What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Keeper/Trainer position at TURTLE BAY EXPLORATION PARK?
Job Details
Description
ANIMAL KEEPER/TRAINER
Come join us at the best little facility! Want to train a badger off leash, take a fox for an off leash walk in the woods or have a caracara go for a stroll down the boardwalk? Well, Turtle Bay Exploration Park is seeking an extraordinary individual interested in becoming part of a small, yet dynamic and innovative training and education team for our Animal Department. Turtle Bay’s 300-acre campus straddles the Sacramento River and includes a Forest Camp with Animal Center, Museum, Aquarium, and a 220-acre garden and natural oak savannah/arboretum.
Turtle Bay is located in Redding, CA. Redding is a small city in far Northern California and is very different economically from the rest of California. Check out this site to compare cost of living https://www.bestplaces.net/cost-of-living/
The position of Animal Keeper/Trainer is a full-time, hourly position with benefits (medical/dental/vision/ life) and is responsible for the performance of the on-grounds scripted summer show as well as other informal education programs throughout the year. Responsibilities also include basic daily care, weighing, preparing diets, and exhibit maintenance for 82 species of animals including raptors, corvids, psittacines, snakes, turtles, fish, amphibians, porcupine, fox, badger, bobcat, beaver, spotted skunks, and raccoon.
PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide exemplary care for the animals in residence.
- Follow all husbandry protocols for the animal residents.
- Work with the Animal Care team of trainers (including other trainers, senior trainers, Asst Curator of Animals and Curator of Animals) as a secondary trainer for animals.
- Perform shows and deliver educational programs on and off grounds to all age groups.
- Maintain all trained behaviors.
- Maintain accurate, detailed daily records for all animals, including weights, diets, vet care, behavior, and training.
- Work with the team administering any veterinary medications and/or minor procedures.
- Work closely with volunteers and provide consistency with the animals.
- Continually develop self in the areas of animal training, husbandry and presentation.
- Stay current on all required vaccines; including but not limited to tetanus, rabies and Covid-19.
- Maintain a clean and orderly work area.
- Other duties assigned by the Curator of Animal Programs
Qualifications
Qualifications for the Animal Trainer include:
Experience/Education: A Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, environmental, animal science, or a related field and 2 years of volunteer work experience or 6 month internships in a professional zoo setting, OR
One (1) year experience working full time in husbandry/training animals in a zoo/show setting.
Communication/Interpersonal Skills: Applicant must be outgoing, creative, confident, self-motivated, and work well independently, as well as with others (including adult and teen volunteers). Applicant must have good stage presence and the ability to work in a fast-paced, labor intensive environment.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
- Turtle Bay exploration Park pays all the premiums for: medical, dental, vision and life insurance.
- 401K available after one year with matching contribution from Turtle Bay, up to 3% of salary.
- Employee room rates at the Sheraton Hotel Redding and large discounts at all Marriot properties Worldwide.
- Pay for one membership for professional organization (i.e. ABMA, IAATE, etc.) as well as access to Animal Training Fundamentals training website.
- Free Turtle Bay membership which comes with discounted merchandise at the store, events and about 200 other Museum and Science centers across the Country.
- Generous PTO package available.
- Starting salary $20 / hour
Include cover letter, resume, and three professional references when applying at this link: www.turtlebay.org/jobs
The position is open until filled.
Salary : $20
