Facility
Longneck Manor
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Longneck Manor is seeking an Animal Care Specialist to join our dynamic team in providing daily care for a growing collection of giraffe, rhino, and Hoffmann’s two-toed sloth. The selected candidate will be responsible for all aspects of animal husbandry and enrichment training for the facility’s SSP animals. Specialists are also responsible for leading conservation education tours on a daily basis.
Husbandry tasks include, but are not limited to, cleaning, disinfection, diet preparation and feeding, shifting and securing animals, observation, training, and enrichment preparation and distribution.
Tasks may include manual and skilled work such as driving skid steers and tractors, as well as moving and manipulating heavy food and/or enrichment items.
Frequently responsible for enclosure maintenance including constructing furnishings, performing minor repairs and modifications, and reporting repair needs promptly to supervisors.
Under supervision, administers medication and supplementation as prescribed by veterinarian.
Monitors animal health daily by observing eating habits, general activity, behavior, and appearance. Reports abnormal behavior and concerns to management without delay.
Prepares detailed written daily reports.
Makes recommendations regarding diet change, habitat redesign, enrichment and takes initiative where appropriate to complete independent projects.
Maintains a clean and safe work environment.
Maintains an up-to-date inventory of equipment and supplies and reports restocking needs to management in a timely manner.
Participates in established animal escape drills and procedures. Under supervision, captures, restrains, and transports animals.
Ability to regularly perform a variety of physical tasks that include, but are not limited to, climbing, lifting (up to 50 lbs), standing for long periods of time, bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, and crawling.
Ability to work in all weather conditions.
Additional responsibilities assigned as needed.
Expected to work holidays, weekends, and overtime as needed.
Education and Pre-requisites
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in Biological Sciences (i.e. Biology, Zoology, and Ecology) or a closely related discipline. Relevant experience will be considered in lieu of a college degree.
Previous experience performing animal care activities in a zoo, aquarium or similar facility is required.
Experience in designated taxonomic area preferred.
Experience and proficiency in animal training using operant conditioning is preferred.
Experience with public speaking preferred.
Knowledge of general husbandry practices and methods.
Knowledge of animal behavior and natural history, common environmental enrichment and animal training practices, biology, conservation, and related subjects.
Knowledge of animal behavior as an indication of general health, reproductive potential and well-being.
Knowledge of materials, methods, tools and equipment used in daily zoo operations.
Ability to prioritize and accomplish goals in an efficient manner.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Ability to exercise sound judgment in analyzing animal behavior issues or emergency situations, and to respond with appropriate action.
Ability to work with and be comfortable around potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species.
Ability to work heavy machinery, restraint devices and toxic chemicals and/or drugs.
Ability to interact courteously, respectfully and productively with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, visitors, and general public.
Strong work ethic, easy-going nature, and appropriate sense of humor.
Compensation and benefits
DOE
Application instructions
Please send resume and cover letter to:
Courtney Harwell- Director of Conservation
courtney@longneckmanor.com