Overview
Assistant Animal Care Curator – Desert Wilds Jobs in Holiday, Florida, USA at The Living Desert
Location: Holiday
Description
Position Summary:
Reports to Animal Care Curators. This position will be considered part of the Animal Care leadership and management team.
Desert Wilds / Wild Americas
This position oversees a diverse range of animals which includes small and large carnivores (from regions of Africa and the Americas), a variety of avian species including birds of prey, the small carnivore breeding facility, Australian species, and a variety of reptiles (including venomous). This position will assist in the development and opening of Lion Ridge.
Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Must represent The Living Desert in a professional manner, and act as a role model at all times.
As part of the Animal Care management leadership team, provide ongoing daily support of the animal care keepers including counseling, discipline, and recognition of accomplishments.
Provide and encourage a feedback-rich environment with information regarding accomplishments, updates, and challenges.
Provide mentorship to the animal care keeper team.
Responsible for maintaining AZA/USDA standards of each animal area.
Possess general knowledge of zoo animal husbandry and observational skills.
Exhibit excellent guest service and communication skills for effective and engaging public speaking; ability to provide knowledgeable and engaging tours/talks for guests, staff, and donors.
Assist with the daily behavioral husbandry, operant conditioning, and enriching experiences of animal residents.
Contribute to and maintain a safe, positive, and productive workplace environment for animals, guests, and staff.
Establish and maintain effective and professional working relations with co-workers and other department personnel, in accordance with The Living Desert Employee Handbook.
Assist Animal Care Curator as needed in support of area tasks/projects including but not limited to: ordering of supplies, animal procedures, animal programs, scheduling, counseling, accountability, and communication to other TLD staff.
Implement breeding protocols, diet revisions, habitat designs, and habitat maintenance.
Be a motivated self-starter who can work with minimal supervision and also collaborate effectively in a team setting.
Utilize critical thinking skills to troubleshoot issues and reveal solutions to advance the animal team.
Remain calm under pressure and levelheaded in emergency situations.
Attend and participate in staff meetings to discuss the needs of the animal residents and animal team, resolve issues, and help create new procedures and policies.
Embrace the LEAN process program and move the department in a more efficient direction.
Minimum Qualifications:
AA, AS or higher degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science, or other related degree and at least two years of exotic animal experience. Bachelor degree preferred.
Experience with supervisory and/or management a plus.
Will substitute training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skill, and abilities. Generally, one year of full-time exotic animal experience will translate to one year of college.
Valid California driver license or eligible to attain. Must be insurable on The Living Desert’s automobile policy.
Working Conditions:
Standing, walking, twisting, climbing, crawling, kneeling, reaching motions, lifting (up to 50#).
Exposure to extreme heat, chemicals, and dust/airborne materials.
Works with potentially dangerous animals (large ungulates, carnivores, venomous snakes).
Holiday, evening, weekend work required. Available on an as-needed basis for emergencies and events.
Travel opportunities for conferences, workshops, and/or conservation projects as appropriate. Some or all expenses paid.
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Title: Assistant Animal Care Curator – Desert Wilds
Company: The Living Desert
Location: Holiday, Florida, USA
Category: Outdoor/Nature/Animal Care
