Kansas City Zoo
Animal Care Specialist - Water's Edge Team (Full Time)
Kansas City Zoo, Kansas City, Missouri, United States, 64101
Overview
ANIMAL CARE SPECIALIST - WATER'S EDGE TEAM (FULL TIME) DEPARTMENT
Animal Care CLASSIFICATION
Non-Exempt REPORTS TO
Animal Care Manager STARTING PAY
$17.50/Hour Position Description:
The Animal Care Specialist is responsible for performing routine work assignments involving the daily care and welfare of animals within their area. This position also performs daily maintenance of animal habitats and holding areas, as well as interacts with the public to provide information related to the Zoo & Aquarium’s animal collection. This position will work with the Water's Edge Team, which is responsible for the daily husbandry of polar bears, California sea lions, southern sea otters, North American river otters, five species of penguins (King, Gentoo, Chinstrap, Macaroni, Humboldt) and trumpeter swans.
Responsibilities
Preparing diets and delivering animal feedings; 40% of duties
Administering medications and assisting with various animal health procedures
Observing, logging, and reporting issues concerning animal behavior, health, and welfare
Training animals for basic husbandry behaviors
Creating and implementing various enrichment items/strategies
Completes daily maintenance of exhibits and holding areas, including:
Cleaning habitats, holding areas, and staff areas
Performing minor repairs and improvements
Reporting maintenance issues and potential safety hazards to appropriate manager
Lawn and other horticultural maintenance within habitats
Maintains daily reports and other required records
Interacts with Zoo & Aquarium guests and the public, including:
Performing various animal chats and animal presentations, as well as assisting with special events related to assigned area
Engaging with visitors to answer questions about the Zoo & Aquarium and animals
*This position may at times be requested to perform other duties or special projects as assigned, which are in the best interest of the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. Additionally, specific duties and percentages may vary slightly between each Animal Care Team.
*All employees must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily and, upon request, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.
Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION & FORMAL TRAINING:
Bachelor’s degree in biology, animal science, zoology, or related field preferred
Applicable experience can be substituted in place of formal education on a year-for-year basis for candidates not currently holding a degree
EXPERIENCE:
Previous hands-on experience with the care and management of similar species strongly preferred
Knowledge of animal husbandry, behavior, procedures for proper care, and training of exotic animals
Strong observational skills to recognize and evaluate conditions of animal health, diets, and behavior
Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, required
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions, including procedures for care and maintenance of animals, habitats, service and holding areas
Strong verbal and written communication skills
OTHER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Must have or be willing to obtain a SCUBA certification within six months of hire
Open Water SCUBA certification from an internationally recognized certifying agency is preferred
Must pass AAUS-compliant dive physical and swim test within six months of hire
Dive tasks require manual dexterity and ability to safely use tools and operate equipment
Must be willing to dive in cold temperatures and in the presence of animals (sharks, penguins, venomous fish)
Must have valid driver’s license
Must have or be able to obtain negative TB test
Must be able to lift 50 pounds and have sufficient mobility to ensure a safe work environment
Must be able to stand for extended periods of time
Must be able to manage stress, endure high risk situations when feeding, transferring, or restraining animals, and make immediate decisions concerning safety
Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and evening hours, in all weather extremes
Must pass a background and drug screening
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ANIMAL CARE SPECIALIST - WATER'S EDGE TEAM (FULL TIME) DEPARTMENT
Animal Care CLASSIFICATION
Non-Exempt REPORTS TO
Animal Care Manager STARTING PAY
$17.50/Hour Position Description:
The Animal Care Specialist is responsible for performing routine work assignments involving the daily care and welfare of animals within their area. This position also performs daily maintenance of animal habitats and holding areas, as well as interacts with the public to provide information related to the Zoo & Aquarium’s animal collection. This position will work with the Water's Edge Team, which is responsible for the daily husbandry of polar bears, California sea lions, southern sea otters, North American river otters, five species of penguins (King, Gentoo, Chinstrap, Macaroni, Humboldt) and trumpeter swans.
Responsibilities
Preparing diets and delivering animal feedings; 40% of duties
Administering medications and assisting with various animal health procedures
Observing, logging, and reporting issues concerning animal behavior, health, and welfare
Training animals for basic husbandry behaviors
Creating and implementing various enrichment items/strategies
Completes daily maintenance of exhibits and holding areas, including:
Cleaning habitats, holding areas, and staff areas
Performing minor repairs and improvements
Reporting maintenance issues and potential safety hazards to appropriate manager
Lawn and other horticultural maintenance within habitats
Maintains daily reports and other required records
Interacts with Zoo & Aquarium guests and the public, including:
Performing various animal chats and animal presentations, as well as assisting with special events related to assigned area
Engaging with visitors to answer questions about the Zoo & Aquarium and animals
*This position may at times be requested to perform other duties or special projects as assigned, which are in the best interest of the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. Additionally, specific duties and percentages may vary slightly between each Animal Care Team.
*All employees must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily and, upon request, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.
Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION & FORMAL TRAINING:
Bachelor’s degree in biology, animal science, zoology, or related field preferred
Applicable experience can be substituted in place of formal education on a year-for-year basis for candidates not currently holding a degree
EXPERIENCE:
Previous hands-on experience with the care and management of similar species strongly preferred
Knowledge of animal husbandry, behavior, procedures for proper care, and training of exotic animals
Strong observational skills to recognize and evaluate conditions of animal health, diets, and behavior
Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, required
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions, including procedures for care and maintenance of animals, habitats, service and holding areas
Strong verbal and written communication skills
OTHER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Must have or be willing to obtain a SCUBA certification within six months of hire
Open Water SCUBA certification from an internationally recognized certifying agency is preferred
Must pass AAUS-compliant dive physical and swim test within six months of hire
Dive tasks require manual dexterity and ability to safely use tools and operate equipment
Must be willing to dive in cold temperatures and in the presence of animals (sharks, penguins, venomous fish)
Must have valid driver’s license
Must have or be able to obtain negative TB test
Must be able to lift 50 pounds and have sufficient mobility to ensure a safe work environment
Must be able to stand for extended periods of time
Must be able to manage stress, endure high risk situations when feeding, transferring, or restraining animals, and make immediate decisions concerning safety
Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and evening hours, in all weather extremes
Must pass a background and drug screening
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