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Regional hiringpublishedExternal employer
KCKansas City Zoo and Aquarium
Kansas City Zoo and AquariumZoo & Aquarium

Animal Care Specialist

Elephant Team

Location

Kansas City, Missouri, United States

Work type

Onsite

Employment

Full Time

Experience

2-5 years

Compensation

Compensation not disclosed

Posted

9h ago

Summary and responsibilities

Role overview

Summary

The Animal Care Specialist is responsible for the daily care and welfare of African elephants, including diet preparation, medication administration, and behavioral observation. This role also involves maintaining animal habitats and engaging with the public through presentations and answering questions.

The 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 Zoo & Aquarium’s animal collection.


This position will work with the Elephant Team, which is responsible for the daily husbandry of African elephants.


POSITION DUTIES & ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Performs daily animal husbandry activities, including:

    • Preparing diets and delivering animal feedings.

    • Administering medications and assisting with various animal health procedures.

    • Observing, logging, and reporting issues concerning animal behavior, health, and welfare.

    • Training animals for basic husbandry behaviors.

    • Creating and implementing various enrichment items/strategies.

  • Completes daily maintenance of exhibits and holding areas, including:

    • Cleaning habitats, holding areas, and staff areas.

    • Performing minor repairs and improvements.

    • Reporting maintenance issues and potential safety hazards to appropriate manager.

    • Lawn and other horticultural maintenance within habitats.

  • Maintains daily reports and other required records.

  • Interacts with Zoo & Aquarium guests and the public, including:

    • Performing various animal chats and animal presentations, as well as assisting with special events related to assigned area.

    • Engaging with visitors to answer questions about the Zoo & Aquarium and animals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION & FORMAL TRAINING: Bachelor’s degree in biology, animal science, zoology, or related field desired. Applicable experience can be substituted in place of formal education on a year-for-year basis for candidates not currently holding a degree.
EXPERIENCE: Previous hands-on experience with the care and management of similar species is desired. 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.
OTHER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Must have valid driver’s license. Must have or be able to obtain negative TB test. Must be able to lift 50 pounds and have sufficient mobility to ensure a safe work environment. Must be able to stand for extended periods of time. 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 pass a background and drug screening.

Updated 9h ago

Candidate fit

Skills and qualifications

Additional skills

Animal Husbandry • 1+ yrs
Animal Behavior • 1+ yrs
Animal Training • 1+ yrs
Observational Skills • 1+ yrs
Computer Skills • 1+ yrs
Microsoft Office • 1+ yrs
Verbal Communication • 1+ yrs
Written Communication • 1+ yrs

Experience

2-5 years

Certifications

Valid Driver's License • Required
Negative TB Test • Required

How this role is positioned

Role classification

Job domains

Operations

Industries

Wildlife & Conservation

Employment

Full Time

Contract duration

Permanent

Hiring type

Direct

Global hiring

Location specific

Offer details

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Compensation not disclosed

VisibilityShared on listing
CurrencyUSD
PeriodYearly

Location, schedule, and role shape

Work setup

Work conditions

Primary locationKansas City, Missouri, United States
Work typeOnsite
Global hiringNo

Bandwidth profile

peopleMedium7/10
physicalHigh9/10
cognitiveHigh8/10
executionHigh8/10
creativityMedium5/10
uncertaintyHigh8/10
communicationMedium7/10

Context on the employer

Company snapshot

Company

Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium

Team size

Growing team

Location

Kansas City, Missouri, United States

The Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium is responsible for the daily care and welfare of a diverse animal collection and provides public education and engagement.

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Animal Care Specialist

Kansas City, Missouri, United StatesFull Time