Animal Caretaker at Ernie Miller Nature Center

JCPRD•Olathe, KS

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Caretaker will care for the education ambassadors and exhibit animals that are in Ernie Miller Nature Center. Join the award-winning Johnson County Park and Recreation District (JCPRD) team and help make a real impact in this community! As part of our National Gold Medal Award–winning organization, you’ll help bring joy, adventure, and enrichment to millions each year. JCPRD welcomes over 7 million visitors to our parks and engages 3 million+ participants in more than 4,000 programs—and we’re still growing. When you work at JCPRD, you’re joining a team recognized locally, regionally, and nationally for excellence in parks, recreation, culture, education, and public service. Enjoy outstanding benefits, retirement plans, employee incentives, and a workplace culture built on passion, creativity, and teamwork. Named Best Large Employer in Johnson County for two years running, JCPRD is the perfect place to grow your career, make a difference, and have fun doing it. Come work where you play—and help us inspire healthier, happier lives for everyone!

Requirements

Minimum age 18 years and older
One-month related experience or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos
Ability to write simple correspondence
Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization
Current driver's license and able to pass criminal history and driving background check
Regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear
Required to sit; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
Must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus
JCPRD requires reference/background screening for all positions. Specified criteria may vary by Department.

Responsibilities

Feeds and prepares food for all animals (Animals include birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, insects, spiders, and mouse colony)
Cleans all cages and animal exhibits, indoor and outdoor (Aquarium, snake enclosures, recirculation pond etc.)
Follow and record data on animal cleaning and feeding forms including aquarium
Keeps animal rooms clean and organized
Clean and maintain equipment (Travel cages, bird feeders, aquarium filtration, bird perches, etc.)
Communicate to staff members any animal issues (illnesses, injuries, or unusual behavior) and equipment issues
Disseminate medications and change dressings as required
Purchases animal food and supplies and notify staff when supplies will need to be ordered with sufficient notice
Works 10-12 hours per week, 4 days a week (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday), including holidays
Work with and train volunteers
Other duties may be assigned