Orlando Science Center
Lead Animal Keeper - Swamp
Summary/Objective
Responsible for the daily care of the animal collection within the Swamp gallery of the LIFE exhibit. The Lead Animal Keeper will conduct husbandry, enrichment and training sessions and perform conservation-based keeper talks that include hands on live animal interactions with Orlando Science Center guests. Additionally, the Lead Animal Keeper will mentor Animal Keepers, Assistant Animal Keepers, volunteers, and interns within LIFE. The lead also provides administrative and operational support to the Animal Care Manager, with emphasis on daily operations and scheduling, to ensure quality control. The Lead Animal Keeper may be cross trained to assist in staff coverage within the Rainforest, Ocean and Animal Ambassador areas in addition to their primary responsibilities within the rainforest.
Essential Functions
-
Prepares and feeds daily ration of frozen, fresh, and dry commercial foods.
-
Maintains exhibit aesthetics through regular cleaning of habitats and exhibits including underwater exhibit maintenance.
-
Presents public programs with and without live animals to diverse groups on a microphone.
-
Maintains documented experience hours (1,000) to enable OSC to obtain a Class2 animal permit and may act as permittee.
-
Participates in departmental and special events both at the science center and off property.
-
Keeps up to date records and logs on animals’ diets, health, and husbandry.
-
Trains and oversees staff, interns, adult, and youth volunteers on all OSC SOPs including proper animal handling procedures and basic husbandry and gives feedback regarding staff daily duties.
-
Represents Orlando Science Center in a professional manner with all guests and staff.
-
May act as an Institutional Representative for designated Species Survival Plan.
-
Proficient at opening and closing duties within all areas of the LIFE exhibit.
-
Monitors and observes animal’s health and welfare and reports any concerns to the Animal Care Manager.
-
Maintains animal records using ZIMS record keeping system and daily logs
-
Proficient in the husbandry, training and enrichment needs of crocodilians, chelonians, and raptors.
-
Administers medicines and routine medical care to OSC’s living collection.
-
Oversees department intern and volunteer program including training.
-
Oversees Assistant Animal Keepers, and Animal Keepers in the absence of the Animal Care Manager.
-
Develops educational content and conservation messaging for public programs, hands-on activities, blogs or other digital platforms that focus on animal care in collaboration with Animal Care Manager.
-
Acts as part of a ride out crew during severe weather to ensure animal health and safety and to assist as needed for facility support.
-
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Competencies
-
Teamwork
-
Decision Making
-
Work Standards
-
Motivation
-
Reliability
-
Problem Solving
|
-
Adaptability
-
Planning and Organizing
-
Communication
-
Integrity
-
Initiative
-
Customer Service and Quality
|
Minimum Qualifications
-
Education: Associate degree in an animal science, biology, or related science field; A Bachelor’s degree in an animal science, biology, or related science field experience is preferred
-
Experience: Applicants should possess the equivalent of three years’ experience in a zoo, aquarium, museum, park or a similar facility including animal husbandry and public programming. Experience working with crocodilians, chelonians, freshwater fish and/or raptors. Must provide documented experience hours (1,000) as it relates to the husbandry and handling of Class 2 animals.
-
Certifications:
-
Employee must have a valid driver's license, maintain an acceptable driving record as stipulated by OSC’s insurance carrier, and be willing to drive an OSC vehicle for business purposes.
-
Employee must be willing to obtain provided CPR and First Aid certification.
-
Must be comfortable and willing to work in and around water
-
Must have or be able to obtain and maintain up-to-date TB test
Preferred Qualifications
-
Must be able to pass a swim test upon employment.
-
Must be proficient in all Microsoft Office Software.
-
Must be highly motivated, organized, and demonstrate a willingness to adapt positively to corporate change.
-
Experience speaking in front of large, diverse audiences.
Supervisory Responsibility
-
Trains youth and adult volunteers, interns, and mentor’s staff.
-
Oversees Husbandry Assistants, Assistant Animal Keepers, and Animal Keepers in the absence of the Animal Care Manager.
Physical Demands
-
Ability to lift up to 60lbs and be on feet for extended periods of time.
-
Must be comfortable in and around water.
-
Must be comfortable working on slippery, wet, and uneven surfaces.
-
Must be able and comfortable climbing stairs and ladders.
-
Bending/Squatting.
-
Pushing and pulling up to 60 pounds.
Expected Hours of Work
Travel
Telecommuting
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume to
HRSpecialist@osc.org. Submit the application using the information provided on the original job listing located on AZA.org. Thank you!
Orlando Science Center
Orlando, FL
Visit our website
Edit your job posting
Submitting your job posting...