Animal Care Specialist
Job Title: Animal Care Specialist
Department: Animal Care
Reports To: Animal Care Manager
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
This is a full-time position.
Starting rate $17.25
POSITION SUMMARY
The Animal Care Specialist is an integral part of the animal care team responsible for the care, welfare, and safety of the animal collection. Works closely with the Animal Health Department to ensure the highest quality care of the animal population.
This is a full-time position of 40 hours per week. Work days may vary and will include weekends and some holidays.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Animal Behavior and Health
· Observe animal behavior on a daily and long-term basis
· Note unusual behavior, signs of illness or injury, change of appetite or food consumption, change in compatibility towards group members
· Report changes to Animal Care Manager or Assistant Manager and Clinic staff
· Administer medication or other treatments as directed along with other Animal Care staff
· Capture, restrain and sedate animals as needed for moving, veterinary treatment, release, etc.
· Assist with veterinary procedures or in veterinary clinic as needed
· Along with other animal care staff, care for critical and baby animals and quarantine animals as needed
Animal Nutrition
· Prepare, store, and distribute food according to established protocols/diet amounts and types of food
· Monitor feeding habits and report changes or abnormalities
· Ensure food prep and food storage areas are kept in sanitary conditions
Enclosure Maintenance
· Clean animal enclosures, removing excrement, food remnants and other debris and noting unusual or unsafe conditions
· Perform routine maintenance as needed
· Note enclosure needs, reporting and ensuring safety concerns are addressed immediately
· Communicate needs to maintenance staff and ensure timely completion
Enrichment and Training
· Provide species specific enrichment for animal collection
· Use operant conditioning techniques for training of husbandry behaviors of permanent animal collection
Communications
· Communicate with animal care/clinic staff regarding new and ongoing animal needs
· Prepare daily report and send electronically to all SWCC staff. Report should include changes in animal condition, moves, diet changes, unusual behavior, etc.
Other duties - Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
QUALIFICATIONS:
· High school diploma or GED
· Must be willing and able to work evenings, weekends, holidays and extended days as needed
· Valid Drivers’ License. Must have and maintain a clean driving record.
· Must be able to pass a background check
Preferred Experience
Six months experience in animal care of a similar setting
EQUIPMENT USED:
· Standard animal care and cleaning tools
· Maintenance (golf) cart
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
· Must have current rabies and tetanus vaccination status or be willing to obtain
· Must be in good physical condition with the ability to lift 50 pounds
· Must be able to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions, especially heat
· Must be able to obtain valid Arizona driver’s license and provide own transportation
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
· The noise level in the work environment is minimal
· Requires contact with wild animals, including animal dander, excrement, blood and hair
· Employees will encounter pests such as snakes, insects, and rodents
APPLICATION PROCESS
Please complete the Employment Application on this site and forward it to HR@southwestwildlife.org. NOTE: You may also attach your resume but the application must be completed in full.
We will review your materials and contact you if we wish to consider you further. Thank you for your interest.
Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer
