Animal Attendant

The University of Texas at Austin•Port Aransas, TX

5d•$15•Onsite

About The Position

To assist in caring for sea turtles, marine birds, and birds of prey at the Amos Rehabilitation Keep (ARK) at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute (MSI). Responsibilities include feeding the animals, cleaning their enclosures and tanks, record keeping, and rescuing or receiving animals when necessary. Animal Attendants work directly with the ARK’s Coordinator and other ARK staff to provide daily care and rehabilitation for a variety of injured or orphaned species, following established protocols and treatment plans under the supervision of the ARK Coordinator or veterinarians.

Requirements

High school graduation or GED.
A year of experience in care and handling of animals in a rehabilitation or veterinary setting. Experience substitutes for the AMOUNT of experience needed. However, the KIND of experience is required.
Ability to handle and restrain wildlife safely and effectively.
Strong observational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
This job requires a class “C” operator’s driver’s license. The applicant selected must provide a current three year driving record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver’s license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident.
Employees who are required to have a CDL are subject to drug and alcohol testing (pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, random, return-to-duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing).

Nice To Haves

Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT), Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT), Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) or comparable certification.
Experience capturing and caring for wild animals that are injured or abandoned, especially birds and sea turtles.
Knowledge of wildlife species native to the region and their habitats.
Experience with animal behavior observation and enrichment techniques.
Knowledge of local and federal wildlife regulations and permits.

Responsibilities

Attend to daily care and rehabilitation needs for resident animals and animals brought to the ARK for rehabilitation, including taking measurements and weights as required.
Follow established protocols and treatment plans under the supervision of the ARK coordinator or veterinarians.
Administer medications and treatments as prescribed.
Prepare diets and ensure proper nutrition, adhering to specific dietary requirements.
Maintain clean and sanitary conditions in animal enclosures and rehabilitation facilities.
Perform initial physical examinations and diagnostics to determine and evaluate health condition of wildlife at the time of admission.
Assist with medical procedures and surgeries as needed.
Maintain records for all animals handled at the ARK into logs, including admittance data, general observational data, transfers, release data, and outcome.
Maintain treatment files for all animals receiving care at the ARK.
Clean and maintain ARK equipment and facilities such as vehicles, pumps, filters, tanks, enclosures, scales, tools, work surfaces, etc.
Monitor and supervise daily ARK volunteer activity, provide needed tasks to volunteers, and delegate accordingly.
Communicate effectively and professionally with co-workers, management, volunteers, and the public at all times.
Answer and document telephone inquiries about rescues, refer calls to supervisor as needed.
Participate in educational and outreach events and programming, and public releases as needed.
Assist with the development of outreach and social media content on ARK patients and happenings at the ARK.
Other related functions as needed.