Animal Care Specialist: Animal Discoveries/Carnivore Swing

Aza - Glen Rose, TX

- Entry Level

Glen Rose, TX

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations

About the position

The Animal Care Specialist: Animal Discoveries/Carnivore Swing position at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center involves assisting in the care of the Animal Discoveries (AD) and carnivore collections. This role is crucial in providing a safe, enjoyable, educational, and interactive experience for guests while maintaining the aesthetics of the AD area. The position also includes daily husbandry tasks for various carnivores, including American Red wolves, Mexican grey wolves, black-footed cats, and cheetahs. The specialist will engage with the public, enhance conservation programs, and ensure the well-being of the animals under their care.

Responsibilities

• Daily care and management of AD and carnivore collections
• Daily diet preparation for AD and carnivore collections
• Enhance conservation programs and educational opportunities through sound animal management practices
• Constant cleaning of the AD with consideration for public aesthetics, health, and impression
• Provide a safe environment for learning and engagement at the AD
• Assist with medical and management procedures of AD and carnivore collections
• Progressive involvement and understanding of all carnivore programs
• Keep accurate daily records and communicate with supervisors
• Routine cleaning and maintenance of all AD and carnivore facilities
• Monitoring of safety for both people and animals
• Assist with mentoring interns
• Provide excellent customer service for guests
• Regular and dependable attendance is required
• Be available after-hours and weekend call out in emergencies
• Able to lift and carry 75 pounds
• Able to bend over
• Ability to spend up to 2/3 of the work day standing/walking
• Ability to work outside all day in weather ranging from extreme heat (100+ degrees) to extreme cold (below freezing) and in wet conditions
• Ability to drive and/or operate small maintenance equipment e.g., chainsaw, weed trimmer, mower, hand tools, truck and lawn tractor
• Ensure compliance with Employee Handbook, Risk Management Plan, all other safety rules & procedures, the company vision, mission and goals
• Fulfill other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Associate or B.S. degree in biology, zoology, animal science, or a related field preferred
• At least one year of previous experience with carnivores
• Experience with education animals preferred
• Good communication skills
• Experience with public is a must
• Basic computer literacy
• Ability to work independently
• Patience with public (especially children)
• Ability to monitor animal/human interactions and intervene in a positive polite way
• Ability to take instruction from multiple supervisors
• Flexibility in daily schedule and expectations

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with education animals preferred
• Good communication skills
• Basic computer literacy