About the position
The Animal Care Specialist position at Edisto Beach State Park involves a variety of responsibilities centered around the care and maintenance of collection animals. The primary duties include ensuring the well-being, feeding, and care of the animals, as well as managing their enclosures. This role requires participation in the cleaning and sanitizing of quarantine areas and all animal equipment, maintaining accurate records of all animals in care, and preparing animal diets or other food substances. Additionally, the specialist may assist in requisitioning and record-keeping of food and supplies. Beyond animal care, the position entails general maintenance of the facility, which includes the classroom, conference room, exhibit hall, restrooms, and surrounding areas. The specialist will also assist the Interpreter at the Environmental Learning Center with various tasks, including park administrative duties and maintaining customer service for park visitors. The role may involve assisting with programs for visitors of all ages and ensuring a safe work environment while interpreting the cultural and natural resources of the State Park Service to guests. This is a full-time temporary position with a normal work schedule of 40 hours per week, including rotating weekends and holidays. Candidates must be comfortable with medium to heavy lifting, walking and standing on uneven terrain, and working in various weather conditions. The position requires effective communication skills, both orally and in writing, and the ability to handle reptiles comfortably. Optional housing is provided in shared barracks, and health, vision, and dental insurance are available to employees.
Responsibilities
- Maintain and ensure the well-being, feeding, and care of collection animals.
- Participate in the cleaning and sanitizing of quarantine areas and all animal equipment.
- Maintain records of all animals in care.
- Prepare animal diets or other food substances.
- Assist in requisitioning and record-keeping of food and other supplies.
- General maintenance of the facility including the classroom, conference room, exhibit hall, restroom, and surrounding areas.
- Assist the Interpreter at the Environmental Learning Center with park administrative duties.
- Maintain customer service for all park visitors.
- Assist with programs for all ages as needed.
- Maintain a safe work environment.
- Interpret the cultural and natural resources of the State Park Service to park visitors.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Biology or a related field.
- Knowledge of saltwater aquariums and animal husbandry.
- Comfortable with handling reptiles.
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Must possess or be able to obtain a valid South Carolina Driver's License.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience in customer service (1 year preferred).
- Experience in animal husbandry (1 year preferred).
- Experience in aquarium upkeep (1 year preferred).
Benefits
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
