Animal Care Manager

Orlando Science Center.•Orlando, FL

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Care Manager will lead a team of Animal Keepers, Assistant Animal Keeper, volunteers, and interns that oversee the health and well-being of a variety of taxa within the LIFE exhibit at Orlando Science Center. This position directs and oversees the activities of all areas within the LIFE exhibit and animal ambassador programs to ensure and promote effective and efficient care of the OSC animal collection. The Animal Care Manager supervises, coaches, and evaluates departmental personnel and protocols; assists with the approved acquisition and disposition of specimens; assists with planning and implementing of breeding and research programs; maintains documentation relating to the public exhibition of animals and assists with department budget and finances. This is a full-time, benefitted, supervisory position that reports directly to the Curator of Conservation and Welfare.

Requirements

Education: Associate degree in an animal science, biology, or related science field; A Bachelor’s degree in an animal science, biology, or related science field experience is preferred.
Experience & Certifications: Applicants should possess the equivalent of 4 years’ experience in a zoo, aquarium, museum, park, or a similar facility including animal husbandry and public programming.
Employee must have a valid driver's license, maintain an acceptable driving record as stipulated by OSC’s insurance carrier, and be willing to drive an OSC vehicle for business purposes.
Employee must be willing to obtain provided CPR and First Aid certification.
Must provide proof of negative tuberculosis (TB) screening within six months prior to employment and annually thereafter.
Must be willing to maintain necessary vaccinations as required (rabies)

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in biology, animal sciences, zoology, or related field.
Experience speaking in front of large audiences.
Experience with life support systems, basic animal husbandry, veterinary care, and snorkeling is preferred.
Willing and comfortable working in and around water and able to pass a swim test upon employment.
Must be proficient in all Microsoft Office Software.
Must be highly motivated, organized, and demonstrate a willingness to adapt positively to corporate change.
In-depth knowledge of USDA, FWC and AZA standards and requirements.
Strong working knowledge of zoonotic diseases and prevention.
Experience working with a large variety of taxa. Preference given to candidates with crocodilian and/or non-human primate experience.

Responsibilities

Works with a high degree of independence on multiple projects in parallel.
Prepares and feeds daily ration of frozen, fresh, and dry commercial foods.
Maintain exhibit aesthetics through regular cleaning of habitats and exhibits including underwater exhibit maintenance.
Present public programs with and without live animals to diverse groups on a microphone.
Participates in departmental and special events both at the science center and off property.
Keeps up to date records and logs on animals’ diets, health, and husbandry.
Trains and supervises staff, interns, adult, and youth volunteers on all OSC SOPs including proper animal handling procedures and basic husbandry.
Represents the Orlando Science Center in a professional manner with all guests and staff.
May act as an Institutional Representative for designated Species Survival Plan.
Proficient at opening and closing duties within all areas of the LIFE exhibit.
Maintains animal records using ZIMS and daily keeper reports and trains staff on proper record keeping nomenclature and entry methods.
Maintains acquisition, disposition, and animal transfer records and permits.
Determines donations, collection procurement, and specimen placement within the exhibit.
Conducts annual and event-driven welfare assessments for all species.
Administers medicines and routine medical care to OSC’s living collection.
Acts as a liaison to consulting veterinary staff regarding animal medical needs and procedures.
Develops, incorporates, and approves educational/conservation content for programming, hands-on activities, blogs, or other digital platforms that focus on animal care and mentors Lead Keepers in program development.
Communicates and oversees the execution of all approved animal requests.
Communicates effectively internally and externally with other departments such as public programs, exhibits, education, and facilities.
Acts as part of a ride out crew during severe weather to ensure animal health and safety and to assist as needed for facility support.
May act as Orlando Science Center Manager on Duty.
Safely operates OSC vehicle when delivering programs offsite.
Maintains a valid Florida’s driver’s license and acceptable driving record as stipulated by OSC’s insurance carrier.
Performs other related duties as assigned.