Animal Care Specialist - Water's Edge Team (Part Time)

Kansas City Zoo • Kansas City, MO

3d • 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 Water's Edge Team, which is responsible for the daily husbandry of polar bears, California sea lions, southern sea otters, North American river otters, five species of penguins (King, Gentoo, Chinstrap, Macaroni, Humboldt) and trumpeter swans. This is a part time position, working no more than 29 hours per week.

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 or be willing to obtain a SCUBA certification within six months of hire.
• Must pass AAUS-compliant dive physical and swim test within six months of hire.
• Dive tasks require manual dexterity and ability to safely use tools (e.g. brushes) and operate equipment (e.g. operation/manipulation of dive gear).
• Must be willing to dive in cold temperatures and in the presence of animals (sharks, penguins, venomous fish).
• 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

• Open Water SCUBA certification from an internationally recognized certifying agency is 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, and 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, and 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, and engaging with visitors to answer questions about the Zoo & Aquarium and animals.

What This Job Offers

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