Facility
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Brief Summary
The Herpetology, Ichthyology and Invertebrate Zoology (HIIZ) Department at Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is looking for an enthusiastic individual to join our team. The applicant must have knowledge and experience in husbandry specific to Ichthyology. Knowledge and experience with both freshwater and saltwater systems (life support, water quality, and animal husbandry) are a must. This position is responsible for providing aquatic animal care and enrichment, monitoring animal health, working with department volunteers and interns, as well as maintaining orderliness of departmental areas. This position also serves as back-up support for other HIIZ keepers’ service areas. This may include the care of reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Some knowledge of the aforementioned terrestrial animals is desirable.
The candidate must be comfortable with developing and offering public presentations in a variety of settings. Knowledge of the Sonoran Desert region is desirable but not required. The successful candidate will be expected to continue to seek and acquire education/knowledge in related areas. The candidate must be a quick learner and self-motivating, requiring little supervision. Must be team oriented and have a demonstrated history of being courteous, sensitive and respectful.
The qualified candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field. A minimum of three years’ paid experience with aquatic husbandry, freshwater fish, marine fish, and life support systems in a professional animal care facility (preferably an AZA accredited institution) is required for this position. A combination of education and applicable experience may also be considered. Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. Must be available to work weekends and holidays. Satisfactory driving record and valid Arizona Driver’s License (or ability to obtain) required.
Summary
Ensures animal welfare and institutional support by performing the duties below.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following; other duties will be assigned
• Prepares food for charges by chopping or grinding meat, fish, fruit, or vegetables; mixing prepared, dry, or liquid commercial feeds, or unbaling forage grasses per department practices and protocols
• Cleans and fills water containers and places food in enclosures per department practices and protocols
• Adds vitamins, medications or supplements to food or water as prescribed by ASDM’s Veterinarian
• Observes animals to detect illnesses or injuries and notifies Curator or ASDM’s Veterinarians of findings. Will promptly notify Curator or veterinary team of issues and concerns
• Assists ASDM’s Veterinarians and Veterinary Technician in treatment of animals for illnesses and injuries
• Will perform injection of prescribed medications after appropriate training from ASDM veterinary staff
• Cleans and disinfects animals’ quarters per department practices and protocols
• Will assist with developing desired animal behaviors per department practices and protocols
• Will be involved in the training of co-workers
• Will be involved with the training, management and certification of volunteers
• Under curatorial direction, transfers Collection animals from one location or enclosure to another for purposes such as rearrangement of exhibits, veterinary needs, or programs
• Sets temperature and humidity controls of quarters as specified per department practices and protocols
• Answers visitor questions concerning animal habits, conservation, or museum operations
• Participates in educational activities as required, (i.e., Docent classes, ADC, Art Institute, media)
• Assists other collection departments, maintenance, and exhibits staff when required
• May assist in the collection of specimens and exhibit materials per ASDM guidelines
• Will provide and create approved environmental enrichment, following AZA guidelines and per department practices and protocols
• Will participate in formal presentations at ASDM or off-site, (i.e., Keeper talks, theater programs, behind-the-scenes tours)
• Will complete on-line annual training as required
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position may supervise and/or provide direction to volunteers assisting with Keeper duties.
Education and Pre-requisites
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience
Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three years’ experience in a related field (preferably paid) at an AZA-accredited facility desirable; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Language Skills
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
Mathematical Skills
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
Reasoning Ability
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Computer Skills
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have basic computer software knowledge to include word processing, data base, and spreadsheet applications.
Other Skills and Abilities
• Knowledge of the Sonoran Desert region highly desirable.
• Knowledge of zoo facilities and operations desirable.
• Knowledge of natural history, safe animal capture and handling, husbandry, and ecosystems required.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
• Valid Arizona Driver’s License or ability to obtain
• Satisfactory 39-month DMV report
Other Qualifications
Must be able to work holidays and weekends.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is often quiet, but hearing protection is occasionally required.
Compensation and benefits
First Step is currently: $15.16/hour with annual step increases as set forth in the Union contract.
This is a regular status, full-time/non-exempt position that is eligible for benefits. Current benefits include ASDM paid life insurance and long-term disability plans. On a shared premium basis: PPO medical with HRA and a choice of two dental plans, an optional vision plan, additional voluntary life and optional short-term disability insurance, and 403(b) retirement plan.
Application instructions
This position was re-opened on October 4, 2018 and is considered open until filled; however, it is recommended that all credentials be submitted for consideration as soon as possible. Applications are accepted only for open positions and must be completed and submitted online through ASDM’s Career page:
https://www.appone.com/MainInfoReq.asp?R_ID=2096736
More information about our application process, current employment opportunities, and volunteer positions is available here:
http://www.desertmuseum.org/about/workopt.php
The Museum is a drug and alcohol free workplace and participates in E-Verify. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.