Position Summary:
The Animal Keeper is responsible for the daily care and husbandry of both marine and terrestrial animal species, supporting Senior Keepers in ensuring the health, welfare, and enrichment of a diverse animal collection. This position plays a key role in maintaining a clean, safe, and stimulating environment while assisting with training, enrichment, and educational programs.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Animal Care and Husbandry:
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Provide daily feeding, cleaning, and enrichment for both marine and terrestrial animals as assigned.
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Monitor animal health, behavior, and environmental conditions, reporting any concerns promptly to senior keepers.
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Support senior keepers in carrying out specialized care routines (e.g., water quality checks, tank maintenance, terrestrial enclosure upkeep).
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Assist in safe and proper handling, restraint, and transport of animals as required.
Support Senior Keepers:
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Help implement enrichment plans, training sessions, and behavioral observations under the guidance of senior keepers.
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Participate in the execution of medical and preventative care procedures, ensuring adherence to veterinary protocols.
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Collect and maintain accurate records on feeding, behavior, health, and habitat conditions.
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Collaborate on projects such as exhibit improvements, species-specific research, and breeding programs.
Safety and Facility Maintenance:
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Maintain cleanliness of all animal areas, including aquariums, tanks, and terrestrial habitats.
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Conduct routine inspections of habitats and life support systems, reporting issues to senior staff.
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Follow safety protocols for working in aquatic environments, including water quality monitoring and diving (if trained and certified).
Visitor Engagement and Education:
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Engage with visitors to answer questions and share information about marine and terrestrial species.
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Support public presentations, feeding demonstrations, or educational talks under senior keeper supervision.
Minimum Qualifications:
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Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, marine biology, or a related field required.
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Minimum 1 year of experience in animal care, including some experience with both marine (e.g., fish, invertebrates, small mammals) and terrestrial animals.
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Strong interest in supporting senior keepers in daily tasks, learning from their expertise, and developing skills in both marine and terrestrial husbandry.
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Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
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Physically able to perform strenuous tasks in various weather and environmental conditions.
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Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays.
Preferred Skills:
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Experience with water quality monitoring, life support systems, or diving certifications (e.g., SCUBA) is a plus.
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Basic knowledge of behavioral enrichment and training techniques.
Working Conditions:
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May involve working in and around water, climbing, lifting, and exposure to potentially dangerous animals.
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Required to work weekends, holidays, and evenings as scheduled.
