Senior Animal Care Education Programs Specialist

DHRM•Sterling, VA

32d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Science Museum works to inspire Virginians to enrich their lives through science. We create compelling and thought-provoking experiences that connect our community with the science all around them. For almost 50 years, the Science Museum has been curating relevant science stories that are delivered through engaging exhibits, programming, demos, workshops, films, content and more. As we look toward our 50th anniversary as an institution, we’re pushing ourselves to be even more important in our community’s life to elevate science as the answer to our complicated world. The Science Museum is unlike others in our field. We are a state agency of the Science Museum of Virginia that benefits from state operating support as well as private funds raised through our Foundations to help support the mission. This support provides operational stability and growth opportunities as we evolve to not only meet the needs of our community, but also increase our impact. Our flagship location in Richmond and our satellite in Danville have reached two straight years of record attendance. The opening of our Northern Virginia campus in 2027 is poised to push annual visitation over 800,000, extending our reach and impact across the Commonwealth as we empower Virginians to see science not just as knowledge, but as a vital tool for shaping a better future. The opening of the Northern Virginia Science Center is the largest project in the Science Museum’s history. As we prepare to open our doors in spring/summer 2027, we’re seeking a Senior Animal Care Education Program Specialist to be our subject matter expert in animal care and help ensure the health, welfare, and success of our remarkable live animal collections across three Science Museum locations (Richmond, Danville and Loudoun). This is no ordinary animal care role. You will work with an extraordinary variety of animals from a leafcutter ant colony and 750-gallon aquariums featuring Virginia native fish in Northern Virginia, to Norway Rats trained to play basketball, snakes, turtles, lizards, and fascinating invertebrates in Richmond. You will also support the seasonal butterfly garden at the Danville Science Center as needed. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Education and Operations, you’ll play a key role in animal care, collection management, permitting, and educational programming across the organization. The position will be based in Northern Virginia and will also periodically lead programs for the public and staff galleries, primarily at that site. We’re anticipating filling the role sometime this October. Training will take place in Richmond, with the candidate expected to spend 2-3 days a week in Richmond from October-January. Telework or other work arrangement will be made for the remaining days each week until the Science Center is fully constructed. If you’re passionate about animal welfare, science education, and creating unforgettable experiences for learners, this is your opportunity to help shape something truly extraordinary. Interested candidates must apply at https://jobs.virginia.gov/.

Requirements

Extensive experience working with and maintaining a live animal collection, including small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and large aquaria.
Energetic, outgoing, enthusiastic and comfortable “being on stage.”
Demonstrated experience developing and delivering science-based experiences, classes, workshops, demonstrations and activities.
Demonstrated experience working with and coordinating volunteers and staff.
Superior organizational, problem-solving, attention to detail and communication skills.
Strong desire and ability to work with children, families, and adults in a positive, friendly and accessible manner.
Comfortable performing in front of large groups and interacting one-on-one with visitors of all ages.
Ability to remain flexible, patient and resourceful while managing multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
Ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative, fast-paced environment, both independently and as part of a team.
Travel between locations is required.
A valid driver’s license is required.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with leafcutter ant colonies.
Veterinary technician training, certification or equivalent experience.
Familiarity with local, state and federal permitting procedures.

Responsibilities

Play a key role in animal care, collection management, permitting, and educational programming across the organization.
Periodically lead programs for the public and staff galleries, primarily at the Northern Virginia site.
Ensure the health, welfare, and success of live animal collections.
Support the seasonal butterfly garden at the Danville Science Center as needed.