Animal Care Specialist - Ambassador Animals Team (Full Time)

Kansas City Zoo • Kansas City, MO

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Care Specialist is responsible for performing routine work assignments involving the daily care and welfare of animals within their area. This position also performs daily maintenance of animal habitats and holding areas, as well as interacts with the public to provide information related to the Zoo & Aquarium’s animal collection. This position will work with the Ambassador Animals Team, which is responsible for the daily husbandry and training of the Zoo & Aquarium’s ambassador animal collection, as well as live performances for audiences of all sizes. The Ambassador Animals Team consists of two ambassador animal buildings and one free-flight bird area, which includes a wide range of animals, including, but not limited to: macaws, Harris’s hawk, turkey vulture, cape porcupine, red river hog, African serval, southern ground hornbill, guinea fowl, laughing kookaburra, roadrunner, cockatoos, Indian star tortoise, green iguana, blue-tongued skink, striped skunk, three-banded armadillo, African grey parrot, Amazon parrots, binturong, western gray squirrel, boa constrictor, rainbow boa, dart frogs, and Madagascar hissing cockroaches.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, animal science, zoology, or related field preferred. Applicable experience can be substituted in place of formal education on a year-for-year basis for candidates not currently holding a degree.
• Previous hands-on experience with the care and management of similar species strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of animal husbandry, behavior, procedures for proper care, and training of exotic animals.
• Strong observational skills to recognize and evaluate conditions of animal health, diets, and behavior.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, required.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions, including procedures for care and maintenance of animals, habitats, service and holding areas.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Must have valid driver’s license.
• Must have or be able to obtain negative TB test.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds and have sufficient mobility to ensure a safe work environment.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to manage stress, endure high risk situations when feeding, transferring, or restraining animals, and make immediate decisions concerning the safety of animals, staff, or the public.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and evening hours, in all weather extremes.
• Must pass a background and drug screening.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, animal science, zoology, or related field preferred.
• Previous hands-on experience with the care and management of similar species strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Performs daily animal husbandry activities, including: Preparing diets and delivering animal feedings. Administering medications and assisting with various animal health procedures. Observing, logging, and reporting issues concerning animal behavior, health, and welfare. Training animals for basic husbandry behaviors. Creating and implementing various enrichment items/strategies.
• Completes daily maintenance of exhibits and holding areas, including: Cleaning habitats, holding areas, and staff areas. Performing minor repairs and improvements. Reporting maintenance issues and potential safety hazards to appropriate manager. Lawn and other horticultural maintenance within habitats.
• Maintains daily reports and other required records.
• Interacts with Zoo & Aquarium guests and the public, including: Performing various animal chats and animal presentations, as well as assisting with special events related to assigned area. Engaging with visitors to answer questions about the Zoo & Aquarium and animals.

What This Job Offers

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