Facility
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
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 centers around conservation efforts associated with native Sonoran Desert fresh water fishes, and the life support reserve areas associated with them. Knowledge and experience with aquatic 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 cross-training includes the husbandry of reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Some knowledge and experience of the aforementioned terrestrial animals is desirable.
The candidate must be comfortable with developing and offering public presentations in a variety of settings, as well as working with state and federal agencies through the department Curator. Knowledge of the Sonoran Desert region is desirable but not required. The successful candidate will be expected to continue to seek and acquire historic and current 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 aquatic fish husbandry 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
Compensation:
First Step is currently: $15.24/hour with annual step increases as set forth in the Union contract.
Benefits
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, supplementary/voluntary life insurance, optional short-term disability, and 403(b) retirement plan with Roth option.
About The Museum
Founded in 1952, the Museum is a non-profit institution dedicated to conservation and research of the Sonoran Desert region while continuing its on-gong mission to inspire people to live in harmony with the natural world by fostering love, appreciation, and understanding of the Sonoran Desert. It is a fusion experience zoo, botanical garden, art gallery, natural history museum, aquarium, and research institute. Unlike most museums, about 85% of the experience is outdoors. Within the 21 interpreted acres and along the 2 miles of walking paths through various desert habitats there are more than 230 animal species and 1,200 kinds of plants. The Desert Museum is ranked on TripAdvisor.com as one of the Top 10 Museums in the country and the #1 Tucson attraction.
Application instructions
Applications are accepted for open positions and must be completed online. To apply please go to:
https://www.appone.com/MainInfoReq.asp?R_ID=2738203
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.