The NC Zoo is seeking an enthusiastic team member to be part of its Streamside work unit. Animals cared for include North American river otters, bobcat, barred owl, as well as Southeast US native fish, reptiles and amphibians. The collection focuses on North Carolina species living near streams and other aquatic habitats, with approximately 40 species and more than 200 individuals. The Streamside work unit is also responsible for the care and management of the zoo's honeybee colonies and seasonal butterfly garden. Responsibilities include the daily assessment and care of both on-habitat and off-habitat animal areas.
Job Responsibilities:
- Daily assessment, observation and care of all species in section, while following all work unit Standard Operating Procedures.
- Daily diet preparation and assessment of consumption.
- Physical plant maintenance of work unit buildings and habitats, including pest control.
- Detailed observation and monitoring of animal health and behavior.
- Participation in NC Zoo Behavioral Management Program :
- Training - Implement positive reinforcement operant conditioning as the primary tool for animal training.
- Provide optimal care by teaching behaviors for cooperative participation in daily husbandry care and for mental/physical stimulation.
- Build trust-based relationships and allow for animal choice and control. Develop training plans and complete all associated documentation.
- Enrichment – Develop environments that focus on the animals’ physical, psychological, and behavioral needs.
- Develop enrichment plans that are goal behavior driven and implement programs to elicit species-typical behaviors. Complete all associated documentation.
- Participate in animal welfare assessments
- Maintain appropriate water quality in aquatic systems.
- Keep extensive records for computer database, to include daily reports, logbooks, specimen records, nesting records, Behavioral Management Program records (training and enrichment plans, enrichment calendars, etc.).
- Guest enhancement through interaction with guests in formal and informal settings; to include Keeper Talks and participation in a variety of tours/camps/special events/etc., while presenting high quality educational and conservation messaging.
- Active participation in team problem solving and the decision-making process.
- Provide training and coaching to new staff, existing staff and students/interns/volunteers.
- Maintain knowledge of all NC Zoo response/emergency plans and procedures with emphasis on work unit specific responses; follow all Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, NC Zoo, Animal Section and work unit safety policies and procedures.
- Participate in NC Zoo Environmental Management Systems (EMS) Programs
- May be assigned to work with other animal species in other work units as needed
Job Requirements:
- Must be able to work a rotating work schedule to include weekends, holidays and after regular work shifts.
- Position is considered "Essential/Mandatory Staff" and required to work on adverse weather days and during zoo emergencies.
- Required to participate in the zoo's occupational health program due to potential exposure to zoonosis.
- Must be able to become trained on the safe handling of venomous snakes within one year of hire.
- Must be able to capture, handle and restrain live exotic and potentially dangerous animals and use associated capture equipment.
- Must have good physical agility, strength, vision, and hearing, and the ability to perform strenuous physical work in extremes of weather and challenging physical environments.
- Such as walk, stand, see animals and habitats for observation and safety as well as hear animal's sounds, radio communication and emergency situations.
- Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
- Must have, or be able to obtain, and maintain a valid NC driver's license.
- Must have excellent communication skills and be able to learn and strictly follow all safety protocols.
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.
- Demonstrated hands-on animal care experience with North American reptile, amphibian, mammal and/or avian species gained from working at an AZA accredited zoo, sanctuary setting or related facility to include the following:
- Positive reinforcement based operant conditioning o Environmental enrichment o Observing and understanding the complexities of animal behavior, including individual animals and larger social context
- Demonstrated working experience of animal husbandry to include thorough working knowledge of biology, including animal anatomy, physiology, ecology, behavior and safe practices around a variety of North America native taxa 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 to include visitor interactions, public speaking, reporting and/or team interactions.
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
