Facility
Chehaw Park & Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
The Artesian Alliance is embarking on a period of improvement and growth as we implement a newly-imagined Vision and Master Plan for Chehaw Park & Zoo and Flint RiverQuarium. We have enrolled in AZA’s Pathway Toward Membership Program to confirm our commitment to achieving AZA accreditation.
This leadership position will work closely with our Living Collections Manager to improve and maintain husbandry practices and mentor staff in the performances of these practices. This is a working position that will require direct, hands-on animal care work.
JOB DUTIES
• Attend to assigned animals; prepare diets, feed, and provide water; sanitize enclosure furniture/floors and food/water dishes as scheduled or necessary
• Lead capture and restraint events in the absence of a Manager or Director
• Ensure compliance with standards of the profession, and maintain all facilities and protocols in compliance with those standards; consult with other professionals in the field to exchange information, give/receive advice, and resolve problems
• Assist Manager with coordination of supply acquisition, veterinary procedures, and animal nutrition programs; assist other staff and supervisors with coordinating the daily operations of the department
• May assist with developing and writing departmental policies and procedures
• Assume leadership when working with other animal care staff; provide guidance and training to fellow staff and delegate tasks, as appropriate; communicate training needs to supervisors; as requested by supervisors, assist with preparing draft evaluations and presenting evaluations to the staff
• Inspect animals for health problems; collect fecal samples for testing; condition/train animals for veterinary procedures; assist veterinarians with medical exams and procedures, including surgery and necropsies; administer medications to animals
• Record relevant information in facility’s recordkeeping database, including animal observations, health concerns and treatments, acquisitions/births, dispositions/deaths, etc.; objectively complete animal welfare assessments, as assigned
• Perform routine repairs and maintenance on exhibits/enclosures as needed; construct improvements, furnishings, and decorations for exhibits
• Competently assess needs within assigned area and initiate feasible solutions to problems with minimal assistance
• Assist in planning and conducting educational and interactive guest programs; engage the public to encourage curiosity and facilitate a positive experience
Education and Pre-requisites
• Associate degree or equivalent experience
• 3+ years of previous experience and/or training involving animal care
• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation to/from work
• Significant knowledge about animal husbandry and captive management; ability to build upon this knowledge and to adapt as necessary to animal collection changes
• Basic computer skills
• Must be able to lift 60 pounds and work outdoors in all weather conditions on a daily basis; must be able to tolerate strong odors, dust, hay, dander, and dampness; may be required to stand or sit for extended periods of time and/or to twist, bend, crouch, squat, climb, crawl, kneel, jump, swim, or carry objects for short distances; may be exposed to chemicals, fumes, odors, dust, moving mechanical parts, vehicles, and potentially dangerous animals
• All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation
Compensation and benefits
Job Type: Full-time
Starting Pay: $30,000 – 32,500 per year, based on experience
Benefits:
• Paid-time-off (vacation, holiday, sick)
• Vision, dental, and health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Participation in staff vaccination program
• Relocation package available to eligible new hires
The Albany Metropolitan area includes welcoming cities such as Leesburg, Putney, Sylvester, and Sasser. These cities boast cost-of-living numbers much lower than the national average and are all within easy commute of Flint RiverQuarium and Chehaw Park & Zoo.
• Leesburg: 13% lower COL, 18 minute commute
• Putney: 28% lower COL, 15 minute commute
• Sylvester: 26% lower COL, 28 minute commute
• Sasser: 24% lower COL, 22 minute commute
https://visitalbanyga.com/
Application instructions
Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected].