Animal Care Specialist II
Location
Long Beach, California, United States
Work type
Onsite
Employment
Full Time
Experience
3-7 years
Compensation
Compensation not disclosed
Posted
6h ago
Summary and responsibilities
Role overview
Summary
The Animal Care Specialist II is primarily responsible for the daily care and maintenance of the Aquarium’s bird, marine mammal, amphibian and animal ambassador collection. This includes food preparation, feeding, handling, behavior modification, cleaning, and exhibit maintenance, ensuring the highest quality of care and public engagement.
The Animal Care Specialist II is responsible for the daily care and maintenance of the Aquarium’s bird, marine mammal, amphibian, and animal ambassador collections. Under the guidance of area managers, the position supports all aspects of animal husbandry, including food preparation, feeding, handling, training, behavior modification, cleaning, exhibit maintenance, and animal welfare.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Provides high-quality care to animals in accordance with Aquarium standards and protocols.
Works as part of a team to complete daily animal care, cleaning, and exhibit maintenance tasks.
Prepares and feeds established diets and assists with food preparation for fish and shellfish.
Handles and trains animals within the Bird and Mammal division using approved methods.
Supports animal welfare and well-being programs to promote healthy and enriching environments.
Conducts public presentations, behavioral demonstrations, behind-the-scenes tours, and educational guest interactions.
Assists with training and supporting volunteers working with the animal collection.
Maintains accurate records related to animal care and the Aquarium collection.
Supports after-hours events and Aquarium functions as needed.
Performs preventive maintenance and maintains life support equipment in clean, safe, and functional condition.
Cultivates and maintains live plants within and around animal exhibits.
Maintains clean, organized, safe, and presentable work areas and behind-the-scenes spaces.
Follows all safety protocols, including fire, OSHA, diving, and other applicable procedures, and reports unsafe conditions to management.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
Basic knowledge of natural history and husbandry practices for birds, mammals, amphibians, and related collections.
Understanding of animal care practices, including training, quarantine, handling, and exhibit maintenance.
Ability to respond appropriately to changing animal and work conditions.
Strong public speaking and presentation skills.
Ability to conduct educational programs and interact effectively with guests and staff.
Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication.
Strong problem-solving, critical-thinking, and decision-making abilities.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in Biology or a related field, or equivalent experience.
Minimum of three years of progressively responsible animal care experience in a zoological or comparable facility.
Valid California driver’s license with at least three years of driving experience.
SCUBA certification for aquarium habitat or open-ocean diving, as required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, squat, kneel, twist, climb ladders, and work for extended periods.
Ability to lift and carry up to 75 pounds and push or pull up to 100 pounds.
Ability to swim and perform required diving activities.
Full functional range of motion and the ability to perform reaching, gripping, and fine and gross motor tasks.
MENTAL DEMANDS
Demonstrates empathy, patience, resilience, flexibility, and adaptability when caring for animals.
Ability to prioritize competing responsibilities and work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
Maintains positive and professional relationships with colleagues and guests.
Remains composed when handling difficult or stressful situations.
Ability to adapt to changing schedules and responsibilities.
Ability to cope professionally with animal illness, injury, or loss.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Exposure to animal-related injury risks and unpredictable animal behavior.
Exposure to varying temperatures, humidity, water, wet and uneven surfaces, and elevated platforms.
Work with food, fish, shellfish, biohazards, pests, hand tools, machinery, vehicles, and personal protective equipment.
Participation in pest control and trap maintenance.
Work in aquarium habitats, behind-the-scenes areas, and open-ocean environments.
Updated 6h ago
Candidate fit
Skills and qualifications
Additional skills
Experience
3-7 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
Compensation not disclosed
Location, schedule, and role shape
Work setup
Work conditions
Bandwidth profile
Context on the employer
Company snapshot
Company
Aquarium of the Pacific
Team size
Growing team
Location
Long Beach, California, United States
The Aquarium of the Pacific celebrates our planet’s largest and most diverse body of water, the Pacific Ocean. A non-profit organization, with close to 1,200 volunteers and 400 employees, the Aquarium of the Pacific’s mission is to “instill a sense of wonder, respect and stewardship for the Pacific Ocean, its inhabitants and ecosystems” through an array of education programs designed for all ages. It has redefined the modern aquarium by incorporating the arts and technology to engage audiences
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Animal Care Specialist II
Long Beach, California, United States • Full Time