Zoo Naturalist Aide

Job Duties (Duties marked with an asterisk are essential functions of this job):

Achieving the highest standard of animal welfare and well-being through animal care, enrichment, and a variety of other operations under the supervision of full-time naturalists. *

Daily animal husbandry, feeding, and enhancement of animal habitats and indoor living spaces.*

Assistance with animal medical treatments other than dangerous or venomous species.*

Observation and reporting of sick animals, and maintenance needs of equipment, buildings, and grounds to full-time naturalists or management.*

Conducting keeper chats, answering guest questions, and may conduct Behind-the-Scenes tours.*

Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience Required

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years of age or older on the date of applying.
• Current or past coursework in environmental education, biology, or related field.
• A minimum of one (1) year experience with professional animal care or science education
• Must possess a valid driver's license.

Post Employment -

• Must be able to obtain a valid Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, Pennsylvania State Police Background Check, and Federal Criminal Background Check.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must display a positive attitude, eagerness to learn, and professional image in compliance with Hershey Entertainment & Resorts guidelines.
• Strong interest and/or knowledge in the natural history of North American species.
• Proven organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Must be adaptable to a variety of different teaching/interpretive situations.
• Must be friendly, upbeat, and work well with other employees and be able to interact with guests.
• Must have the ability to safeguard confidential information.
• Ability to understand, foresee, and apply safety precautions applicable to the job and work independently.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Have the ability to answer guest questions and deliver natural history information about the animals.

Job Demands:

• Physical requirements would include the ability to stand (for up to eight hours at a time), walk, bend at the waist and knees and have repeated manual dexterity, the ability to push, pull, and reach above shoulder level, climb ladders, and fences, and lift up to thirty pounds without assistance
• Must be able to work flexible hours including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be able to work in a combination of indoor and outdoor weather conditions. Employees are subject to a variety of weather conditions, including but not limited to: extreme heat, sun exposure, cold, and inclement weather.
• Must be able to work at least 30 hours a week, May through August.

Further Comments

• This position could start as early as January.