Animal Care Specialist

Position Type: Part-Time, Non-exempt
Pay: $17/hour
Benefits: Partial paid time off (vacation, sick), employee assistance program, membership privileges, professional development, 403 (b) plan and casual work environment.

Would you like to work in a non-traditional setting located near 1600 acres of forest, wetlands, and prairies? How about the opportunity to spend time in nature each day? Are you looking for an opportunity to tackle challenges and feel fulfilled at the end of each day? Apply to join the Fontenelle Forest team as a part-time Animal Care Specialist!

Job Summary

The Animal Care Specialist cares for Fontenelle Forest's captive education animals, including reptiles (snakes), amphibians, fish, and raptors. The position facilitates critter and raptors programs including school programs, senior programs and public programs throughout the year. This part-time position works 20-30 hours per week with weekend and occasional evening hours required. This position reports to the Manager of Raptor Programs.

Organization Description

Founded in 1913, Fontenelle Forest is one of Nebraska’s oldest conservation organizations and one of the largest private nature centers in the nation. Fontenelle Forest aspires to be a national leader in environmental stewardship and education and the region’s premier nature center. Fontenelle Forest embraces the values of Integrity, Stewardship, Excellence, Engagement, and Sustainability. Fontenelle Forest educational opportunities include early childhood programs that serve children and their parents; extensive school district partnerships and out-of-school STEM and nature-based activities; nature camps; programs for adults and senior citizens, as well as informal education programs, activities, and exhibits.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide daily care, feeding, and enrichment activities for a variety of animals.
• Maintain clean and safe habitats, ensuring that all enclosures meet or exceed industry standards.
• Conduct educational programs that involve live, captive animals throughout the year both onsite at Fontenelle’s properties and at offsite locations.
• Document all care/feeding provided to the animals on a daily basis.
• Clean and disinfect animals' living quarters per cleaning schedule provided.
• Obtain and maintain supplies and food for animal care.
• Clean and disinfect the animal care room weekly including laundry.
• Seek professional treatment for maladies as needed.
• Maintain documentation on the life history, proper handling instructions and care/feeding regimen of each animal.
• Ensure that animal care areas and public spaces are organized, well-maintained, and create a positive and welcoming environment for visitors.
• Help as needed in Raptor Woodland Refuge with maintenance.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to work well as a team with a diverse group of people.
• Attend organizational and department staff meetings.
• Complete projects and other duties assigned by Manager of Raptor Programs.
• This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
• Willingness and ability to work with live, captive animals, especially native Nebraska wildlife
• Ability to handle animals safely and with compassion and gentleness
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Valid driver's license
• Ability to successfully pass a background check
• Ability to complete sexual abuse awareness training
• Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR certified or willing to be certified upon hire

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required
• Two years of experience handling and caring for live animals
• Experience working with native Nebraska animals preferred
• Experience handling and caring for raptors preferred

Physical Demands

• Position requires moderate physical labor, such as carrying animal care supplies, terrariums and equipment.
• The person filling this position must be able to lift up to 50 pounds to a height of 3-5 feet.
• Position requires frequent bending, reaching, kneeling, walking, standing, and climbing. Position also requires some repetitive movements including, but not limited to, sweeping, raking and snow shoveling.
• Position requires regular exposure to disinfectant solutions, animal odors, allergens, and animal waste. The person filling this position must be able to perform required work in these conditions while adhering to standard safety precautions.
• Can tolerate indoor and outdoor work environments including exposure to outdoor elements.

To Apply: Send cover letter, resume or description of work history and related experience, and three professional references to info@fontenelleforest.org. Please reference “Animal Care Specialist in the subject line.

Fontenelle Forest is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran in the administration of any of its employment related policies and practices.

Fontenelle Forest participates in E-Verify / Fontenelle Forest Participate en E-Verify

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $17.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20 – 30 per week

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• Evenings as needed
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17