Animal Care Specialist I (Bird & Mammal)

POSITION SUMMARY:

As part of the OdySea Aquarium animal team, this position has the potential to work with a diverse collection of animals including (but not limited to) California sea lions, Asian small-clawed otters, African penguins, reptiles, and small exotic land animals. A central responsibility of this position will be in the daily operation of their assigned area (i.e. habitat cleaning, maintenance, food preparation, enrichment management, etc.), educational animal presentations and engaging interactions with guests. Individual will demonstrate the understanding of operant conditioning techniques within the training department and throughout the aquarium to enhance animal welfare and visitor experience opportunities. Individual will be integral in educating and interacting aquarium guests about species survival and conservation through presentations.


MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for maintaining the highest level of animal welfare including both proactive and reactive identification, communication, and management of areas of opportunity.
• Participate in educational animal presentations, shows, and interactive programs within the Aquarium. Ensure positive and engaging interactions with guests, daily.
• Uphold all department Standard Operating Procedures.
• Support the training and mentoring of intern and volunteer team members.
• Help create and implement enrichment plans for assigned animals.
• Participate in the development of exhibits, educational planning, research and conservation activities.
• Inspect and maintain exhibits, and related facilities, daily for cleanliness, safety, and structural integrity.
• Communicate effectively with the rest of the Animal Care team and departmental leadership.
• Ensure adherence to aquarium standards and procedures and compliance with the requirements of various professional associations and regulatory agencies. Maintain highest level of animal husbandry and training practices.
• Build knowledge of industry innovations and progressive animal care through professional meetings and conferences, trade journals, and communication with professional colleagues.
• Represent the Animal Care Department and OdySea Aquarium to visiting investors, professionals, guests, and media.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by Director, Curator and/or Manager.

Requirements

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Biology, Zoology, Marine Science or related discipline preferred, equivalent alternate experience accepted.
• Minimum 1-year experience in a zoological setting working with exotic marine and/or terrestrial animals.
• Excellent public speaking skills.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• Must be able to access animal pools, exhibits, and enclosures.
• Must be a strong swimmer, with the ability to pass departmental swim test.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays, or irregular hours dictated by facility or animal needs.
• Experience with neonate and juvenile rearing preferred.
• Life support experience preferred.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time, as well as walk.
• Ability to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb stairs, or crawl.
• Required to frequently talk and hear.
• No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance and agility of movement which might interfere with ability to work.
• Specific vision requirement for this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Must be able to take directional cues directly or indirectly.
• Ability to work in an environment that may be loud at times.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions, including occasional extreme hot or cold, and wet and/or humid conditions.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.