Ambassador Animal Care Specialist

OREGON COAST AQUARIUM, INC.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: Ambassador Animal Care Specialist

REPORTS TO: Education Manager

JOB SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the Education Manager, the Ambassador Animal Care Specialist is responsible for the care of Education Department Animal Ambassadors including preparing daily diets, maintaining the cleanliness and safety of all animal areas, and implementing outlined training protocols. In addition, the incumbent presents animal ambassadors in public presentations as scheduled.

GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Daily husbandry and care of the animal ambassador collection.

2. Prepare daily animal diets/feed animal ambassadors.

3. Conduct weekly vet rounds with veterinarian staff. Communicate any health issues and requirements. Dispense medications and care for illnesses/injuries as instructed.

4. Working with the Animal Behavior Consultant, and under the direction of the Education Manager, utilize designated protocols to train husbandry and natural behaviors.

5. Record daily observations, training sessions, and diet consumption. Maintain animal care, enrichment, and animal program participation records in TRACKS system.

6. Create ambassador animal program policies and protocols in compliance with AZA and OCAq standards.

7. Under the direction of the Education Manager, work with the facilities department on the maintenance and set-up of animal enclosure spaces.

8. Participate in animal ambassador public presentations.

9. Participates in specimen collection and/or transport as needed.

10. Serve as a positive representative of the Oregon Coast Aquarium while interacting with diverse audiences.

11. Participate on the Aquarium animal enrichment committee as an Education and Volunteer Department representative. Contribute as appropriate and act as liaison between the department and committee.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

NA

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (Minimum levels)

Related college degree (Associates) and background in biology, zoology, or a related science required. Three years’ experience caring for animals is required. Animal training experience and understanding of operant conditioning and animal enrichment is required.

Skills necessary for this position:

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

· Strong writing and verbal skills are essential.

· Knowledge of and ability to use computers and standard, commonly accepted computer programs is required.

· Excellent time management and organizational skills.

• Highly detail-oriented and adept at problem solving.
• Work under limited supervision, both independently and in a team environment
• Effectively implement operant conditioning training procedures for a variety of animals

Incumbents must have the ability to:

• Observe animals for any signs of illness or injury, monitor eating patterns, and note any changes in behavior.
• Communicate effectively with guests and staff.
• Work well under direction and has the capacity to receive feedback from peers and/or manager; seek consultation from coworkers and/or manager.
• Remain stimulated while doing routine tasks.
• Work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
• Understand rules and regulations; follow all safety protocols
• Assess and evaluate situations effectively and with flexibility.
• Exert optimal effort in successfully completing tasks.
• Work within and contribute to the effectiveness of a team, respecting different backgrounds, cultures, ages and beliefs.
• Respond in a calm manner to emergencies.

· Climb stairs, lift 50 pounds when necessary.

Job Type: Full-time

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person