Animal Care Associate

Animal Care Associate

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

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
• Assist 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