Animal Care Coordinator, Recreation Arts Instructor (NCS) - Baltimore City Recreation and Parks

Baltimore City•Baltimore, MD

3d•$15 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Care Coordinator is responsible for the daily care, training, enrichment, and welfare of the Carrie Murray Nature Center’s live animal ambassador collection, with a particular focus on birds of prey. This position ensures the highest standards of animal care while supporting the responsible use of ambassador animals in educational programming that fosters curiosity, stewardship, and connection to the natural world. The position supports staff and volunteers in maintaining excellent animal husbandry practices, coordinates enrichment and training programs, and maintains animal care records, supplies, and exhibits throughout the center. Work takes place in a nature center environment including indoor animal care areas, outdoor aviary, the campus, and trails of Gwynns Falls Leakin Park. Work involves exposure to animals, animal waste, insects, cleaning chemicals, and outdoor weather conditions. Schedule may include weekends, holidays, and occasional evening programming as needed. Position requires adherence to all animal care safety protocols and wildlife handling guidelines.

Requirements

Associate or bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, zoology, environmental education
Minimum two (2) years of experience working with birds of prey, including daily care, training, and handling
Demonstrated experience working with raptors using falconry equipment such as jesses, gloves, carriers, and perches
Experience supporting raptor health care tasks including beak and talon maintenance, molt monitoring, and general wellness observation
Experience providing daily husbandry for ambassador animals including feeding, enclosure cleaning, enrichment, and health monitoring
Experience maintaining animal care records including feeding logs, enrichment documentation, and health observations
Experience working with educational ambassador animals in a nature center environment, wildlife center, zoo, or aquarium
Experience training birds of prey for educational programming or public demonstrations
Experience coordinating volunteers or supporting part-time staff in animal care tasks
Equivalent professional experience working with live animal collections in a nature center, wildlife rehabilitation facility, zoo or similar organization
Familiarity with enrichment planning and behavioral observation techniques
Knowledge of Mid-Atlantic native wildlife species and natural history
Familiarity with animal welfare standards commonly used by AZA accredited institutions or similar facilities
Ability to safely handle a variety of ambassador animals including birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a public nature center setting
Knowledge of wildlife husbandry, enrichment, and training practices
Ability to safely handle and train birds of prey and other ambassador animals
Ability to observe animal behavior and recognize changes in health or welfare
Ability to maintain accurate animal care documentation and records
Ability to train and support volunteers and staff in proper animal care practices
Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple animal care responsibilities
Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with staff, volunteers, and visitors
Commitment to humane animal care and animal welfare best practices

Responsibilities

Oversee daily care of animal ambassadors including feeding, cleaning, handling, training, and enrichment, along with weekly and monthly animal care tasks.
Ensure proper maintenance of feeder insect colonies to support healthy and sustainable populations.
Support naturalist staff with daily animal care as needed.
Ensure animals have proper physical and behavioral health.
Support animals through natural biological events such as shedding, molting, egg laying, and other seasonal changes.
Conduct monthly health checks on animal ambassadors.
Perform health maintenance tasks as needed, ex: beak/talon care for birds of prey.
Coordinate veterinary care when necessary.
Make determinations regarding animal retirement and end-of-life procedures when appropriate.
Develop and maintain species-appropriate enrichment programs that provide challenges, stimulation, and opportunities for natural behaviors.
Ensure animals are receiving a high quality of life through diverse forms of enrichment including habitat, sensory, food, social, toys, and training enrichment.
Ensure enrichment remains engaging and appropriate by testing and implementing new methods throughout the year.
Work with birds of prey in handling, carrier training, perch training, and preparation for indoor and outdoor programming.
Track enrichment and training interactions and adjust care practices as needed.
Facilitate relationship building between staff/volunteers and animal ambassadors, particularly birds of prey.
Train staff and volunteers in safe animal handling, transport, and program procedures.
Determine when animals should not participate in programming due to conditions such as shed, molt, gravid status, illness, stress, or behavioral concerns.
Ensure animal exhibits and enclosures are well maintained.
Maintain high levels of cleanliness in all animal areas including enclosures, food preparation areas, sinks, refrigerators/freezers, and storage areas.
Curate animal artifacts (feathers, sheds, pellets) for educational use.
Maintain accurate records regarding feeding, cleaning, enrichment, and health observations.
Review animal care records regularly and take action when necessary.
Evaluate animal care protocols and guidelines periodically to ensure alignment with best practices.
Manage and organize animal care supplies and food inventory.
Prepare purchase orders for animal care supplies.
Purchase fresh produce regularly to support varied and appropriate diets for animal ambassadors.
Provide training, support, and guidance to staff and volunteers assisting with animal care duties.
Assign and prioritize animal care tasks and coordinate seasonal schedules as needed.
Conduct check-ins regarding animal care work assignments and provide mentorship when appropriate.
Facilitate regular animal care meetings or check-ins.
Help recruit, screen, and onboard animal care volunteers.
Foster a collaborative and supportive animal care work environment.