Animal Care Specialist I

ODYSEA AQUARIUM LLC•Scottsdale, AZ

11d

About The Position

As part of the OdySea Aquarium team, this position carries out animal husbandry, exhibit maintenance, and holding-area management for an assigned aquatic collection, along with related projects and programs. The role maintains organized written records concerning animal health, feeding, and behavioral observations. Priorities include animal health, exhibit excellence, guest experience, and contributing to a positive team atmosphere. The specialist provides daily animal care and management, supports medical procedures and prescribed protocols, coordinates volunteers and interns, and helps deliver conservation messaging and a strong visitor experience. The role also involves maintaining clean and organized work areas, reporting animal or equipment concerns, continuing professional development, contributing ideas for improvements, cross-training, and commuting between two facilities to care for animals at an offsite quarantine facility.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field, or equivalent experience.
One to two years of professional husbandry, training, and interactive guest experience at a public zoo, aquarium, or similar facility, with emphasis on animal care and maintenance of exhibit and holding areas.
Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team in a constantly changing environment.
Valid driver’s license and good driving record.
Ability to work a flexible schedule that may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to respond to emergencies on an on-call basis.
Ability to perform strenuous and/or heavy physical labor.
No history of animal- or plant-related allergies that might interfere with the ability to work.
Ability to occasionally lift, move, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds.
Ability to stand and walk for long periods.
Ability to use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and to reach with hands and arms.
Ability to balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb stairs, or crawl.
Ability to talk, hear, and speak, and no impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance, or agility of movement that might interfere with the ability to work.
Ability to take directional cues directly or indirectly.
Ability to work in an environment that may be loud, in all weather conditions, and in occasional extreme heat or cold, wet, or humid conditions.

Nice To Haves

Advanced certification from a recognized SCUBA training organization.

Responsibilities

Provide animal husbandry and management for the assigned area, including regular feedings, water quality monitoring, administering treatments, and maintaining exhibits.
Develop husbandry, veterinary behavioral training, and environmental enrichment programs as directed by the area senior and curator.
Maintain records of daily care, treatments, behavioral training, animal acquisition and disposition, and enrichment activities.
Coordinate the daily activities of volunteers and interns.
Deliver educational strategies, species information, and conservation messaging to guests, supporting an excellent visitor experience.
Cooperate with the Director of Animal Health and the Animal Health department on medical procedures and prescribed protocols; help organize and prepare for procedures.
Keep the work area clean and organized and promptly report atypical animal behavior, exhibit status, or mechanical issues to supervisors.
Participate in education, public relations, and membership programs, including facility tours and lectures.
Research and suggest improvements to exhibit systems, record keeping, animal care, staff development, content messaging, conservation initiatives, and guest experience to the curator.
Develop knowledge of animal life histories, industry innovations, and progressive animal care through deliberate effort, trade journals, and communication with professional colleagues.
Develop skills in the design, development, and construction of new exhibits and life support systems.
Commute between two facilities to care for animals at the offsite quarantine facility.
Cross-train with other staff in husbandry and animal health services.
Comply with safety and security directives, policies, and procedures.
Perform other related duties as assigned.