Zoo Naturalist

Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Careers • Hershey, PA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Join the team at ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park, an AZA-accredited 11-acre, walk-through zoo adjacent to Hersheypark. ZooAmerica is home to more than 200 animals, representing 65 species and 5 regions of North America. This position is responsible for the daily care and maintenance of a variety of exhibit animals' habitats and surrounding areas, as well as maintaining daily records. The Naturalist will coordinate with senior staff regarding enhancements to the animal welfare, training, and behavior-based enrichment programs. Naturalists will work collaboratively with other staff and departments on directives to enhance ZooAmerica's vision and overall mission.

Requirements

• 18 years of age or older.
• Minimum of 2 years of related experience.
• Industry Experience - Zoo Science, Environmental Science, Animal Behavior, Psychology
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• In accordance with Pennsylvania's Child Protective Services Law, candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a report of criminal history from the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), Child Abuse History Clearance from the Department of Human Services (Child Abuse), and Fingerprint-based federal criminal history submitted through the Pennsylvania State Police or its authorized agent (FBI), as a condition of continued employment.
• Skilled in the use of Microsoft Office and/or Google Drive applications.
• Proficient working with details on a daily basis for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be able to interact and communicate with a wide variety of audiences in a professional manner.
• Must comply with safe animal restraint techniques.
• Must be able to work at heights up to 15 feet.
• Must be able to climb over barriers and fences.
• Proven organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule including regularly scheduled weekends and holidays.
• Must wear approved uniform and footwear.
• Employees should be free of allergies that would preclude them from working around animals.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with venomous reptiles and invertebrates is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Administer all aspects of basic animal husbandry and daily care for cleaning, feeding, observing, administering medication and medical treatment, animal training and enrichment, and maintaining records of all associated documentation.
• Assist with Zoo Manager on Duty shifts, development of special events, animal training, goal-based enrichment, and animal welfare in accordance with established standards that support animal welfare and the zoo's mission.
• Execute keeper chats, behind-the-scenes tours, and proactively engage with zoo guests to enhance their experience.
• Assist with obtaining, unloading, and organizing necessary food, cleaning, and medical supplies as needed.
• Assist in training and onboarding new Naturalist aides to the Zoo Animal Care Department.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• FREE admission to Hersheypark
• Discounts
• Medical coverage beginning the first day of the next month after you begin working
• Dental coverage beginning the first day of the next month after you begin working
• Vision coverage beginning the first day of the next month after you begin working
• 401K Contribution
• Paid time off

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level