Animal Care Assistant

Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

As part of the OdySea Aquarium team, this position requires a dedicated individual who will take direction from the area senior, Curator, Director, or General Manager in carrying out all aspects of animal husbandry, exhibit maintenance and holding area management for the assigned aquatic collection, as well as other related projects and programs. This includes all aspects of animal husbandry, exhibit maintenance, and holding area management. Responsibilities will also include maintaining organized written records pertaining to animal health, feeding, and behavioral observations. Fostering a positive work team atmosphere, attention to animal health, exhibit excellence and visitor experience are the driving priorities in accomplishing the goals of this position.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• As a member of the Animal Care & Conservation team, inspire and lead by example by being patient, kind, humble, respectful, selfless, forgiving, honest, and committed when interacting with one another and guests. 
• Acts in a supportive role for Animal Care Specialists
• Assists in executing excellent animal care and management in assigned area through regular feedings, water quality monitoring, administering treatments, exhibit maintenance, developing husbandry and veterinary behavioral training programs and environmental enrichment programs as directed by the area senior and curator.
• Complete appropriate records pertaining to the health and behavior of animals are kept, including daily care, treatment administration, behavioral training, acquisition/disposition, and enrichment activities.
• Carries out a training program directed toward public demonstrations, conservation, and education that is presented on a regular basis. 
• Cooperates with Director of Animal Health and Animal Health department in carrying out medical procedures and prescribed protocols in assigned areas. Participate in preparing for involved medical procedures.
• Keeps work area clean and organized and reports atypical animal behavior, exhibit status, or mechanical issues to supervisors in a timely manner. 
• Take active role in educating guests with species information and conservation messaging. Upholds standards of excellence in guest experience. Participate in education, public relations, and membership programs including facility tours and lectures.
• Research and suggest upgrades, enhancements, and changes to exhibit systems, record keeping, animal care, staff development, content messaging, conservation initiatives and guest experience as needed to the curator.
• Cross-trains with other staff within the animal care and animal health services teams. 
• Comply with safety and security directives, policies and procedures. 
• Performs other related duties as assigned. 

Requirements

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree in biology or related field is preferred or currently working towards a degree.
• Strong desire to work in a team environment as part of a professional animal care, education and conservation facility 
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team in a constantly changing environment as well as individually, with a minimum of supervision. 
• A valid driver’s license with a good driving record. 
• Ability to work a flexible schedule which may include evenings and/or weekends and holidays. 
• Ability to respond to emergencies on an on-call basis. 
• Certification from a recognized SCUBA training organization preferred 

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work a flexible schedule which may include evenings and/or weekends and holidays.
• Ability to respond to emergencies on an on-call basis.
• Successful completion of all pre-employment screening, including SCUBA dive physical.
• In good health and capable of performing strenuous and/or heavy physical labor.
• No history of allergy related to animals or plants, which might interfere with ability to work.
• Employee must be able to occasionally lift or move, carry, push, or pull up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time, as well as walk.
• Ability to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb stairs, or crawl.
• Required to frequently talk and hear. 
• No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance and agility of movement which might interfere with ability to work.
• Must be able to take directional cues directly or indirectly.
• Ability to work in an environment that may be loud at times.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions, including occasional extreme hot or cold, and wet and/or humid conditions.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.