Animal Care Associate

Animal Care AssociateThe 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 DOEDepartment 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 requestsAssists with the preparation and submission of the department credit card monthly statementsPerforms administrative duties associated with management of the department, including, but not limited to: clerical duties such as organizing and maintaining filesphotocopy/scan/faxmaintaining and updating the staff roster, as assignedPerforms data entry as assignedAssists with coordinating meetings, special events, and visiting consultantsPrepares reports and documents as assignedAssists with department purchasing of supplies and equipment as neededAssists with researching habitat design and sourcing equipment and supplies for habitats as neededAssists with supporting or coordinating departmental travelAssists 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 ManagersAssists with supporting the Enriching Experiences Program through data management and liaising with Zoological ManagersAssist 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 permitAssist 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 airportsKnowledge of IATA (International Air Transport Association) Live Animal regulationsAssists the Registrar with training staff on digital platforms and database use such as, but not limited to ZIMS, SharePoint, and the Microsoft 365 suiteAssist with management of digital platforms and databases for the Animal Care Department such as, but not limited to ZIMS, SharePoint, and the Microsoft 365 suiteAssists with special projects as assignedLiaises with other departments on assigned administrative and budgetary tasksLiaises with other departments about animal care operations as assignedAssists the department with coordination of volunteer logistics as neededAssists 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 neededTakes minutes at the weekly Animal Management Meeting and other meetings as neededAttends monthly AC&H department meetingTakes minutes at the quarterly Animal Welfare Assessment Working Group meetingAttends monthly all-employee meetings when scheduled on days of workAdheres to the Zoo's policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy ManualApplies and exemplifies "Green" (Sustainable) practices whenever possibleAnimal Care Keeper Support:Assists with animal care duties when needed and as assignedAssists 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 & HealthAssists with keeper talks and animal experiences as neededSecondary Duties:Attends Monthly All Employee meetingsAttends bi-monthly department meetingsAttends Animal Management meetingsAttends quarterly Animal Welfare Assessment Working Group meetingPromotes a collaborative relationship across the whole AC&H departmentDevelops positive and collaborative working relationships with other Zoo departments to achieve and advance the department and Zoo-wide goalsOther duties as assigned to support the operations and management of the Animal Care & Health departmentGuest Relations:Greets every guest with a smileThanks guests for supporting/visiting the ZooAnswers phone calls, voice mails, and e-mails promptlyEnsures 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 conditionsAssociates with guests to share information and assistResponds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations proceduresMaintains a clean, neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo's uniform dress codeTakes responsibility for staying informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading the employee communications and attending meetingsReflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement, the Zoo's Core Values, and the Employee PledgePosition 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 GEDExperience working in animal care at an AZA-accredited zoo or aquarium, or equivalent facility desirableLicense, Certification, or Preferred Qualifications:A valid driver's license with a good driving record is desirableKnowledge, Skills, & Abilities:Knowledge of Windows programs (Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook) and generating reports from database informationKnowledge of animal record-keeping software (ZIMS)General knowledge of animal taxonomy, animal husbandryBasic knowledge of animal welfare and wildlife laws and regulations specific to exhibition, breeding, and domestic and international transport would be beneficialBasic knowledge of population management principles and AZA animal programs would be beneficialExcellent organizational skills, resourceful, and good time management practicesAbility to follow oral and written directionEffective oral and written communication skillsAbility to work independently and take initiativeAbility to work effectively in a shared, open-space office with many interruptionsAbility to manage sensitive information with discretionAbility to develop productive and professional relationships at workAbility to exercise safe work habitsAbility to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and our guestsPhysical Demands & Work Environment:Requires the ability to access all areas of the facilityMust 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 hoursInvolves working in a shared, open-space office environment, as well as out-of-doors in all weather conditionsSupportive and open employment cultureTools Used:Personal computer and software (Word, Filemaker Pro, Excel, and Outlook)Two-way radioStandard office equipment: telephone, copier, printer, facsimile machine, and calculatorHand toolsNOTE: The employee is expected to adhere to all company policies and to act as a role model in