Animal Care Specialist

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
Position: Animal Care Specialist, PT, Temporary
Department: Animal Care
Reports to: Director of Animal Care

• Position Summary* : Bishop Museum of Science and Nature Parker Animal Care

Position Summary: The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature Animal Care Specialist will function as part of a team whose duties include but are not limited to: daily care of the West Indian Manatee in a second stage rehabilitation facility with the end result of return to the wild, daily care of permanent resident fresh water turtles, maintenance of aquatic animal habitats, behavioral observations, record keeping, and daily guest interactions. This work also includes travel to a temporary rehabilitation site in Myakka City.

Essential Functions (Including, but not limited to):

• Perform all activities in alignment with AWA, USDA, MMPA standards and guidelines, all relevant laws and regulations, safety standards, and standards that ensure animal welfare.

· Develop knowledge in the husbandry and care of West Indian manatee, including preparing and distributing approved diets, detailed observations and cleaning the pools by SCUBA diving

· Develop knowledge in the husbandry and care of freshwater turtle species, including the preparation and distribution of approved diets and conducting detailed observations.

· Close observation of animal behaviors with a focus on input, output, swimming, and behaviors related to monitoring the health and welfare of the animals

· Communicate animal safety and health concerns.

· Develop skill in animal restraint and proper handling procedures for treatment, assessments and transports.

· Maintain detailed daily records and reports on assigned animals in line with USDA standards.

· Develop knowledge of Museum and Animal area layout to respond quickly in the event of an animal emergency and to assist guests daily

· Initiate and complete area projects with supervisor’s approval.

· Develop knowledge of safety SOPs, safety concerns, and reporting protocols.

· Daily guest interactions

· Dive the pools for cleaning and safety checks following dive safety guidelines and SOPs and without animal interaction.

• Safely operate rental cars, vans or trucks, hand tools, power tools, personal computers, laboratory equipment and general office equipment.
• Support the values of the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
• Support the values of the Animal Care team with the primary focus on the animal and human welfare and safety.
• Promote a team environment.

Skills:

· Knowledge of Word Processing software and Spreadsheet software

· Must have good written and oral communication skills

· Must have the flexibility to work weekends, holidays and to adjust work schedule to fill in for sick and vacation shortages, the best functioning of the department and with manatee procedures, including releases.

Education/Experience:

· Experience in the Animal Care field through employment, internships or volunteering preferred

· High school diploma or general education degree (GED)

· AA degree or Bachelors’ degree in the sciences preferred.

· Open Water SCUBA certification.

Physical Requirements:

· Strong swimming abilities

· Must be able to dive in water temperatures as low as 72° F

· Ability to lift-up to 50 pounds

· Ability to bend, lift, sweep, and mop without difficulty

· Possess visual acuity and balance appropriate for animal care and general safety practices.

Those candidates chosen for interviews will be contacted.

Application closing date 24 February 2025

Job Types: Part-time, Temporary

Pay: Up to $15.00 per hour

Expected hours: 16 – 25 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Holidays
• Overnight shift
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• Associate (Required)

License/Certification:

• Open Water SCUBA certification (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $15