Animal Care Assistant - Wild Kingdom Pavilion

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

2d•$15•Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Care Assistant in the Wild Kingdom Pavilion provides daily husbandry and behavioral management for all animals, with a strong emphasis on species that participate in interactive animal programming for zoo guests, daily exhibit and building maintenance in Wild Kingdom Pavilion. Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to, daily husbandry and care associated with feeding and cleaning animal enclosures. The Animal Care Assistant will observe and participate in animal behavior training. The Animal Care Assistant is expected to be capable of the presentation of a variety of animal species to zoo guests as needed for daily animal encounters, demonstrations, and stage shows. This position has a high level of guest and animal interaction.

Requirements

Basic knowledge of animal husbandry, operant conditioning, enrichment, welfare, and animal handling techniques for mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates, with a strong emphasis on species that participate in interactive animal programming for zoo guests.
Knowledge of a safe working environment for animals, employees, and guests.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to speak publicly to large and small groups.
Creative, positive, and self-motivated.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must possess or be able to obtain a valid state driver’s license.
Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Animal Science, Behavior or related field preferred.

Nice To Haves

Experience in an AZA accredited institution or related organization preferred.
Exotic/zoo animal husbandry experience preferred.
Operant conditioning and enrichment experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Execute all aspects of the daily care of assigned animals including cleaning, feeding, exhibit maintenance, general upkeep of support facilities.
Observe behavior of animals on both a day-to-day and long-term basis; notes any unusual behavior, signs of illness or injury, change in appetite, start of breeding cycle, or lack of compatibility with group members and reports same to the Supervisor.
Answer questions or give information regarding animals, zoo operations, and zoo exhibits to zoo guests; maintains crowd control when animals are loose or being moved; observes zoo guests to prevent malicious acts which could result in harm to zoo guests, or zoo animals or loss of zoo property.
Assist in the crating and uncrating of animals; catches and restrains as necessary; may assist in transfer between locations.
Maintains clean and organized exhibits, holding areas, service areas and equipment.
Prepare, store, and distribute food according to established feeding practices and diet sheets amounts; monitor feeding habits and report any changes or abnormalities; monitor food levels to assure sufficient quantities.
Administer prescribed medications, supplements, or treatments under the guidance of the veterinary and supervisory staff.
Maintain daily reports, logs, training and enrichment records, research, or veterinary records, as appropriate and according to established guidelines; requires basic skills with Microsoft Office software.
Understand and apply a practical understanding of operant conditioning as it relates to the daily management of species under their care.
Understands and apply the basic principles of animal enrichment as part of the daily management of species under their care.
As appropriate, maintains live exhibit plantings to enhance exhibit aesthetics; eliminates weeds and toxic plants from animal enclosures.
In conjunction with the Zoo’s IPM Specialist, may assist in pest management through the use of exclusion or traps.
Identify potential maintenance or safety issues and reports them to the Supervisor.
Participate in presentations of animals to zoo guests in formal and informal settings. This includes animal encounters and stage shows.
Maintain a safe environment for all employees, animals, and guests. This includes following zoo two keeper policies, personal protective equipment, and equipment operation. Also follow OSHA standards regarding workplace safety.
Exhibit good teamwork and communication skills both verbal and written within the home team and when working with other teams or departments.
Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
Interact professionally with other employees, zoo guests, and external contractors.
Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.