Animal Care Specialist I - 0926

City of Greenville•150 Cleveland Park Drive - Greenville, SC

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Under regular direction and in compliance with standard operating procedures, provides daily care for assigned animals. Maintains exhibits and grounds to the highest standards set by the Greenville Zoo and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Provides general maintenance and landscaping in exhibits and non-public animal exhibit areas. Participates in guest engagement activities and educational programming.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least one (1) year of professional experience in exotic animal care.
Valid South Carolina Class D Driver's License.
Knowledge of: Exotic animal care.
Knowledge of: Animal behavior and natural history.
Knowledge of: Behavioral enrichment and operant conditioning.
Ability to: Recognize animal behavioral cues and respond appropriately.
Ability to: Safely capture, handle, and restrain live exotic and potentially dangerous animals and use associated capture equipment.
Ability to: Establish and effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, and the general public.
Ability to: Communicate in verbal and written formats clearly, effectively, and professionally.
Ability to: Communicate educational information to the public in a respectful and knowledgeable manner through presentations and informal talks.
Ability to: Demonstrate a high level of motivation and a willingness to adapt positively to change in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to: Read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical documents, and standard operating procedures as well as literature, books, reviews, reports, and abstracts on best practices in animal care.
Ability to: Deal with a system of real numbers; and practical application of fractions, percentages, ratios/proportions and measurement as it relates to animal care, medical instructions, and exhibit improvements.
Ability to: Learn and apply skills associated with utilizing specialized software and systems including record keeping software and point of sale systems.
Ability to: Work in inclement weather conditions including cold rain, wind, heat, snow, sleet, etc.
Ability to: Operate motor vehicles, electric carts, utility vehicles, lawn mowers, landscaping equipment, and various hand and power tools.
Ability to: Operate general office equipment including scanner, printer, copier, telephone, and computer with Microsoft Office Suite.
Continuously requires standing, walking, vision, and hearing.
Frequently requires lifting, carrying, reaching, kneeling, crawling, pushing/pulling, bending, crouching and stooping, and talking.
Occasionally requires sitting, fine dexterity, handling/grasping, climbing, balancing, and twisting.
Rarely requires foot controls.
Heavy strength demands include exerting 50-100 pounds occasionally, 20-50 pounds frequently, or from 10 up to 20 pounds constantly.
Lift animals, grain sacks, hay bales, squeeze cage, lumber, and tents.
Frequently requires time pressures and working closely with others as part of a team.
Occasionally requires frequent change in tasks, irregular schedule/overtime, performing multiple tasks simultaneously, tedious, or exacting work, and noisy/distracting environment.
Rarely requires emergency situations.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in biology, zoology, animal science, conservation, wildlife, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Prepare animal diets and present food to animals.
Provide animals fresh water daily in appropriate containers.
Check animal enclosures for any disrepair.
Clean and disinfect animal enclosures.
Observe, monitor, and record animal behavior, physical condition, and activity.
Collaborate with fellow Animal Section staff on the completion of Animal Welfare Assessments.
Plan, propose, create, provide, and document environmental enrichment opportunities.
Plan, propose, execute, and document operant conditioning sessions.
Provide enrichment and operant conditioning sessions regularly to reduce stress, enrich the lives of the animals, assist in veterinary care, and build relationships with animals.
Prepare and submit daily reports that document detailed observations of animal behavior, dietary intake, physical appearance, level of activity, and related issues.
Research species-specific natural history and current trends and developments in the zoo field.
Respond to animal emergencies as directed, following approved protocols.
Provide general maintenance in exhibits and non-public animal exhibit areas.
Provide landscaping in exhibits and non-public animal exhibit areas including mowing, trimming, and pruning vegetation and grasses.
Make simple repairs to commonly used equipment and tools (e.g., brooms, squeegees, rakes, and hoses).
Maintain mechanical apparatus (e.g., locks, valves, and shift doors).
Construct species-specific exhibit fixtures.
Collaborate with Zoo Maintenance crew and external contractors on in-house construction projects (e.g., exhibits, exhibit furniture, enrichment, animal holding and transport equipment).
Provide professional presentations and informal talks to the visiting public and school groups.
Assist with media interviews.
Support special events and Zoo rentals as assigned, including set-up and breakdown.
Support various operational and staff committees as assigned.
Oversee volunteers and interns assigned to work unit.
Perform other duties as assigned.