Animal Care Specialist
Location
Bridgeport, Connecticut, United States
Work type
Onsite
Employment
Full Time
Experience
3-7 years
Compensation
$19 - $19 per hour
Posted
2h ago
Summary and responsibilities
Role overview
Summary
This position involves performing skilled and technical work to ensure the health and well-being of the animal collection at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo. Responsibilities include daily animal husbandry, maintaining exhibits, assisting with educational programs, and supporting conservation research initiatives. The role requires adherence to USDA and AZA standards and involves both manual and specialized tasks.
Summary
This position performs skilled and technical animal care work supporting the zoo’s mission as an accredited institution. Responsibilities include maintaining animal health and welfare in accordance with USDA and AZA standards, supporting educational and conservation programs, assisting with research involving endangered species, and maintaining animal exhibits and surrounding grounds.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Clean and maintain animal habitats using appropriate tools and cleaning agents while meeting Animal Welfare Act standards.
Evaluate animal needs daily based on weather, temperature, health, species requirements, and housing conditions.
Prepare and provide animal diets according to instructions from the Zoo Veterinarian or Curator.
Monitor animal health through visual observation, behavior assessment, and fecal or blood sample analysis as directed.
Maintain accurate animal care and behavior records using ZIMS or other designated software.
Assist with safe animal capture, restraint, handling, veterinary care, and relocation using approved techniques and equipment.
Administer prescribed medications under veterinary or curator direction.
Complete daily reports and communicate effectively with supervisors and zoo staff.
Maintain exhibit appearance, including plants and surrounding grounds.
Perform physical tasks such as lifting feed bags, moving meat boxes, and removing debris.
Respond professionally to guest questions regarding zoo operations and animal care.
Support educational, promotional, and special programs as needed.
Exercise sound judgment in animal care decisions, including when direct supervision is unavailable.
Participate in management meetings and support departmental goals and priorities.
Follow safety procedures and maintain clean, hazard-free work areas.
Stay current on animal care best practices, industry resources, trends, and tools.
Collaborate with team members to support animal care and overall zoo operations.
Minimum Qualifications
Associate’s degree in biological sciences, life sciences, or a related field; relevant experience at an accredited zoological institution may substitute for the degree.
Valid driver’s license.
At least 3 years of related animal care experience in an accredited zoo, zoological institution, or museum.
Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
Commitment to the zoo’s mission and conservation objectives.
Basic knowledge of animal characteristics, diets, behaviors, and welfare needs.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and database software.
Professionalism and discretion when handling confidential information.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask, work independently or as part of a team, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail.
Physical Requirements
The position requires frequent standing, walking, sitting, talking, hearing, and use of hands and arms to operate tools and equipment. Employees may occasionally stoop, kneel, or crouch and will regularly work near or within animal habitats and handle animals. The role requires the ability to lift and move items weighing up to 50 pounds. Employees must have sufficient near and distance vision, color recognition, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Working Conditions
Work is performed year-round in indoor and outdoor environments and around both large and small animals. Employees may be exposed to inclement weather and must follow required PPE and uniform requirements, including protective eyewear and gloves. The position requires availability for weekends, holidays, evenings, and special events as needed. The zoo operates 362 days per year, and employees must be prepared to work according to operational and animal-care needs.
Updated 2h 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
$19 - $19 per hour
Location, schedule, and role shape
Work setup
Work conditions
Bandwidth profile
Context on the employer
Company snapshot
Company
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo
Team size
Growing team
Location
Bridgeport, Connecticut, United States
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is an accredited institution. Its mission involves ensuring the health and well-being of its animal collection in accordance with USDA and AZA standards, assisting with the presentation of animals for educational and recreational purposes, and supporting research initiatives focused on the conservation and propagation of endangered species.
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Animal Care Specialist
Bridgeport, Connecticut, United States • Full Time