The North Carolina Zoo is expanding! The NC Zoo is seeking an enthusiastic team member to be part of its Desert work unit. Animals cared for include a variety of species native to the arid and desert regions of (primarily) North America, Africa and Australia, and include reptilian (venomous & non-venomous), amphibian, mammalian, avian, invertebrate and fish species. Most of the Desert’s animal residents live within an expansive climate-controlled dome that highlights the habitats in which these species are adapted. The diverse collection currently consists of 50+ species and approximately 250 individuals. Responsibilities include the daily assessment and care of both on-habitat and off-habitat animal areas.
Daily duties also include:
- Systematic observation of animal health and behavior.
- Participation in a behavior focused program that utilizes trust-based relationships, animal choice and control, and positive reinforcement operant conditioning to work cooperatively with the Desert species to provide optimal care.
- Interaction with zoo guests in formal and informal settings.
- Development and implementation of a holistic behavioral management program which utilizes training, enrichment, variability, and research to provide a dynamic environment for optimal welfare.
- Maintaining appropriate water quality in aquatic systems.
- Record keeping for computer databases.
- Actively participating in team problem solving and decision-making processes.
- Participation in NC Zoo programs, to include behavioral management, enrichment and Environmental Management System (EMS) programs.
- May be assigned to work with other animal species in other work units as needed
Position/Physical Requirements:
- Job offer is contingent upon passing a pre-employment screen conducted by assigned provider.
- Required to participate in the zoo's occupational health program due to potential exposure to zoonosis.
- Must be able to work a rotating schedule that involves working weekends, holidays and after regular work shifts.
- Position is considered "Essential/Mandatory Staff" requiring work on adverse weather days and during zoo emergencies.
- Must be able to capture, handle and restrain live exotic and potentially dangerous animals and use associated capture equipment.
- Must have the ability to perform strenuous physical work with alertness to surroundings in extremes of weather and challenging physical environments with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Must be able to frequently lift up to 50 lbs. with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Must have, or be able to obtain, and maintain a valid NC driver's license to drive a state vehicle.
Experience Required
- Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies
- To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must list the information on the application form.
- Any information omitted from the application form, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit.
- Qualified candidates will have:
- Demonstrated hands-on animal care experience with a diverse number of exotic avian, mammal, and/or reptile/amphibian species at an AZA accredited zoo, sanctuary setting or related facility to include the following:
- Positive reinforcement based operant conditioning 2. Environmental enrichment
- Observing and understanding the complexities of animal behavior, including individual animals and larger social context · Demonstrated experience of animal husbandry to include thorough working knowledge of biology, including animal anatomy, physiology, ecology, behavior and safe practices around dangerous animals and/or reptiles/amphibians gained from working at an AZA accredited zoo, sanctuary setting or related facility.
- Demonstrated experience with record-keeping.
- Demonstrated experience using computers and MS Office.
- Proven communication skills such as visitor interactions, public speaking, reporting and/or team interactions. Minimum Education and Experience Requirements Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.”
- If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both.
- See oshr.nc.gov/experience-guide for details. Bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, natural sciences, or related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution and one year of experience working in a zoo-based or related animal care facility; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Further Comments
- Selected candidate salary will be determined within the hiring range based on qualifications, equity, and funding at the time of hire.
Perks
- https://oshr.nc.gov/state-employee-resources/benefits
Salary
- Hiring range: 31,688-43,800