Animal Care Specialist

Senior Animal Care Education Programs SpecialistTitle: Senior Animal Care Education Programs SpecialistState Role Title: Education Support Spec IIIHiring Range: $60,000-$73,000Pay Band: 4Agency: The Science Museum of VirginiaLocation: NOVA Science CenterAgency Website: Type: General Public - GJob DutiesThe opening of the Northern Virginia Science Center is the largest project in the Science Museum's history. As we prepare to open our doors in spring/summer 2027, we're seeking a Senior Animal Care Education Program Specialist to be our subject matter expert in animal care and help ensure the health, welfare, and success of our remarkable live animal collections across three Science Museum locations (Richmond, Danville and Loudoun).This is no ordinary animal care role. You will work with an extraordinary variety of animals from a leafcutter ant colony and 750-gallon aquariums featuring Virginia native fish in Northern Virginia, to Norway Rats trained to play basketball, snakes, turtles, lizards, and fascinating invertebrates in Richmond. You will also support the seasonal butterfly garden at the Danville Science Center as needed. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Education and Operations, you'll play a key role in animal care, collection management, permitting, and educational programming across the organization. The position will be based in Northern Virginia and will also periodically lead programs for the public and staff galleries, primarily at that site. We're anticipating filling the role sometime this October.Training will take place in Richmond, with the candidate expected to spend 2-3 days a week in Richmond from October-January. Telework or other work arrangement will be made for the remaining days each week until the Science Center is fully constructed. If you're passionate about animal welfare, science education, and creating unforgettable experiences for learners, this is your opportunity to help shape something truly extraordinary.BenefitsThe position offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, FSA, HRA, HSA, life insurance, 457 and pension plan, short and long-term disability and employee assistance program. The Science Museum has a generous paid time off policy, including vacation leave, four days family & personal leave, eight sick days per year and 12 paid holidays.The salary range for this position is $60,000-$73,000. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as the candidate's experience and market considerations at the time of offer.Minimum QualificationsThe ideal candidate will possess extensive experience working with and maintaining a live animal collection, including small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and large aquaria with experience working with leafcutter ant colonies considered a bonus. Candidate must be energetic, outgoing, enthusiastic and comfortable "being on stage," with demonstrated experience developing and delivering science-based experiences, classes, workshops, demonstrations and activities. Have demonstrated experience working with and coordinating volunteers and staff. Superior organizational, problem-solving, attention to detail and communication skills are essential, along with a strong desire and ability to work with children, families, and adults in a positive, friendly and accessible manner. Candidate must be comfortable performing in front of large groups and interacting one-on-one with visitors of all ages. The ability to remain flexible, patient and resourceful while managing multiple responsibilities simultaneously is required. Candidates must be able to work effectively in a highly collaborative, fast-paced environment, both independently and as part of a team. Travel between locations is a required part of the position, and a valid driver's license is required.Additional ConsiderationsVeterinary technician training, certification or equivalent experience is a plus. Familiarity with local, state and federal permitting procedures is also a plus.Special InstructionsYou will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.The Science Museum of Virginia will accept ONLY online applications for all Science Museum employment opportunities. To be considered for this position, you must submit a Commonwealth of Virginia application or resume through the on-line "Virginia Jobs" (RMS) employment site no later than 11:55 p.m. on the closing date listed. If the position is an open until filled recruitment; the position will remain open for a minimum of 5 workdays or until the position is filled. Each application is reviewed for documentation that shows the applicant meets the minimum and additional qualifications stated in the job announcement. The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided on the application; therefore, it is essential to provide detailed information. Submitting an application lacking in detail, may impact your interview eligibility. The RMS website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration. Please refer to your RMS account for the status of your application and this position. Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment within 90 days of the closing date. Computers are available for applying for jobs in public libraries and the Virginia Employment Commission offices. The Science Museum seeks motivated people of all backgrounds. We value diversity of cultures, races and ethnicities, gender expressions, and abilities. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request. As a V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer the Science Museum Welcomes Veterans to apply! We provide hiring preference to Veterans and Members of the Virginia National Guard in support of Executive Order 29, (2010). If you are a Veteran or Virginia National Guard Member, we urge you to respond accordingly on your state application or resume. Selected candidate(s) must successfully pass a criminal history background check. A record of criminal history does not automatically bar an applicant from consideration. Employment verification will be conducted to include current/previous supervisory employment reference checks. The Science Museum will record information from each new employee's Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.Contact InformationName: Human ResourcesPhone: 804.372.3766Email: View email address on click.appcast.io support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at View phone number on click.appcast.io.Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer