Animal Care Assistant - Butterflies and Insects

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium•Omaha, NE

11d•$15•Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Care Assistant of Butterflies and Insects provides assistance to keeper staff including the daily care and management of insects, arachnids, myriapods, birds and horticulture. This position is responsible for basic animal care, including environmental enrichment, general maintenance of exhibits, and observation of the animals in the Berniece Grewcock Butterfly & Insect Pavilion. Additional duties include guest interaction through keeper presentations and behind the scenes tours. Staff are responsible for maintaining a safe work environment for self, fellow employees, guests and the animal collection. The staff at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo strives to foster an environment of open communication and collaboration concerning, but not limited to the following discussion points: research, observations, behavior management, husbandry, diets, training, and the acquisition and disposition of species. There may be taxa specific duties that include working knowledge of life support, water chemistry, incubation techniques, etc. The Animal Care Assistant follows all requirements for the USDA APHIS PPQ Facility to ensure that non-native insects stay with the plant pest quarantine areas and waste is treated appropriately before disposal.

Requirements

Require strong communication and organizational skills with high attention to detail and the ability to prioritize and multi-task.
Knowledge of a safe working environment for animal collection, employees and visitors.
Ability to work within strict guidelines and PPQ standards.
Ability to work independently and as a team.
Must possess interest in invertebrates, birds and horticulture.
Has a basic understanding of the animals under their care. Natural history, anatomy, behavior, and parameters.
Must be able to follow simple recipes for diet preparation.
Must be able to work with potentially dangerous animals in a controlled environment, using appropriate safe methods.
Ability to speak publicly to large and small groups.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Valid driver’s license is required.
High school diploma or equivalent required.

Nice To Haves

A successful candidate is likely to have some college courses in biology, animal science, or a related biological field.

Responsibilities

Entry level position to learn from assist keepers with daily husbandry of terrestrial invertebrates and birds, horticulture, cleaning, feeding, animal enrichment, observations, record keeping, routine animal medications, exhibit maintenance and general upkeep of support facilities.
Daily horticultural duties that include watering, planting, and pruning.
Must maintain all USDA and AZA standards at all times.
Basic understanding of the principles of entomology.
Understanding of professional animal care and welfare standards.
Pest control for ants and roaches without endangerment of the invertebrate collection.
Maintain the functions of USDA APHIS PPQ Facility including some life support systems.
Public speaking for keeper chats and behind the scenes tours.
Actively participate in zoo-based conservation breeding and field conservation projects.
Work with interns, volunteers, and students.
Communication through verbal and written methods.