Conservation Technician I & II

Aza•Phoenix, AZ

48d•$24 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

Conservation Technician I: This position is based at the Phoenix Zoo's Johnson Conservation Center and works with eleven native species from a broad range of taxa, including black-footed ferrets, narrow-headed gartersnakes, Chiricahua leopard frogs, pygmy-owls, desert fish, springsnails, and more. The Conservation Technician I is responsible for maintaining the safety, health and well-being of all assigned conservation specimens through the performance of documented husbandry practices, especially husbandry of animals reared specifically for release to the wild. This position assists in training volunteers and interns, participates in field conservation and research activities, and participates in guest interaction in support of the Phoenix Zoo's mission and goals. Conservation Technician II: This position is based at the Phoenix Zoo's Johnson Conservation Center and works with eleven native species from a broad range of taxa, including black-footed ferrets, narrow-headed gartersnakes, Chiricahua leopard frogs, pygmy-owls, desert fish, springsnails, and more. The Conservation Technician II is responsible for maintaining the safety, health and well-being of all assigned conservation specimens through the performance of documented husbandry practices, especially husbandry of animals reared specifically for release to the wild. This position assists in training of new staff and volunteers, participates in field conservation activities, and participates in guest interaction in support of the Phoenix Zoo's mission and goals.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in life sciences required.
One year of experience in work relevant to animal husbandry, field biology, and/or conservation laboratory research, including 6 months of animal husbandry experience preferred.
Interest in conservation biology, research, and field work.
Knowledge of and experience using laboratory equipment and tools, including microscopes, water chemistry analysis tools, etc., preferred.
Ability and willingness to camp overnight for multiple days required, if needed for field work.
Strong verbal and written communication skills required.
Ability to engage and communicate with the public to share conservation and scientific messages.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Ability to bend, stoop, crawl and walk on uneven surfaces, repetitively bend and reach for cleaning purposes, and climb ladders.
Ability to work indoors and outdoors, often in extreme weather conditions, and hike multiple miles.
Possession of a valid driver's license.
Ability to pass pre-employment background check, drug test, DMV check, and clear annual tuberculosis test.
Ability to learn to operate a 4-wheel drive vehicle and tow a trailer set-up if needed.
Ability to learn to use specialized computer programs for animal husbandry, reproduction, and research.
Demonstrated ability to work well with others and independently.
Minimum of two years full-time paid relevant husbandry experience or part-time equivalent thereof (Master's degree in a related biological field may be substituted for one year of experience).
Demonstrated ability to effectively train staff following established training protocols.
Experience participating in wildlife-related field work.
Experience collecting data for scientific research.
Demonstrated ability to work well in groups and independently.

Responsibilities

Provide quality guest service to both internal and external guests by maintaining a WILD (friendly, helpful, positive and professional) working attitude and appearance.
Follow all animal servicing and safety guidelines. Perform routine husbandry by feeding prescribed diets, monitoring and reporting diet consumption consistent with documented Standard Operating Procedures, providing and monitoring approved behavioral enrichment as assigned, observing and reporting any health or behavioral abnormalities of specimens, administering prescribed medication to specimens, and assisting veterinary staff in carrying out health monitoring and assessment.
Observe, document, and report any structural or mechanical problems. Perform minor repairs and interact with maintenance staff as needed and as assigned.
Participate as assigned in non-routine health and husbandry activities such as animal transports, animal introductions/breeding, restraint and treatment of animals, and the medication of specimens.
Respond to animal emergency circumstances according to approved protocols.
Assist Conservation and Science Manager and Senior Conservation Technician(s) in training volunteers and interns, ensuring appropriate knowledge and understanding of section Standard Operating Procedures and that established training protocols are followed by interns and volunteers.
Participate in appropriate field conservation activities as assigned (e.g., surveys, field transport, reintroductions/translocations, habitat improvement projects).
Participate in the collection and analysis of data from ex situ and in situ activities
Work collaboratively with other staff and departments to meet the Zoo's and Conservation Center's overall goals, participating as appropriate with Learning & Engagement, Events, Donor Relations, Marketing and PR.
Assist the Conservation and Science Manager and Senior Technicians with written reports, animal wellbeing assessments, and field equipment checks.
Perform routine maintenance of facilities by maintaining animal care protocols and reporting any structural or mechanical problems; provide support in the development of facility plans and assessment; assist in routine inventory of supplies, notifying supervisor/manager of replenishments completed or needed.
Assist Conservation and Science Manager and Senior Conservation Technician(s) in training new staff and volunteers, ensuring appropriate knowledge and understanding of section Standard Operating Procedures and that established training protocols are followed by staff and volunteers.
Participate as appropriate in AZA, national, and/or global conservation efforts (e.g., studbook keeper, species coordinator, or taxa-focused conservation group(s) member, etc.)
Give presentations and tours regarding Johnson Conservation Center animal programs and goals. Initiate engagement and interaction with guests in support of the Zoo's conservation mission.
Assist Director of Conservation and Science with development of publications.
Serve in specialized departmental roles as assigned by supervisory staff (e.g., behavioral enrichment liaison, volunteer liaison, safety officer, etc.).

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Drug Coverage (Domestic Partnership Benefits Available)
Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and Long Term Disability Insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts
Voluntary Life Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Paid Sick Leave (PSL)
401(k) Plan with Match
Phoenix Zoo Membership
Employee WILD Rewards Program
Service Awards
Employee Cultural Exchange Program
Tuition Reimbursement Program (for qualified courses)
Outside Vendor Discounts