Address
Form of work
SalaryVETERINARY HEALTH ANIMAL CARE SPECIALIST (FULL TIME)
DEPARTMENT
Veterinary Health
CLASSIFICATION
Non-Exempt
REPORTS TO
Veterinary Health Hospital Manager
DIRECT REPORTS
N/A
STARTING PAY
$17.50/Hour
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
The Veterinary Health Animal Care Specialist’s primary duties include being responsible for the daily care of animals at the Veterinary Health Center and Aquarium Veterinary Suite, maintenance of interior and exterior enclosures, service and holding areas of both facilities. This position will also assist the veterinarians and Registered Veterinary Technician staff, as needed, to perform daily tasks associated with the Zoo & Aquarium’s Veterinary Health program.
POSITION DUTIES & ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Duties
Percentage
Responsible for the daily care of animals at the Veterinary Health Center, including:
- Daily cleaning and disinfection and pest control of enclosures, service and holding areas including Veterinary Health kitchen, food storage and grounds in accordance with USDA, AZA, AAZV and other industry standard guidelines.
- Preparing diets for hospitalized/quarantined animals and ensuring daily animal husbandry needs are satisfied for each species.
- Gathering food and enrichment items to prepare for incoming quarantined animals and maintain appropriate stock of supplies.
- Maintaining in-house freshwater aquariums.
- Monitoring and observing the health and welfare of hospitalized/quarantined animals.
- Administering oral and/or topical medications at the direction of veterinary staff.
- Assisting with the movement, capture, and restraint of animals.
- Collaborating with other Animal Care Specialists to train hospitalized/quarantined animals for basic husbandry and enrichment behaviors, including crate training.
- Maintaining daily reports, diet and enrichment logs, and other records as assigned.
- Reporting injuries, irregular behavior, death, or birth of hospitalized/quarantined animals to veterinarians or Registered Veterinary Technicians.
70%
Maintenance of the Veterinary Health Center, Aquarium Veterinary Suite and its enclosures, service and holding areas, including:
- Preparing and dismantling quarantine and hospital enclosures for incoming and outgoing animals.
- Routine disposal of trash and recycling.
- Maintaining laundry and routinely cleaning the washing machine and dryer.
- Performing minor repairs and improvements of enclosures under supervision.
- Reporting maintenance issues and potential safety hazards to supervisor.
- In the rare absence of a Registered Veterinary Technician, may be required to assist with the monitoring of anesthesia and surgical procedures.
30%
- This position may at times be requested to perform other duties or special projects as assigned, which are in the best interest of the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium.
- All employees must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily and, upon request, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- EDUCATION & FORMAL TRAINING:
- Bachelor's degree in biological science or closely related field with 1-2 years of previous zookeeper experience desired.
- 4 years of applicable experience may be substituted in lieu of a degree.
- Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office and ZIMS software preferred.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- OTHER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Must have valid driver’s license.
- Must have or be able to obtain negative TB test.
- Must be able to move up to 75 pounds with or without assistance. Assistance depending upon task or role.
- Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and evening hours, in all weather extremes.
- Must pass a background and drug screening.
