ANIMAL CARE SPECIALIST - AUSTRALASIA TEAM
Location
Kansas City, Missouri, United States
Work type
Onsite
Employment
Full Time
Experience
2-5 years
Compensation
$17 - $17 per hour
Posted
2h ago
Summary and responsibilities
Role overview
Summary
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.
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 Australasia Team, which is responsible for the daily husbandry of Bornean orangutans, Sumatran tigers, Francois langurs, red pandas, lion-tailed macaques, rhinoceros hornbill, red kangaroos, Matschie’s tree kangaroos, two species of wallabies, dingoes, emu, Wyoming toads, parrots and other species of Asian and Australian birds in a free-flight aviary.
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 preferred.
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 strongly 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.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
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 2h ago
Candidate fit
Skills and qualifications
Additional skills
Experience
2-5 years
Certifications
How this role is positioned
Role classification
Job domains
Industries
Employment
Full Time
Contract duration
Permanent
Hiring type
Direct
Global hiring
Location specific
Offer details
Compensation and benefits
Compensation
$17 - $17 per hour
Location, schedule, and role shape
Work setup
Work conditions
Bandwidth profile
Context on the employer
Company snapshot
Company
Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
Team size
Growing team
Location
Kansas City, Missouri, United States
The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is an organization dedicated to the daily care and welfare of a diverse animal collection and public interaction.
Popular Domains
Explore opportunities across specialized functional areas.
Trending Industries
Discover roles in the world's most innovative sectors.
ANIMAL CARE SPECIALIST - AUSTRALASIA TEAM
Kansas City, Missouri, United States • Full Time