Animal Care Specialist - Herpetology

Job Details

Description

Animal Care Specialist - Herpetology

Collaborate with a passionate Zoo Crew in San Antonio

Choosing where to grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it’s equally important you know that the place you choose to work at will support and guide you. With a diversity of passionate people, San Antonio Zoo is a place where you can collaborate with others securing a future for wildlife.

The Impact You’ll Make in this Role

As the Herpetology Department, Animal Care Specialist performs various tasks related to providing proper handling, care, maintenance, exhibit areas, buildings, enclosures, shelters, and service areas. You will be responsible for ensuring suitable medical treatments of zoo animals following instructions of Zoo Veterinarians, daily cleaning and maintenance of herpetology enclosures and service areas.

As a Herpetology Animal Care Specialist, You Will Have The Opportunity To Tap Into Your Curiosity And Collaborate With Some Of The Most Innovative And Diverse People In San Antonio. Here, You Will Make An Impact By

• Observe, evaluate, and report animal behavior and condition to a supervisor daily.
• Perform routine and special duties involved in the daily care and maintenance of reptiles and amphibians in captivity, including venomous species.
• Effectively document and communicate issues or concerns to team members and management.
• Clean and maintain animal enclosures, service areas, and holding facilities.
• Assist in treating zoo animals following instructions of a supervisor or Zoo Veterinarian.
• For the safety of our internal and external guests, you must secure animals, their enclosures, and other associated structures.
• Assist in the construction and maintenance of animal enclosures, facility renovation, and/or animal transfer.
• Provide educational information to the public in a professional manner.
• Upholds all company policies and procedures.
• Consistently exhibit an attitude of service inside and outside of the zoo, showing hospitality to all.
• Be fully committed to the mission of San Antonio Zoo to create awareness that inspires action to care for the wild world we steward and animals we protect.
  
  

Other Responsibilities

Performs other work-related duties as required and assigned.

Your Skills And Expertise

To set you up for success in this role from day one, the San Antonio Zoo recommends the following skills/qualifications:

• Knowledge of amphibian and reptile behavior and biology.
• Knowledge/familiarity with AZA accreditation standards, code of ethics, and representative husbandry standards. Familiar with AZA or other captive population management programs
• Basic computer knowledge.
• For the safety of our animals, team members, and guests, you must be able to work safely around delicate, wild, and dangerous animals.
• Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relations with fellow employees.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills preferred.
• Sufficient delicacy to handle, examine and move without harming sick, injured, or struggling small animals.
• Sufficient strength, agility, and coordination to net, capture, and/or restrain animals of extreme size, strength, and agility.
• Associate degree in wildlife management, zoology, biology, related field preferred or work experience equivalency
• One (1) year zoo keeping experience is preferred
• Experience in care and maintenance of venomous snakes, crocodilians, and large constrictors preferred.
• Must be 18 years of age or older with a clean driving record for vehicle operation.
• Successful candidates must complete a pre-employment National Sex Offender Search, Criminal Background Check, and Drug Screen.
• We enjoy year-round operation for all staff, must be available day, nights, weekends, holidays, and occasional special after-hour assignments.
  
  

The San Antonio Zoo is an equal opportunity employer. San Antonio Zoo will not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.