What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Care Specialist position at Global Wildlife Center?
Animal Care Specialist
About Us
The Global Wildlife Center, one of the largest free-roaming wildlife preserves in the country, is dedicated to conserving wildlife and natural habitats. Our mission is to protect endangered wildlife and their habitats through science, local partnerships, and advocacy. We are located in Folsom, Louisiana, and are home to thousands of exotic, endangered, and threatened animals from all over the world.
Position: Animal Care Specialist
Location: 26389 Highway 40, Folsom, LA 70437
Job Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Reports to: Animal Care Manager
Job Responsibilities:
- Daily Animal Care: Provide daily care, feeding, and enrichment activities for animals. Ensure their safety, health, and comfort by maintaining clean enclosures and monitoring their behavior.
- Health Monitoring: Observe animals for signs of illness or injury and report any abnormalities to the veterinary team. Administer medications as directed.
- Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records of animal health, feeding schedules, and enrichment activities. Ensure documentation is up-to-date and accessible.
- Cleaning and Maintenance: Clean and sanitize animal enclosures, food/water containers, and related facilities to maintain a sanitary environment. Perform enclosure maintenance when needed.
- Training and Handling: Train and handle animals safely, employing positive reinforcement techniques. Assist in public demonstrations and educational programs as needed.
- Team Collaboration: Work closely with other animal care and Global staff, veterinarians, and volunteers to provide optimal care for the animals. Participate in team meetings and contribute to overall care strategies.
- Compliance and Safety: Follow all safety guidelines and protocols to ensure a safe environment for both animals and staff. Comply with federal, state, local, and organizational regulations.
- Guest Interaction: Actively engage with guests and demonstrate best hospitality practices.
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Previous experience working with animals in a professional setting.
- Knowledge of animal behavior, nutrition, and healthcare.
- Ability to lift and move heavy objects (up to 70 lbs) and work in physically demanding conditions.
- Strong observational, communication, and record-keeping skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Certification in animal care or veterinary assistance.
- Experience with exotic or wildlife species.
- Familiarity with veterinary medical terminology and basic first aid.
- Experience with hoofstock.
Compensation Range: Dependent on experience
Additional Information:
- This position requires working weekends, holidays, and select evening events. This department is scheduled for four 10-hour shifts a week with alternating off days.
- Successful candidates will be required to participate in a working interview at our facility.
- Flexibility, patience, ability to work independently, open-mindedness, takes initiative, strong time management, humor, and a positive attitude are critical traits for this role.
How to Apply: Please submit a résumé, a letter of intent (not to exceed 300 words), and three professional references with contact information as your application.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
Schedule:
- 10 hour shift
- 4x10
- Holidays
- Rotating weekends
Experience:
- Animal Care: 1 year (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Folsom, LA 70437 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Folsom, LA 70437: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person