Animal Care Assistant - Part Time

Occupational Summary

The Animal Care Assistant will be responsible for assisting with the maintenance of the live animal collection, by maintaining animal records and cleaning enclosures and filtration. This self-motivated individual will be expected to work with minimal supervision while following all protocols accurately. They will have strong communication skills, teamwork ethic, and a passion for working with animals to provide healthy and clean environments. This includes but is not limited to fish, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and other invertebrates.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists in maintaining and cleaning animal exhibits, filtration, and water quality testing
• Participate in animal talks, camps, and programs and answer guest questions in a manner that reflects the Museum’s mission
• Prepares animal diets and assists in daily feeding and care
• Assists in care of breeding colonies and food sources in the living collection
• Maintains detailed animal records
• Performs other tasks as assigned by management

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Comfortable in using basic computer skills and data entry
• Comfort working with and handling live invertebrates
• Self-motivation to work individually and on a team with minimal supervision
• Detail oriented, able to multitask, with excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and protocols accurately and promptly
• Prior experience working with captive fish, reptiles, amphibians, insects and familiarity with their biology is preferred

Educational Requirements

• Candidate obtained or is pursuing a degree in a Biology, Zoology, or closely related field is preferred

License or Certification Required

• Valid driver's license with dependable transportation

Working Conditions

• Frequent wet and slippery surroundings
• Frequent hot or cold settings
• Frequent exposure to fumes, smoke, odors, etc.
• Will work with fish, reptiles, amphibians, and insects that can bite, strike, and sting
• Must pass a background check
• May be subject to random drug screening

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift 50 pounds
• Transporting materials, buckets, etc. throughout the Museum premises
• Able to physically access the uniquely challenging exhibit and service areas to which assigned
• Able to climb ladders
• Working in cramped and awkward spaces requiring crouching or crawling

Time Commitments

• Primary shift hours starting as early as 7 am
• Willingness to work weekends, holidays, irregular hours and be available based on special needs/circumstances
• Must commit to a schedule of approximately 15 hours per week