Research Husbandry Technician (Full Time)

The position will act as a primary caregiver to the Conservation and Research Department’s living animal collection, which includes a large breeding colony of Louisiana pine snakes and dusky gopher frogs, and smaller groups of a variety of invertebrates.

• The Research Husbandry Technician is also responsible for ensuring a positive guest experience when interacting with guests and facilitating research and conservation chats.

Essential Job Functions:

• Daily husbandry of assigned animals.
• Facilitates formal and informal public presentations to engage guests and provide a positive guest experience.
• Actively observes animal behavior, checking for any signs of illness or disorder; reports irregularities and abnormal behavior to supervisor; works with vet staff to address medical needs.
• Prepares and administers appropriate daily diets and maintains accurate records of assigned animals.
• Appropriately cleans and disinfects assigned animal enclosures/habitats according to written protocols and ensures a sanitary and safe environment.
• Exercise good judgement when making decisions that affect our collection.
• Assists hospital staff in all aspects of animal treatment within the assigned section.
• May incorporate modern behavioral husbandry techniques such as operant conditioning and environmental enrichment into animal care.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Biology, or a related field
• Extensive knowledge in the husbandry of captive reptiles and amphibians, including nutrition, behavior interpretation, signs of illness and disease, methods to stimulate captive reproduction, safe handling techniques, cleanliness of enclosures and biosecurity procedures, and caging security.
• Proficient knowledge of aquaculture including maintenance and troubleshooting of water control systems, water quality testing, and especially safe handling and management of tadpoles.
• Aquaculture Experience

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Knowledge of basic principles of experimental design is desirable for providing husbandry to animals which are contributing to conservation research projects.
• Basic knowledge of zoo inventory management systems (ZIMS, Tracks, etc.) preferred.
• Demonstrated customer service, problem solving, conflict resolution, decision making, team building, time management, guest engagement and motivational skills.

Competencies:

• Written and oral communication Proficiency
• Proficient in MS Office, current technology and applications for communication, research and record keeping.
• Records and reports creation and management
• Problem Solving/Analysis.
• Stress Management/Composure.
• Flexibility.
• Teamwork Orientation.
• Supervisory Responsibility: Assists in training and supervising interns/volunteers.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to Research Husbandry Manager.
• Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: This is a full-time position at 40 hours per week which requires regular weekend work. Schedule to be determined. 
• Start Date: Position starts in October 2024. 
• Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, chemicals and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet while in the office, or moderately loud while on Zoo grounds.

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 occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and walk.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Other Duties:

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.
• Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Other Requirements:

• Valid driver's license.
• Proof of current automobile insurance.
• Clear driving record.
• Clear background check.
• Clear drug screening.
• Clear TB screening.
• Benefits (subject to applicable waiting periods):
• Medical, dental, vision. 
• FSA, HSA.
• Short and Long Term Disability. 
• Group Term Life Insurance and AD&D. 
• 401K
• To apply: Submit applications directly online through memphiszoo.org/careers. Applications should include the following:
• Cover letter
• Resume/CV
• Contact information for two references at the time of application
• Questions about this position should be directed to Jessica Cantrell, Research Husbandry Manager at Memphis Zoo (jcantrell@memphiszoo.org).
• Answer these questions from the employer:
• By submitting your application, you hereby certify that the facts set forth in the above employment application are true and complete to the best of your knowledge.
• Certification
• I certify that the information provided on this application is truthful and accurate. I understand that providing false or misleading information will be basis for rejection of my application, or if employment commences, immediate termination.
• I authorize Memphis Zoo to contact former employers and educational organizations regarding my employment and education. I authorize my former employers and educational organizations to fully and freely communicate information regarding my previous employment, attendance, and grades. I authorize those persons designated as references to fully and freely communicate information regarding my previous employment and education.
• If an employment relationship is created, I understand that unless I am offered a specific written contract of employment signed on behalf of the organization by its CEO, the employment relationship will be "at-will". In other words, the relationship will be entirely voluntary in nature, and either I or my employer will be able to terminate the employment relationship at any time and without cause.
• With appropriate notice, I will have the full and complete discretion to end the employment relationship when I choose for reasons of my choice. Similarly, my employer will have the same right. Moreover, no agent, representative, or employee of Memphis Zoo, except in a specific written contract of employment signed on behalf of the organization by the CEO, has the power to alter or vary the voluntary nature of the employment relationship.
• I HAVE CAREFULLY READ THE ABOVE CERTIFICATION AND I UNDERSTAND AND AGREE TO ITS TERMS.

EEOC AND INCLUSION STATEMENT

• 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, LGBTQ+ 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, 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 the Human Resources team (HR) know. HR can be contacted at hrteam@memphiszoo.org.
• The Memphis Zoo participates in E-Verify and is an EEO/ADA/Veteran employer.

Salary

• $16.00/hour