As always, emphasis is mine.
PURPOSE: To educate the public on aspects of natural science while maintaining safe and engaging habitats for a variety of living organisms.
ACCOUTABILITY and FUNCTIONS:
# a) Customer service – Provides visitors with engaging live animal exhibits by: Monitoring and maintaining the good health of all animals and readiness of their life support systems.
# Maintaining the cleanliness and appearance of animal cages and surroundings.
b) Science Education – Increase the public’s appreciation and stewardship of natural organisms by:
# Participating in the training of staff, volunteers, and educators in the community.
# Directly educating visitors and callers on a variety of animal related topics.
# Preparing text for signage as needed,
c) Safety and Regulatory Compliance – Complies with or exceeds all requirements for animal care and containment, and minimizes all safety risks to public and co-workers by:
# Keeping records for State and Federal governmental bodies involved in the care and containment of animals, including insects and marine life.
# Training other staff and volunteers on containment.
# Becoming familiar with zoonotic pathogens, maintaining pathogen free exhibit areas, and volunteer handling animals. Trains other departments on proper pathogen prevention and on safe animal handling practices.
d) Operational Support -
# Makes daily decisions regarding the use of materials and resources.
# Gives routine and specialized care as needed.
e) Financial Integrity – Provides venues and opportunities for revenue generating departments by:
# Providing the Tropical Butterfly House, a perennially popular exhibit and facility rental destination.
# Providing animals for demonstrations, cart activities, and other purposes related to many revenue sources within PSC.
# Acting as a draw to volunteers, donors and sponsors.
f) Other duties as assigned
MAJOR CHALLENGES and SPECIAL CONDITIONS:
# Must work with animals that are often feared or despised.
# Works with animal waste must occasionally give injections to animals with hypodermic needles.
# Must follow strict protocols in animal care and record keeping.
# Must deal with aspects of the life cycle, such as death and mating, which may make visitors uncomfortable.
COMPENSATION: $8.65/hour
Requirements:
EDUCATION (Special licenses, registration, or certification. Special skills.)-
a) Required
- College Level coursework in a natural sciences field.
b) Desired
- BS in biology related field
EXPERIENCE-
a) Required
- Experience handling domestic or wild animals
b) Desired
- Experience with day to day care of vertebrates, aquarium animals, or insects
ABILITIES/PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:
a) Independent problem solving skills. Frequently handles unexpected situations without supervision.
b) Multitasking and prioritizing.
c) Excellent observational skills, and ability to understand the behavior of non-human species
d) Must work well with diverse co-workers and volunteers, in own and other departments.
e) Must respect and understand rules and legal requirements pertaining to treatment and containment of animals including insects.
f) Smiling team player
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
* Is exposed to animal fecal waste including that from animals possibly carrying salmonella bacteria.
* Must use hypodermic needles to administer medication to animals.
* May work with venomous animals including bees, scorpions and spiders.
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