Job Type: Permanent
Salary Details Salary Range: $48,000 – $52,000
Deadline: Apr 21, 2023

PURPOSE OF JOB: Oversees animal husbandry care; maintenance of LSS (life support systems)/aquaria/enclosures/exhibits in the Discovery Center; trains and supervises staff, interns, and volunteers; and educates visitors and students about Southwest Florida ecosystems, conservation, and the mission of the Conservancy.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Oversees and provides care and maintenance of live exhibits, including marine aquaria, herpetological exhibits, and raptors.
  • Maintains diets for all resident animals.
  • Provides basic medical care to resident animals. Works with the Veterinarian to provide in-depth medical care, including treatment of illness and annual exams.
  • Develops and maintains an ambassador animal enrichment program.
  • Obtains all relevant and necessary permits.
  • Works with Aquarist to oversee construction, repairs, and maintenance of aquarium systems and animals.
  • Oversees acquisition of new animals and rehoming of resident animals as needed.
  • Provide input and guidance with the construction of new exhibits and repairs on current exhibits.
  • Maintains detailed records of living collections; creates and updates written care guides.
  • Supervises staff and interns on all husbandry-related duties.
  • Oversees storm/hurricane preparedness for aquaria and ambassador animals.
  • Interprets Southwest Florida’s local ecosystems, Conservancy campus trails, and the Nature Center to visitors of diverse ages and backgrounds.
  • Oversees on-site safety manuals, protocols, and OSHA compliance.
  • Always delivers excellent internal and external customer service.

OTHER/NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

  • Tracks inventory and orders supplies and materials as needed.
  • Assists with Conservancy special events.
  • Trains interns and volunteers in daily operations of the Discovery Center and education programs; interacts with visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
  • Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s or advanced degree in ecology, science, education, or a related field.
  • Knowledge and 2-3 years of experience (minimum) in the care/ husbandry of aquaria/ vivaria, aquatic/marine, and terrestrial life (fish, invertebrates, reptiles, etc.)
  • Science/ecology background and experience.
  • SCUBA certification, or ability to obtain.
  • Knowledge of SW Florida’s local ecosystems and organisms, particularly reptiles, birds, and marine life.
  • Strong commitment to the conservation of Florida’s natural environments.
  • Ability to work effectively as a team member.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft and Google suites.
  • Ability to conceptualize, design, and implement programs, projects, and activities related to the organization’s mission.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Raptor handling and care experience.
  • Proof of 1,000+ hours of working with crocodilians.
  • Experience with the husbandry and handling of prohibited reptiles, Class II, and Class III wildlife, including alligators, indigo snakes, and Burmese pythons preferred.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s degree (B. A.) from a four-year college or university; or one to two years related experience and training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

  • Strong observational skills to recognize and evaluate animal health conditions, diets, behavior, and exhibit quality.
  • Strong maintenance skills, including general plumbing and using power tools, hand tools, and sealants/glue.
  • Ability to work independently to problem solve and critically think through solutions.
  • Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Strong organizational ability.
  • Must be willing to work a flexible schedule in all weather extremes, including weekends, holidays, and evening hours.
  • Must pass a background and drug screening.
  • Must be willing to become trained in handling dangerous, exotic wildlife.

The above statements describe the general qualifications required to perform the job and the general nature and level of work performed – not a complete list of duties – additional responsibilities may be assigned by management.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:

  • Current Certification in CPR, First Aid, and Life Saving, or ability to obtain.
  • Aquatic Species Collecting Permit, or ability to obtain.
  • Valid driver’s license and good driving record.
  • SCUBA certification, or ability to obtain.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below represent the required knowledge, skill, and ability. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of an organization.
  • Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
  • Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with abstract and concrete variables.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Willingness to work outside usual 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. weekday hours to conduct programs in the evenings, weekends, or holidays in sometimes hot, humid, and buggy conditions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: An employee must meet the physical demands described here to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Physical demands: While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally required to sit, climb, or balance and taste or smell. The employee must regularly stand, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl. The employee must frequently walk, reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee must regularly lift and move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift to 60 pounds. Special vision abilities required by this job include close and color vision and peripheral and depth perception.

Work Environment: The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and outdoor weather conditions. The employee is regularly exposed to wet or humid conditions (non-weather) with a risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

HOW TO APPLY
To complete the online application, please visit: https://conservancy.topdoghrrecruiting.com/job/583236/animal-care-coordinator