Animal Health Center Acp/Animal Nutrition Center Technician

SUMMARY

This is a full-time position split between animal care at the Animal Health Center (AHC) and diet preparation at the Animal Nutrition Center (ANC), based on where help is needed most. While at the AHC, the Animal Care Professional (ACP) is responsible for the primary daily husbandry activities of the animals in quarantine or under medical observation. While at the ANC this position prepares and delivers diets, ensuring food safety and maintaining USDA and AZA compliance and standards.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Other duties as assigned.
• Cleans and maintains the nutrition center according to procedures and USDA and AZA standards.
• Responsible for capturing, crating, and transferring animals using appropriate restraint and handling techniques designed to put the least amount of stress on the animal.
• Delivers diets to the various collection areas as directed.
• Is familiar with, and helps enforce, quarantine protocols as directed by the Director, Animal Health.
• Develops a good line of communication with the Veterinarians to ensure that all AHC animals are monitored and cared for and that any problems are reported.
• Cleans and maintains animal holdings, including the use of chemical agents and special tools to assure the health and safety of the animals.
• Follows established protocols.
• Prepares animal diets as directed.
• Performs manual labor to include; moving feed bags, boxes of meat and fish, hay bales, and shavings.
• Assists with keeping the health center clean and organized.
• Makes observations regarding assigned animals including; general activity, interaction with other animals, fecal matter and reproductive behavior.
• Interacts with other ACPs and co-workers from other departments in a professional manner.
• Accurately maintains necessary records.
• Engages and interacts with Zoo visitors/guests concerning Zoo operations, education and conservation.
• Communicates problems, issues or concerns as it relates to the collection, staff or public to the manager or a member of senior staff.

SAFETY ANALYSIS

The technician position is impacted by a wide variety of hazardous exposures:

• A hospital environment with all hazards common to the health industry such as needles, medications, USDA drugs, X-ray equipment, etc.
• The use of cleaning agents and other chemicals.
• Depending on assignment, the ACP will have to deal with the unpredictability of wild animals.
• The handling of a variety of sharp cutting utensils used in the preparation of animal diets.
• The care and husbandry of animals, some of whom are dangerous.

Specific training and procedures will be provided designed to maintain safety of people as the highest priority of the zoo followed by the safety of the animal collection.

The use and understanding of a variety of personal safety equipment is mandatory.

This position, as with any staff member of the zoo, are required to be familiar with the Zoos overall safety policies as outlined in the staff handbook as well as being responsible for reporting any injury immediately to the first aid department.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a staff member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, staff should expect:

• Depending on assignment, exposure to the elements can be expected
• Frequently required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch and talk or hear
• Routinely lift and/or move up to 50-75 pounds
• Use of hands, fingers, tools or controls
• Exposure to wet surfaces during daily cleaning

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Education and work experience

• High School Diploma; some College, or College degree preferred with a background and/or degree in conservation biology, environmental science, marine science, social science, or other related field.
• At least 1 years ACP experience in either work experience or internship preferred.

Skills and Knowledge

• Ability to multi-task and coordinate with others to provide deliverables on an agreed upon deadline.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of the Microsoft suite; experience with online databases a plus
• Strong organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to think critically and demonstrated time-management skills.

Desirable qualities

• Strong interest in advancing the conservation missions of zoos and aquariums.
• Professional, positive, and enthusiastic demeanor.
• High self-motivation and a detail-oriented work ethic.

Other Requirements:

• Must be First Aid/CPR certified or willing to be trained and certified.
• Must have a current valid drivers license with no prior traffic violations (within the last five years).
• Seasonal flu and COVID vaccination.
• Must have current negative TB test and rabies titer and provide documentation, or be willing to have a TB test and rabies titer.

POSITION TYPE AND HOURS OF WORK

• Full time
• Schedule varies between weekdays and weekends. Weekend work required as well as occasional evening work.