Animal Care Associate

SUMMARY: The Animal Care Associate assists the Director of Animal Care with administrative tasks and duties to support the department's operational needs, as assigned, and provides support to the Registrar as needed.

Full Time, Non-Exempt - Monday through Friday - $22.60 - $27.60 DOE

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Department Support Functions:

Assists with managing the Animal Care budget; organizing and coding invoices & receipts, maintaining a spreadsheet of the department budget, preparing budget reports, managing purchasing accounts, and submitting reimbursement requests

Assists with the preparation and submission of the department credit card monthly statements

Performs administrative duties associated with management of the department, including, but not limited to:

clerical duties such as organizing and maintaining files

photocopy/scan/fax

maintaining and updating the staff roster, as assigned

Performs data entry as assigned

Assists with coordinating meetings, special events, and visiting consultants

Prepares reports and documents as assigned

Assists with department purchasing of supplies and equipment as needed

Assists with researching habitat design and sourcing equipment and supplies for habitats as needed

Assists with supporting or coordinating departmental travel

Assists with supporting the Animal Welfare Program by utilizing digital platforms and software (such as Excel, ZIMS, Microsoft suite) for data management and liaising with Zoological Managers

Assists with supporting the Enriching Experiences Program through data management and liaising with Zoological Managers

Assists the Registrar with registrar-related duties when needed such as, but not limited to, animal transfer logistics and paperwork, maintaining animal records, animal regulatory inspections and inspection reports, and permit

Assist the Registrar by serving as the primary driver and staff member responsible for the safe, secure, and compliant transport of animals between facilities and to/from airports

Knowledge of IATA (International Air Transport Association) Live Animal regulations

Assists the Registrar with training staff on digital platforms and database use such as, but not limited to ZIMS, SharePoint, and the Microsoft 365 suite

Assist with management of digital platforms and databases for the Animal Care Department such as, but not limited to ZIMS, SharePoint, and the Microsoft 365 suite

Assists with special projects as assigned

Liaises with other departments on assigned administrative and budgetary tasks

Liaises with other departments about animal care operations as assigned

Assists the department with coordination of volunteer logistics as needed

Assists with onboarding of new staff within the department; paperwork, keys, radio, uniforms, etc.

Tracks keeper talks and animal experiences (encounters, BTS, camp, tours, etc.) as needed

Takes minutes at the weekly Animal Management Meeting and other meetings as needed

Attends monthly AC&H department meeting

Takes minutes at the quarterly Animal Welfare Assessment Working Group meeting

Attends monthly all-employee meetings when scheduled on days of work

Adheres to the Zoo’s policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual

Applies and exemplifies “Green” (Sustainable) practices whenever possible

Animal Care Keeper Support:

Assists with animal care duties when needed and as assigned

Assists with animal emergencies as needed in a support role under the direction of the Director of Animal Care, Zoological Managers, or Vice President of Animal Care & Health

Assists with keeper talks and animal experiences as needed

SECONDARY DUTIES:

Attends Monthly All Employee meetings

Attends bi-monthly department meetings

Attends Animal Management meetings

Attends quarterly Animal Welfare Assessment Working Group meeting

Promotes a collaborative relationship across the whole AC&H department

Develops positive and collaborative working relationships with other Zoo departments to achieve and advance the department and Zoo-wide goals

Other duties as assigned to support the operations and management of the Animal Care & Health department

Guest Relations:

Greets every guest with a smile

Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo

Answers phone calls, voice mails, and e-mails promptly

Ensures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping the work area clean, picking up trash, and reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions

Associates with guests to share information and assist

Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures

Maintains a clean, neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo’s uniform dress code

Takes responsibility for staying informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading the employee communications and attending meetings

Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement, the Zoo’s Core Values, and the Employee Pledge

POSITION CRITERIA:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Education & Experience:

High school diploma or GED

Experience working in animal care at an AZA-accredited zoo or aquarium, or equivalent facility desirable

License, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications:

A valid driver’s license with a good driving record is desirable

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

Knowledge of Windows programs (Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook) and generating reports from database information

Knowledge of animal record-keeping software (ZIMS)

General knowledge of animal taxonomy, animal husbandry

Basic knowledge of animal welfare and wildlife laws and regulations specific to exhibition, breeding, and domestic and international transport would be beneficial

Basic knowledge of population management principles and AZA animal programs would be beneficial

Excellent organizational skills, resourceful, and good time management practices

Ability to follow oral and written direction

Effective oral and written communication skills

Ability to work independently and take initiative

Ability to work effectively in a shared, open-space office with many interruptions

Ability to manage sensitive information with discretion

Ability to develop productive and professional relationships at work

Ability to exercise safe work habits

Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and our guests

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

Requires the ability to access all areas of the facility

Must be able to participate in operational practices, including the ability to lift 20 lbs., climb stairs, manipulate tools, stand/walk for up to two continuous hours

Involves working in a shared, open-space office environment, as well as out-of-doors in all weather conditions

Supportive and open employment culture

Tools Used:

Personal computer and software (Word, Filemaker Pro, Excel, and Outlook)

Two-way radio

Standard office equipment: telephone, copier, printer, facsimile machine, and calculator

Hand tools

NOTE: The employee is expected to adhere to all company policies and to act as a role model in the adherence to policies. These statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work involved in this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of this job.