Facility
San Antonio Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
As an Animal Care Specialist in the Aviculture Department, will be responsible for all aspects of daily animal care, maintenance of exhibits and plants, data collection, and documents. Knowledge and/or experience with husbandry for a diverse group of bird species is required. You will work involves an amount of independent action with less immediate leadership given after expertise is acquired.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Daily Care
General husbandry and daily care of assigned animals/birds, including preparing and distributing approved animal/birds diets.
Inspect, clean, and maintain both exhibit and off-exhibit areas.
Demonstrate critical thinking skills and the ability to maintain, train, and troubleshoot complex animal/birds behavior daily.
Maintain detailed daily records on assigned animals/birds.
Knowledge of safety SOP, safety concerns, and reporting protocols.
Demonstrate the ability to assist other team members with their animal-related goals and challenges.
All work must perform the following industry best practices, safety protocols, standards, and guidelines established by San Antonio Zoo, governing agencies, and regulatory/accrediting bodies.
Upholds all company policies as outlined in the Standard Operating Procedures, Team Member Handbook, and Code of Business Conduct.
Consistently exhibit an attitude of service inside and outside of the Zoo, showing hospitality to all.
Be fully committed to the mission of San Antonio Zoo to create awareness that inspires action to care for the wild world we steward and animals we protect.
Behavioral Observations
Increase the behavioral repertoire of all assigned animals.
Continually observe and evaluate animal behavior and conditions for animals in the department and report any problems to the appropriate manager.
Maintain detailed daily records on assigned animals.
Safety
Ability to exercise sound judgment in analyzing animal/birds behavior concerns or emergencies, and to respond with the appropriate action
Ability to work safely around delicate, wild, unpredictable, and potentially dangerous animals/birds.
For the safety of our internal and external guests, you must secure animals/birds, their enclosures, and other associated structures.
Animal Enrichment
Propose and perform species-specific enrichment.
Understanding of principles and application of operant conditioning training for advanced husbandry behaviors and public demonstrations
Collaboration
Assist veterinary staff in the treatment of the collection of animals/birds.
Act as a liaison between vet staff, leadership, and the aviculture team.
Assist in animal/birds procedures including, but not limited to, translocations, veterinary practices, and crating.
Participate in or assist with the capture and restraint of a variety of taxa, including dangerous species—guide fellow team members in safety practices, improved techniques, and procedures for handling or restraining animals.
Creating Community
Engage with the Zoo guests at staff, VIP’s, team members, and docents.
Promote active guest engagement through interaction formal and informal discussions, during special events and as otherwise assigned.
Staff Management and Development
Study-specific reference materials pertinent to animal care, behavior, and natural history as assigned.
Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relations with fellow employees.
Other Responsibilities
Performs other work-related duties as required and assigned.
Education and Pre-requisites
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
Associate degree or higher in wildlife management, animal science, zoology, biology, or related field preferred—May substitute schooling for additional training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Knowledge of avian behavior and biology is preferred.
Ability to handle, examine, and transfer eggs safely.
Effective written and verbal communication skills preferred.
Responsible for completing all online training courses by assigned deadlines.
Must be 18 years of age or older with a clean driving record for vehicle operation.
This position requires a valid Class ‘C’ Texas Driver’s License or a valid driver’s license from another state with the ability to obtain a Class “C” Texas Driver’s License within 45 days of employment.
Successful candidates must complete a pre-employment drug screening and background check.
Must be able to work in varying climate and weather conditions (rain, snow, hot, or cold).
We enjoy year-round operation for all staff, must be available day, nights, weekends, and occasional special after-hour assignments.
Compensation and benefits
Full-Time $15.50/hr
Paid time off (vacation), medical/dental/vision insurance, 403b profit sharing.
Application instructions
Apply directly by following this link:
https://recruiting2.ultipro.com/SAN1017SAZOO/JobBoard/8f058389-cc0d-412a-bc68-fec93e7ec886/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=f816b42e-1ff3-4490-806e-61a2e047b63f