Care and Nature Store are applicable as per the Employee Manual.
Salary to be discussed.
Application instructions
Please send Cover Letter, Résumé, 3 Letters of Reference and a Fossil Rim application form to humanresources@fossilrim.org or mail to HR Director, 2155 County Road 2008, Glen Rose, TX 76043. Application forms can be found on www.fossilrim.org.