Senior Animal Care Specialist - Herpetology [Full-Time]

San Antonio Zoo•San Antonio, TX

5h•$0 - $18•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Animal Care Specialist in the Herpetology Department is responsible for performing a variety of duties related to the maintenance and care of zoo animals, as well as supervision of herpetology Animal Care Specialists. The Senior Animal Care Specialist serves as lead keeper in a department, assumes a leadership role, and also maintains an animal section in the herpetology department. This role offers the opportunity to tap into curiosity and collaborate with innovative and diverse people at the San Antonio Zoo.

Requirements

Must be 18 years of age or older.
Must have a clean driving record for vehicle operation.
Requires a valid Class 'C' Texas Driver's License or a valid driver's license from another state with the ability to obtain a Class "C" Texas Driver's License within 45 days of becoming employed.
Successful candidates must complete a pre-employment drug screening, background check, and TB test.
Must be able to work in varying climate and weather conditions (rain, snow, hot, or cold).
Must be available days, nights, weekends, and occasional after-hour assignments.
Ability to work weekends, holidays and occasional after-hour assignments.

Nice To Haves

A degree in wildlife management, zoology, biology, or related field is preferred.
Two years of extensive zookeeping experience is preferred.
Effective written and verbal communication skills is preferred.
Experience in care and maintenance of venomous snakes and crocodilians preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist the Herpetology Manager in training new employees, interns and volunteers.
Provide guidance to fellow employees in safety practices and techniques and procedures for handling or restraining animals.
Direct the work of employees assigned to the unit for special projects.
Oversee all herpetology Animal Care Specialists, and provide guidance and assistance where required.
Maintain good communication with the Herpetology Manager and Director, and work with them to complete the goals of the department.
Assist staff in maintaining animal records.
Perform routine and special duties involved in the daily care and maintenance of reptiles and amphibians in captivity including venomous species.
Successfully secure animals, their enclosures, and other associated structures.
Prepare daily reports as necessary.
Continually observe and evaluate animal behavior and conditions for animals in the department and report any problems to the appropriate supervisor.
Perform emergency repairs and make changes to animal enclosures as required.
Construct and maintain naturalistic exhibits for a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians.
Follow breeding plans for a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians, including SSP species.
Assist veterinary staff with diagnosing, treating and observing animal health concerns.
Provide training and enrichment to animals in the Herpetology department, as required.
Establish and maintain positive, cooperative, and effective working relations with fellow employees.
Constantly exhibit a guest service attitude, a smile, and an obvious interest in guest comfort and service.
Communicate with the public in a courteous and tactful manner and assist guests with questions and directions to various areas of the zoo.
Remove trash and debris from public area.
Performs other work-related duties as required and assigned.