Research Husbandry Technician (Seasonal)

The Seasonal Research Husbandry Technician is primarily responsible for assisting with the daily husbandry and maintenance of our colonies of Louisiana pinesnakes and dusky gopher frogs as part of our conservation and research programs at the Memphis Zoo. Additional responsibilities may include assisting researchers in procedures and collection of data for ongoing projects.
The successful candidates will be a team- and customer-service oriented individual with a passion for conservation, wildlife management and learning more about animal care and conservation in the zoological field.
Essential Job Functions
• Assists in the daily husbandry of Louisiana pinesnake and dusky gopher frog colonies, as well as several invertebrate species.
• Actively observe animals' behavior, reporting irregularities and abnormal behavior to supervisor.
• Prepare and administer appropriate daily diets, medications and maintain accurate records of assigned animals.
• Appropriately clean and disinfect assigned animal enclosures according to protocols and ensures a sanitary and safe environment.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and collect data as needed.
• Ability to work independently and use initiative in day-to-day work.
Minimum Requirements:
• Experience working with reptiles and amphibians
• Willing to undertake/pass a drug test, a background check and a TB skin test
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record
Preferred Qualifications, Skills and Abilities:
• Demonstrated customer service, problem solving, conflict resolution, decision making, team building, time management, guest engagement and motivational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of Memphis Zoo and coworkers as well as diverse volunteers, guests, donors, community partners, vendors, and others.
Supervisory Responsibility: None
Reporting Structure: Reports to Research Husbandry Manager.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: Hours would be anywhere from 7AM-630PM, usually 40 hours per week.
Start Date: Position starts in March 2024 and will last through May 31st, with the potential for extension.
Pay Rate: $12.10 an hour
Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is expected to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, talk, and hear. The employee is constantly required to use hands and fingers to feel, handle or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as a complete inventory of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.
To apply: Submit applications directly to https://www.memphiszoo.org/careers
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis with priority given to early applicants. The deadline for applications is no later than February 14th, 2024.
Questions about this position should be directed to Jessica Cantrell, Research Husbandry Manager at Memphis Zoo (jcantrell@memphiszoo.org).
The Memphis Zoo believes that human diversity is as important as the biodiversity we seek to conserve. World-class zoos are comprised of world-class team members representing a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We value a diverse workplace and strongly encourage people of color, LGBT individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, and veterans to apply.
The Memphis Zoo is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age,
religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.
If you need to request any accommodations for the interview or hiring process, please let your hiring manager or HR know. Human resources can be contacted by emailing: HRteam@memphiszoo.org
All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening and background check.
The Memphis Zoo participates in e-verify and is an EOE/ad/vet employer.