Lead Animal Caretaker - Aquatics

Are you a dedicated professional with a passion for aquatic life and animal care leadership? The OKC Zoo is thrilled to announce an opening for a Lead Animal Caretaker specializing in aquatics. In this pivotal role, you will lead the daily activities of our caretaker staff responsible for the well-being of our aquatic collection and their habitats. Your dedication to husbandry practices will ensure the health and safety of these remarkable creatures. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to interact with the public, enriching visitor experiences with your expertise. If you're ready to take the plunge into a leadership position focused on aquatic conservation and education, we encourage you to apply and be a vital part of the OKC Zoo team!

The Lead Animal Caretaker of Aquatics leads the daily activities of assigned routines and caretaker staff caring for an identified aquatic (may include other taxa) collection and their environments through daily husbandry. This position interacts with the public and enhances visitor experiences and performs a variety of skilled/semi-skilled work required for the care and safety of animals, staff, and the public.

Employment Status:

Full-Time

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Starting Pay:

$18.52-$21.30 Hourly

Experience Required:

Three (3) years of experience working with relevant taxa OR, an equivalent combination of education and experience to successfully perform the essential duties

Minimum Education Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology, Natural Resources or appropriate field. 

Department:

Animal Management.

Direct Supervisor:

Assistant Curator of Aquatics and/or Director of Animal Collections.

Supervisory Responsibility:

Direct (0); Indirect (0) 

Primary Work Location:

Zoo Setting both indoors and outdoors.

Certification:

Valid Oklahoma driver’s license within thirty (30) days of hire and pass driver’s history check. Completion of OKC Zoo Global Academy training in the first six (6) months of employment. SCUBA certified or the ability to become certified within the first six (6) months of employment.

Other:

This position is safety sensitive. It is subject to pre-employment and/or periodic background checks and drug testing.  This position works around animals susceptible to specific respiratory diseases, thus is subject to annual tuberculosis testing.

Essential Job Functions

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential duties:

• Model ideal performance and compliance with policies, procedures, and protocols as well as well as provide contemporaneous guidance and/or redirection to peer group regarding the same. 
• Maintain simple and complex life support systems.
• Observe animal behavior, clean and perform maintenance in aquatic environments, including underwater.
• Assist with the training of staff on necessary procedures and protocols.
• Assign and coordinate activities of volunteers. 
• Actively participate in daily advanced animal husbandry techniques and assessments related to: food, water, cleanliness, health, animal transfers, and behavior. 
• Observe, monitor and report animal behavior changes and medical problems; keep detailed records of animal training, weight, health enrichment, training and behavior.
• Maintain and renovate exhibits, service areas and equipment. 
• Support daily purposeful enrichment and documentation to promote, encourage and evaluate natural and engaging behaviors.
• Understand and demonstrate knowledge of operant conditioning training for advanced behaviors and public demonstrations. Participate in animal training programs. 
• Assist in veterinary medical procedures; provide medication and treatment as directed by veterinary staff.
• Educate and interact with guests in both formal and informal settings; provide positive guest experiences. 
• Collaborate with other Zoo departments.
• Participate in and respond to safety-related issues and drills.
• Participate in collaborative and comprehensive efforts to research natural behaviors and life histories of the animals in the area and apply to animal management; research both current species and new species, as assigned. 
• Work effectively in a team environment.
• Plan and organize work projects for the areas assigned; acquire supplies and materials.
• Participate in conservation activities that support the zoo’s mission.
• Provide feedback regarding hiring needs, selection, and performance management of immediate work group.
• Assist with the planning and completion of animal transfers, both off and on site.
• Participate in conservation activities that support’s the zoo’s mission.
• Support Oklahoma City Zoo’s strategic management plans and Institutional goals.
• Drive around the Oklahoma City area throughout all seasons of the year.