Facility

California Science Center Foundation

Closing Date

Description

Are you looking to work in a fun, teamwork-oriented environment that encourages a positive work/life balance? Do you thrive on performing a variety of job duties that support animal husbandry and welfare and a team environment? If you would love to work in an animal focused environment that encourages curiosity and inspires science learning by creating fun, memorable experiences then the Living Collections department at the California Science Center may the perfect workplace for you.

Work Week (subject to change): Sunday through Thursday (off Friday and Saturday)
Shift (subject to change): Flexible start time varying between 6:30am and 7:00am

The Senior Keeper performs in all routines of the Terrestrial department within Living Collections. These include the Desert Zone, Island Zone, World of Life, Discovery Rooms, Rot Room, and all terrestrial back of house and animal ambassador areas. Each of these areas consists of a wide variety of species. For example, within the Desert routine, keepers care for desert organisms including a desert tortoise, velvet ants, a Gila monster, chuckwallas, long-legged ants, and a turkey vulture, among others. In the Discovery Rooms, keepers care for a red-tailed boa, a military macaw, domestic rats, a prehensile tailed skink, scorpions, and a Kenyan sand boa, just to name a few. The other areas are similar in the diverse number of species they exhibit.

The Senior Keeper, under the supervision of the Husbandry Manager, is primarily responsible for providing top-notch husbandry to the terrestrial animals, including daily observations of dietary and behavioral habits, cleaning and maintaining assigned exhibit and holding areas, and keeping accurate and up-to-date records. The Senior Keeper uses independent judgment and critical thinking to problem solve when necessary, while understanding that an individual animal’s ability to exert meaningful choice and control is central to excellent welfare. The Senior Keeper participates in and directs meaningful and educational guest experiences through animal ambassador programs. The Senior Keeper is also responsible for the daily oversight of assigned areas, ensuring that related projects are progressing, and leading the daily activities of Keepers while serving as a role model. The Senior Keeper practices supervisory skills by modeling positive, example-setting behavior while demonstrating a commitment to reaching the goals and objectives of the department and mission of the California Science Center Foundation.

Education and Pre-requisites

Major Job Responsibilities:
Works collaboratively with Husbandry Manager to meet or exceed the highest standards of animal care to fulfill these major job responsibilities.
Responsible for the daily husbandry of terrestrial collections which include reptiles, amphibians, mammals, birds, and invertebrates.
Daily duties include but are not limited to: cleaning animal and keeper work areas, prepping and feeding food, carrying out animal training sessions, treating any injured/diseased individuals as necessary, making observations and recognizing abnormal animal behavior/appearance, acting upon/reporting such observations in a timely manner, and completing all necessary records and paperwork thoroughly.
Develop and maintain animal ambassador programs throughout the California Science Center as part of our goal to stimulate curiosity and inspire science learning by creating fun and memorable experiences.
Contributes to the strategic goals of the Living Collections department by promoting, supporting, and engaging in a positive, fun, and compassionate working environment.
Works independently as well as collaboratively with a team on daily routines and special projects.
Ensures the workspace, tools, and equipment are clean, organized, and functioning properly.
May assist in veterinary procedures as necessary.
Practices good judgment in decision-making as related to animal care, emergency situations, and projects, particularly in the Husbandry Manager’s absence.
May provide care and husbandry of other living collections as needed, including aquatic animals.
Adheres to and abides by Federal, State, and local agency laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances, as well as AZA standards.
Assists with acquiring specimens through organization of trades/loans/purchases with other zoological institutions, suppliers, and when required by participation in collecting trips.
Assists with procurement of supplies and equipment.

Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology or related field required or equivalent experience.
3+ years progressive levels of responsibility providing daily husbandry to terrestrial animals, preferably at an AZA accredited institution. 1+ years of experience training/supervising others highly preferred.
Specific knowledge of the herpetological and invertebrate life of the Sonoran Desert and tropical ecosystems highly desirable.
Experience with animal ambassador programming.
Knowledge of modern principles of animal care and welfare, including behavioral enrichment, exhibitory, nutrition, disease, transport, and training; strong operant conditioning skills a plus.
Demonstrated working knowledge of planning and acquisition of species and specimens, including setting up enclosures, quarantine procedures, etc.
Must possess strong observational skills to ensure animal health and safety.
Must possess sound judgment and ability to use common sense for effective decision-making.
Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds, kneel, bend, crouch, squat, and stand for extended periods of time.
Ability to work effectively in wet conditions, mostly indoors but with the potential for outdoors as well.
Knowledge of safe animal handling practices and maintaining a safe working environment.
Working knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances as applicable to possessing native and exotic wild animals, as well as AZA standards guiding animal care protocols.
Strong computer (MS Office programs such as Excel, Word, and Outlook) and organizational skills. Experience with Tracks record-keeping system highly preferred.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated leadership ability; experience mentoring others preferred.
Ability to work independently as well as leading a team.
Ability to work a flexible schedule that includes weekends and holidays as required.

Compensation and benefits

$20.40-22.00 an hour. California Science Center Foundation employees receive excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement package; free science center membership, group term life insurance, and 11 paid holidays.

Application instructions

Send Cover Letter, Resume, Salary Target and Job Application to the HR Dept. via fax at 213-744-2673, email to HR@cscmail.org, or mail to the California Science Center Foundation, H. R. Dept, 700 Exposition Park Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90037. Only applications that include a cover letter, resume, salary target and completed job application will be considered. No phone calls please. EOE.