Education Animal Care Specialist

The Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park in Litchfield Park, Arizona  is seeking a dedicated and passionate full time animal care professional to join our growing Education Animal team. An ideal candidate is energized by group dynamic collaboration and seeks to excel in a culture of strong communication and team success.

The Education Animal Care Specialist is responsible for performing routine work assignments involving the daily care and welfare of animals within their area. This position also performs daily maintenance of animal habitats and holding areas, as well as interacts with the public to provide information related to the Wildlife World Zoo animal collection.

This position will work with the Education Team, which is responsible for the daily husbandry and training of the Wildlife World Zoo’s ambassador animal collection, as well as live presentations for audiences of all sizes. This collection includes mammals, reptiles, birds and invertebrates.

POSITION DUTIES & ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

*This position may at times be requested to perform other duties or special projects as assigned, which are in the best interest of Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park.  

*All employees must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily and, upon request, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• EDUCATION & FORMAL TRAINING:
• Bachelor’s degree in biology, animal science, zoology, or related field preferred or equivalent relevant experience
• EXPERIENCE:
• Previous hands-on experience with the care and management of similar species  preferred.
• Knowledge of animal husbandry, behavior, procedures for proper care, and training of exotic animals.
• Strong observational skills to recognize and evaluate conditions of animal health, diets, and behavior.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, required.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions, including procedures for care and maintenance of animals, habitats, service and holding areas.
• Public speaking and customer service experience preferred
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• OTHER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to manage stress, endure high risk situations when feeding, transferring, or restraining animals, and make immediate decisions concerning the safety of animals, staff, or the public.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and evening hours, in all weather extremes.
• Must be able to manage tasks in a time efficient manner and demonstrate initiative in taking on daily required tasks and projects.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with a team and supervisors and work well in a team environment
• Must be able to pass a drug screening.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following have been identified as physical requirements of the job: 

• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds, stand for long periods of time, and drive Zoo vehicles. 
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. 
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. 
• The employee is frequently required to use hands and fingers to handle, reach or feel and manipulate objects or controls. 
• The employee is frequently required to sit, walk distances, climb, balance, stoop, bend, kneel, and crouch.
• Several job functions of this position are performed in confined areas.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.   

Salary

Starting at $15.50/Hour + depending on experience

Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park is always looking for volunteers and interns. To apply, visit: Volunteer | Wildlife World