Facility

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Closing Date

Description

Overview

The Herpetology, Ichthyology and Invertebrate Zoology (HIIZ) Department at Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (ASDM) is looking for an enthusiastic, creative, and collaborative individual to join our amazing team of Keepers. The applicant must have knowledge and experience in husbandry specific to Ichthyology. The focus of this position is with marine animals in the Warden Aquarium and adjacent animal reserve areas. Knowledge and experience with saltwater systems (life support, water quality, and animal husbandry) in a professional animal care facility are required. This position is responsible for providing aquatic animal care and enrichment, monitoring animal health, working with department volunteers and interns, as well as maintaining orderliness of departmental areas. This position also serves as back-up support for other HIIZ keepers’ service areas. This may include the care of reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Some knowledge of the aforementioned terrestrial animals is desirable. Creativity within the theme of the Warden Aquarium as it relates to benthic and pelagic zones is encouraged!
The candidate must be comfortable with developing and offering public presentations in a variety of settings. Knowledge of the Sonoran Desert region is desirable but not required. The successful candidate will be expected to continue to seek and acquire education/knowledge in related areas. The candidate must be a quick learner and self-motivating, requiring little supervision. Must be team oriented and have a demonstrated history of being courteous, sensitive and respectful.
The qualified candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field. A minimum of three years’ paid experience with marine aquatic husbandry, marine fish, and life support systems in a professional animal care facility (preferably an AZA accredited institution) is required for this position. A combination of education and applicable experience may also be considered. Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. Must be available to work weekends and holidays, in addition to occasional evenings/nights as required to meet ASDM’s operational needs. Satisfactory driving record and valid Arizona Driver’s License (or ability to obtain) required.

Position Summary
Ensures animal welfare and institutional support by performing the duties below.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following; other duties will be assigned:
• Prepares food for charges by chopping or grinding meat, fish, fruit, or vegetables; mixing prepared, dry, or liquid commercial feeds, or unbaling forage grasses per department practices and protocols
• Cleans and fills water containers and places food in enclosures per department practices and protocols
• Adds vitamins, medications or supplements to food or water as prescribed by ASDM’s Veterinarian
• Observes animals to detect illnesses or injuries and notifies Curator or ASDM’s Veterinarians of findings. Will promptly notify Curator or veterinary team of issues and concerns
• Assists ASDM’s Veterinarians and Veterinary Technician in treatment of animals for illnesses and injuries
• Will perform injection of prescribed medications after appropriate training from ASDM veterinary staff
• Cleans and disinfects animals’ quarters per department practices and protocols
• Will assist with developing desired animal behaviors per department practices and protocols
• Will be involved in the training of co-workers
• Will be involved with the training, management and certification of volunteers
• Under curatorial direction, transfers Collection animals from one location or enclosure to another for purposes such as rearrangement of exhibits, veterinary needs, or programs
• Sets temperature and humidity controls of quarters as specified per department practices and protocols
• Answers visitor questions concerning animal habits, conservation, or museum operations
• Participates in educational activities as required, (i.e., Docent classes, ADC, Art Institute, media)
• Assists other collection departments, maintenance, and exhibits staff when required
• May assist in the collection of specimens and exhibit materials per ASDM guidelines
• Will provide and create approved environmental enrichment, following AZA guidelines and per department practices and protocols
• Will participate in formal presentations at ASDM or off-site, (i.e., Keeper talks, theater programs, behind-the-scenes tours)
• Will complete on-line annual training as required

Supervisory Responsibilities
There are no staff supervisory responsibilities associated with this position. However, this position may supervise and/or provide direction to volunteers assisting with Keeper duties

Education and Pre-requisites

Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience
Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three years’ experience in a related field (preferably paid) at an AZA-accredited facility desirable; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Language Skills
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.

Other Skills and Abilities
• Knowledge of the Sonoran Desert region highly desirable.
• Knowledge of zoo facilities and operations desirable.
• Knowledge of natural history, safe animal capture and handling, husbandry, and ecosystems required.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
• Valid Arizona Driver’s License or ability to obtain
• Satisfactory 39-month DMV report

Other Qualifications
Must be able to work holidays and weekends. Must demonstrate schedule flexibility according to department needs.

Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is often quiet, but hearing protection is occasionally required. Other personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required as directed.

Compensation and benefits

First Step is currently: $15.16/hour with annual step increases as set forth in the Union contract.

This is a regular status, full-time/non-exempt position that is eligible for benefits. Current benefits include ASDM paid life insurance and long-term disability plans. On a shared premium basis: PPO medical with HRA and a choice of two dental plans, an optional vision plan, additional voluntary life insurance, optional short-term disability, and 403(b) retirement plan.

Application instructions

Applications are accepted for open positions and must be completed and submitted online. To apply please go to:
https://www.appone.com/MainInfoReq.asp?R_ID=2407265

More information about the application process, our current employment opportunities, and volunteer positions is available at:
http://www.desertmuseum.org/about/workopt.php

The Museum is a drug and alcohol free workplace and participates in E-Verify. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.