Animal Care Coordinator

Herschend • Bartlett, NH

42d

About The Position

Our story began 75 years ago when the Herschend family discovered wonder deep in an Ozark Mountain cave—and chose to share it with the world. Today, Herschend is the largest family-held themed attractions company, with 49 leading attractions and immersive experiences that reach audiences worldwide. While each brand offers something unique, all are united by a shared purpose: Bringing Families Closer Together by Creating Memories Worth Repeating®. Our passionate hosts make this purpose possible through everyday acts of love and service—what we call Heartspitality®—the intersection of heart and hospitality. As an equal-opportunity employer, we strive to provide environments where every host, guest, and partner feel welcome, valued, and loved. We firmly believe that words and actions matter, which is why all individuals are to be treated equally and with respect. You will be responsible for coordinating the daily functions of animal care staff, and overseeing the welfare of the entire animal collection, including reptiles & aquatics, in accordance with company policies and guidelines that adhere to the safety standards and welfare procedures for both animals and staff. You will serve as the animal care department’s point person to ensure all daily, weekly & monthly tasks are completed regarding husbandry, animal diets, and area cleanliness. We are currently looking for a: Animal Care Coordinator Roles & Responsibilities: Roles & Responsibilities Coordinate weekly animal care staff schedules ensuring adequate coverage for both operational days & budgeted closed days, and delegate animal care staff’s task schedule in collaboration with Aquatics & Aquarium Facilities Manager & Aquarium Director Oversee the procedures and inventory of all animal diets; coordinate feeding schedules including with Education Coordinator for guest presentations, keep stock of perishable items in the fridge, freezer, & all consumables, and aid in weekly re-orders or produce and invertebrates Design and execute species safe enrichment that is safe and appropriate for guest facing exhibits and behind the scenes Assist in veterinary care under the guidance of contracted vets & aquarium director, this includes topical treatments, aquatic system treatments and administering medications Keep adequate and clear written and digital records of animal diets, enrichment, and health concerns for reference in accordance with the developing animal program in collaboration with Aquatics and Aquarium Supervisor & Aquarium Director Communicate relevant changes and improvements to animal enclosures, husbandry practices, and enrichment to Aquarium Director and Aquatics and Aquarium Facilities Manager Maintain the function and cleanliness of animal food prep areas, water quality and treatment lab, quarantine holding spaces, and any back areas utilized in exhibit maintenance Work with Education Coordinator to implement themes in public outreach programming to be relevant to aquarium applications and species highlighting the conservation and sustainability efforts in accordance with the Aquarium Director and Marketing Director Interact with guests during operational hours in both scheduled programming for animal care staff as well as informal interactions while performing daily tasks on public facing exhibits Assist in the curating of new species to the living collection in accordance with animal welfare needs, exhibit space & aquarium theming Assist in large scale projects: designing and building exhibits, establishing regular enrichment programs and animal training, and assisting in educational programs for field trip groups, specialty programs, and daily operational talks Knowledge and adherence of safety policies and procedures in regard to the use of facility equipment, materials, chemicals, and vehicles.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, environmental sciences or related field, at least 2 years working at a zoo, aquarium or animal rehab facility
• Physical aspects include the ability to walk and stand for long periods of time, bending, stooping, and lifting up to 50 pounds
• Communication skills in verbal & written formats between staff across aquarium departments and leadership, familiarity with Microsoft programs preferred
• Prioritize and delegate tasks and projects to other staff members, work with multiple personnel across aquarium departments
• Working knowledge of animal husbandry of invertebrates, fish, amphibians, and reptiles
• Flexible schedule with holidays and weekends, able to respond to emergencies

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with larger animals, such as, alligators, large constricting snakes, and large lizard species preferred
• General understanding of aquarium chemistry and water quality parameters as well as general life support practices

Responsibilities

• Coordinate weekly animal care staff schedules ensuring adequate coverage for both operational days & budgeted closed days, and delegate animal care staff’s task schedule in collaboration with Aquatics & Aquarium Facilities Manager & Aquarium Director
• Oversee the procedures and inventory of all animal diets; coordinate feeding schedules including with Education Coordinator for guest presentations, keep stock of perishable items in the fridge, freezer, & all consumables, and aid in weekly re-orders or produce and invertebrates
• Design and execute species safe enrichment that is safe and appropriate for guest facing exhibits and behind the scenes
• Assist in veterinary care under the guidance of contracted vets & aquarium director, this includes topical treatments, aquatic system treatments and administering medications
• Keep adequate and clear written and digital records of animal diets, enrichment, and health concerns for reference in accordance with the developing animal program in collaboration with Aquatics and Aquarium Supervisor & Aquarium Director
• Communicate relevant changes and improvements to animal enclosures, husbandry practices, and enrichment to Aquarium Director and Aquatics and Aquarium Facilities Manager
• Maintain the function and cleanliness of animal food prep areas, water quality and treatment lab, quarantine holding spaces, and any back areas utilized in exhibit maintenance
• Work with Education Coordinator to implement themes in public outreach programming to be relevant to aquarium applications and species highlighting the conservation and sustainability efforts in accordance with the Aquarium Director and Marketing Director
• Interact with guests during operational hours in both scheduled programming for animal care staff as well as informal interactions while performing daily tasks on public facing exhibits
• Assist in the curating of new species to the living collection in accordance with animal welfare needs, exhibit space & aquarium theming
• Assist in large scale projects: designing and building exhibits, establishing regular enrichment programs and animal training, and assisting in educational programs for field trip groups, specialty programs, and daily operational talks
• Knowledge and adherence of safety policies and procedures in regard to the use of facility equipment, materials, chemicals, and vehicles.

Benefits

• Team member benefits: Do not miss the chance to spark your career now! We're not just in the attractions business; we're in the people business- and that starts with our own. Our 20,000+ hosts across North America are the heartbeat of our diverse and growing company. In keeping with our company values, we nurture a balance between work and family, strive to promote 70% from within and support each host’s efforts to develop a fulfilling and rewarding career

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level