Animal Care Specialist - Animal Discoveries

Summary/Purpose of Position: This position will provide care for the inhabitants of the Animal Discoveries and Overlook area, provide a safe, enjoyable, educational and interactive experience for our guests and maintain aesthetics of the Animal Discoveries. This arena provides one of the few opportunities for the public to interact with Fossil Rim staff. In addition, this position will assist in the daily husbandry of a variety of animals including: goats, ectotherms, Attwater’s prairie chickens, black-footed cats and others in this growing and evolving area.  This position will liaise with the Environmental Engagement Department to provide educational opportunities for FRWC guests and groups.

Specific/Mandatory Duties:  The essential responsibilities of the Animal Care Specialist: Animal Discoveries include but are not limited to the following:

• Daily care, diet prep and management of the Animal Discoveries collection
• Train and provide mentorship for up to 6 interns annually.
• Enhance the conservation programs and educational opportunities through sound animal management practices
• Cleaning and maintenance of Animal Discoveries with consideration for public aesthetics, health, and impression of all Animal Discoveries facilities
• Provide a safe environment for learning and entertainment at Animal Discoveries
• Assist with medical and management procedures of Animal Discoveries collections, including but not limited to shearing sheep, medicating domestic livestock, and managing parrots, felids, and canids.
• Progressive involvement and understanding of all FRWC conservation and environmental engagement programs
• Compiling orders and inventory of needed food, enrichment and other supplies
• Keep accurate daily records and communicate with supervisor and team members
• Monitoring of safety for both people and animals
• Provide excellent customer service for guests
• Regular and dependable attendance is required
• Be available after-hours and for weekend call out in emergencies
• Able to lift and carry 75 pounds
• Able to bend over and climb ladders
• Ability to spend up to 2/3 of the work day standing/walking
• Ability to work outside all day in weather ranging from extreme heat (100+ degrees) to extreme cold (below freezing) and in wet conditions
• Ability to drive and/or operate small maintenance equipment e.g., chainsaw, weed trimmer, mower, hand tools, truck and lawn tractor
• Ensure compliance with Employee Handbook, Risk Management Plan, all other safety rules & procedures, the company vision, mission, values, and goals
• Fulfill other duties as assigned

The secondary responsibilities of the Animal Care Specialist: Animal Discoveries, include but are not necessarily limited to the following:

• Maintenance of supplies and equipment
• Provide opportunities that demonstrate educational value of live animals in a safe program environment
• Act as a spokesperson for Fossil Rim

Desired Qualities, Experience, and Educational Skills:

• Associate or B.S. degree in biology, zoology, animal science, or a related field
• At least one year of previous experience with livestock
• Experience with education animals preferred
• Good communication skills
• Experience with public is a must
• Basic computer literacy
• Ability to work independently
• Patience with public (especially children)
• Ability to monitor animal/human interactions, and intervene in a positive, polite way
• Ability to take instruction from multiple supervisors
• Flexibility in daily schedule and expectations

Work Requirements: Usually a 5-day work week, often requiring flexibility and ability to work weekends and holidays. Irregular scheduling in which days may exceed 8 hours. Work both weekend days in a 5-day per week schedule with two days off in a row. Work holidays (schedule to be determined within department) with consideration given consistent with company leave policy. Pays $16.75/hour and has full-time benefits.

Please submit your resume today!  We are a Non-Profit organization and an equal employment opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other protected classification under federal and state law.

Fossil Rim is an “at will” and equal opportunity employer. It should be noted that it is company policy to conduct background checks on potential new employees, inclusive of testing for drugs and controlled substance use.