Facility
Children’s Fairyland
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Children’s Fairyland has an opening for a full time Animal Caregiver to manage our animal department. We are looking for a person with strong knowledge and experience with large animals who also enjoys caring for and working with small animals. This is a fast paced and detailed position. The candidate must be able to simultaneously handle the multiple duties of caring for a variety of different animals and their individual needs, have the ability to maintain and stay on a strict schedule, and must be flexible. Ability to work under pressure and deadlines is required. Children’s Fairyland is a certified wildlife habitat and strict USDA guidelines must be followed.
Education and Pre-requisites
RESPONSIBILITIES: Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Under the direction of the Operations Manager fully manage the animal department with its wide array of small and large animals.
• Supervises the part time animal caregiver along with volunteers who are chosen to work in the animal department.
• Initiates and coordinates special animal events throughout the year together with collaborative work in outreach, schools, summer camp, field trips and special days and occasions where children have a chance to interact directly with the animals.
• Interacts with children one-on-one and in groups
• Maintains relationships with other animal groups and entities
• Responsible for meeting all requirements of the USDA and other government regulating agencies
• Responsible for working with approved veterinarians, sheep shearers, and farriers to make sure all best practices are followed.
• Knowledge of healthy animal nutrition, housing, and care for each animal. Must feed animals according to prescribed dietary guidelines and stay up to date on current animal husbandry.
• Knowledge and ability to perform basic veterinary health and safety methods such as worming, first aid, inoculations, medication and grooming
• Duties include planning, record keeping.
• Groom animals on a regular basis
• Must nurture animals, socialize and exercise the animals.
• Interaction with customers: Talk with interested customers about animals, their species, habitat and eating patterns. When displaying small animals, let children pet and talk to them
• Able to assess the health, well-being and behavior of all our animals
• Ensure a safe and happy environment for all Fairyland animals at all times: Their safety is our number one priority.
• Expect to work with large animals (i.e. miniature donkeys, sheep and goats) as well as smaller animals (i.e. ducks, rabbits and guinea pigs). Occasionally you will work with local wildlife
• Must be available evenings, weekends and holidays as required.
• Other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS: Must be contagiously passionate about animals and be willing and able to learn. Applicant must be comfortable working with groups of children. Must be reliable, punctual and have a positive attitude and be a team player. Must be willing to expand and grow with the department.
An ideal candidate would have at least two (2) years’ experience with animal husbandry and managerial skills.
Job requires lifting and moving of 50 pounds or more. Must be able to physically control and restrain large animals. While performing the duties of this job, the manager is regularly required to walk, climb fences, balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. This job is physically demanding. You will be on your feet all day, in all kinds of weather. Applicant must possess a valid driver’s license and a car.
Compensation and benefits
Not specified.
Application instructions
Please visit our website at www.fairyland.org to apply directly online or email your resume and cover letter to the Park Manager at park-mgr@fairyland.org.