Animal Care Specialist - Aviculture I [Full-Time]

As an Animal Care Specialist in the Aviculture Department, will be responsible for all aspects of daily animal care, maintenance of exhibits and plants, data collection, and documents. Knowledge and/or experience with husbandry for a diverse group of bird species is required. You will work involves an amount of independent action with less immediate leadership given after expertise is acquired.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Daily Care
• General husbandry and daily care of assigned animals/birds, including preparing and distributing approved animal/birds diets.
• Inspect, clean, and maintain both exhibit and off-exhibit areas.
• Demonstrate critical thinking skills and the ability to maintain, train, and troubleshoot complex animal/birds behavior daily.
• Maintain detailed daily records on assigned animals/birds.
• Knowledge of safety SOP, safety concerns, and reporting protocols.
• Demonstrate the ability to assist other team members with their animal-related goals and challenges.
• All work must perform the following industry best practices, safety protocols, standards, and guidelines established by San Antonio Zoo, governing agencies, and regulatory/accrediting bodies.
• Upholds all company policies as outlined in the Standard Operating Procedures, Team Member Handbook, and Code of Business Conduct.
• Consistently exhibit an attitude of service inside and outside of the Zoo, showing hospitality to all.
• Be fully committed to the mission of San Antonio Zoo to create awareness that inspires action to care for the wild world we steward and animals we protect.

Behavioral Observations

• Increase the behavioral repertoire of all assigned animals.
• Continually observe and evaluate animal behavior and conditions for animals in the department and report any problems to the appropriate manager.
• Maintain detailed daily records on assigned animals.

Safety

• Ability to exercise sound judgment in analyzing animal/birds behavior concerns or emergencies, and to respond with the appropriate action
• Ability to work safely around delicate, wild, unpredictable, and potentially dangerous animals/birds.
• For the safety of our internal and external guests, you must secure animals/birds, their enclosures, and other associated structures.

Animal Enrichment

• Propose and perform species-specific enrichment.
• Understanding of principles and application of operant conditioning training for advanced husbandry behaviors and public demonstrations

 Collaboration

• Assist veterinary staff in the treatment of the collection of animals/birds.
• Act as a liaison between vet staff, leadership, and the aviculture team.
• Assist in animal/birds procedures including, but not limited to, translocations, veterinary practices, and crating.
• Participate in or assist with the capture and restraint of a variety of taxa, including dangerous species—guide fellow team members in safety practices, improved techniques, and procedures for handling or restraining animals.

Creating Community

• Engage with the Zoo guests at staff, VIP's, team members, and docents.
• Promote active guest engagement through interaction formal and informal discussions, during special events and as otherwise assigned.
•  Staff Management and Development
• Study-specific reference materials pertinent to animal care, behavior, and natural history as assigned.
• Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relations with fellow employees.
• Other Responsibilities
• Performs other work-related duties as required and assigned.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate degree or higher in wildlife management, animal science, zoology, biology, or related field preferred—May substitute schooling for additional training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Knowledge of avian behavior and biology is preferred.
• Ability to handle, examine, and transfer eggs safely.
• Knowledge of chick hand rearing is preferred.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills preferred.
• Responsible for completing all online training courses by assigned deadlines.
• Must be 18 years of age or older with a clean driving record for vehicle operation.
• This position requires a valid Class 'C' Texas Driver's License or a valid driver's license from another state with the ability to obtain a Class "C" Texas Driver's License within 45 days of employment.
• Successful candidates must complete a pre-employment drug screening and background check.
• Must be able to work in varying climate and weather conditions (rain, snow, hot, or cold).
• We enjoy year-round operation for all staff, must be available day, nights, weekends, and occasional special after-hour assignments.

Perks

• We offer robust benefits including medical,
• dental,
• vision and 403B.
• As well as Zoo memberships and Zoo discounts throughout the park.

Salary

• $15.50/hr