Facility

Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation

Closing Date

Description

Seasonal Position 1: End of March/April 2018 thru November 4, 2018
Seasonal Position 2: Mid May thru mid August 2018

Objective:
Seasonal Animal Habitat Keepers provide care and upkeep for American Black Bears, Cougars, North American River Otters, Elk, Bald Eagles and a variety of educational animals. An ideal candidate will be self-motivated, have an appreciation and respect for animals, possess domestic and/or exotic animal experience and have some knowledge of the species listed above. They must be physically capable of performing a variety of habitat maintenance, willing to follow policies and procedures closely, able to work independently and as part of a team and possess good public speaking and customer service skills. A Seasonal Animal Habitat Keeper must also be able to carry heavy supplies or equipment on uneven terrain, recognize changes in an animal’s behavior, and assist in regular upkeep of all buildings, holding areas and animal habitats. The candidate must be able to work weekends and holidays, during emergencies, work closely with other employees, volunteers, and general public and work a flexible schedule. School schedules can be worked around in the spring and the fall.

Major Duties:
• General feeding and cleaning up after animals
• Weed-eating, raking and hauling debris
• Pond cleaning
• Habitat maintenance such as hauling concrete
• Leading Behind the Scenes Tours and Keeper Talks
• Patrolling habitat paths to answer questions and ensure visitors are acting in a safe manner
• Helping organize and implement events
• Behavior and health observation including minor veterinary care

Education and Pre-requisites

Qualifications:
• Possessing or working towards a degree in Biology or related field
• Domestic and/or exotic animal experience
• Capable of strictly following policies and procedures
• Physically capable of doing habitat maintenance and able to lift 50 pounds
• Public speaking ability
• Able to communicate well with children and adults of all ages
• Capable of learning species and resident animal information
• Possessing or willing to acquire certification in First Aid and CPR
• Ability to take initiative and work independently or as a team
• Experience leading programs or tours or the ability to learn

Compensation and benefits

Not specified.

Application instructions

*Interviews for these positions are typically conducted mid – late February. Please send your application packet by mail or e-mail. Applications will be reviewed until positions are filled, but incomplete applications will not be considered. If you have any questions please contact Christie Tipton (Animal Habitats Curator) or Emma Noto (Animal Habitats Assistant Curator) at 828-733-8715 or via e-mail at habitats@grandfather.com.

This application can be e-mailed to habitats@grandfather.com or mailed to the address below.
Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation; Attn: Animal Habitats
P.O. Box 129
Linville, NC 28646