Herpetologist (Venom Lab Technician)

Summary:

Join a dedicated and passionate team at a historic facility. This position is primarily responsible for the handling and care of the reptile and amphibian collection. This collection includes venomous species of snakes and lizards. Candidate should be comfortable with handling dangerous reptiles (including routine venom extractions), handling, processing, and storing of venom, record keeping and lab operations, as well as presentations to the public. Assistance with other animals, interactions, presentations, or routine maintenance work within the park may also be occasionally necessary.

Education/Training Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology, or equivalent of related experience. Computer skills including email, Excel, Word, and database programs. Must have valid driver’s license. Minimum of six months of paid or unpaid experience in animal care. Paid or unpaid experience handling reptiles is a must. Venomous reptile experience will be prioritized. Being permitted or on your way to being permitted to handle venomous reptiles will be a top priority.

Essential Duties:

This position supports the management, care, exhibition, and study of the resident animal collection with a primary focus on dangerous reptiles and amphibians. This position may assist in the daily husbandry care and maintenance of other animals, guest interactions, or park operations as necessary.

1. Routine cleaning of animal exhibits, daily animal diet preparations, water quality testing, and cleaning of laboratory, equipment, food preparation facilities, and animal work areas.

2. Maintenance and operation of lab and lab facilities. This will include equipment maintenance, electronic record keeping, and the handling, preparation, and transport of venom.

3. Handling of venomous snakes for the purpose of venom extraction and collection. Many extractions will be visible by the public and require public presentation. The strict adherence to standard operating procedures is a must.

4. Perform required safety drills and participate in round table exercises as required by leadership.

5. As appropriate, supports voluntary and cooperative behavioral management including techniques involving operant conditioning, enrichment programs, ethograms, and medical and veterinary care.

3. Cross trains with other husbandry staff and areas for efficient use of staff resources as appropriate.

4. Under direction of the leadership, assist research staff in facilitation of research projects and the collection of data samples, etc.

5. Uses verbal and written communication to effectively and succinctly communicate with leadership, veterinary staff, and other staff members. Maintains written and computer-based records as required.

8. Participates in educational presentations and interactions with park guests and the public on topics relating to conservation, animal husbandry, and scientific findings and research. This will require public speaking both live and on camera.

9. Unloading periodic deliveries of frozen, refrigerated, and dry food and maintaining frozen, refrigerated, and dry stored items.

10. Complies with all park policies, procedures, and programs. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Other Skills and Abilities:

Ability to strictly adhere to standard operating procedures and communicate effectively and efficiently in potentially stressful situations. Ability to be organized, self-motivated, independent, and possess a strong desire to see the completion of projects. Exceptional time management/organizational skills; self-motivated; ability to communicate effectively with various levels in the organization. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to have fun and promote fun while being respectful, productive and adhering to SOPs.

Physical Requirements:

· The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

· Ability to perform moderate to strenuous physical activity. Ability to see and hear; twist, bend, kneel, stand, and crouch for extended periods of time; use arms and hands; handle objects, tools, and controls; climb stairs and ladders; and sit for periods of time. Must be able to lift and move 50lbs, walk and stand on uneven surfaces, and have a good sense of balance.

· Ability to work around small and large groups of people. Ability to work safely with and around large, wild animals. Ability to work weekends or holidays as necessary.

· Candidate must have the ability to work in an outdoor area involving uneven, slippery surfaces in potentially extremely hot, cold, and wet weather.

· Candidate must be comfortable working in environments with pests, as well as around very dangerous, venomous animals.