Position Overview:
The Animal Care Technician I position is responsible for daily operations in the zoo
section of the facility. The Animal Care Technician I meets the medical, husbandry and training
needs of the ambassador animals. This position also supports the task of engaging guests
through on-site encounters, keeper talks, and special events.
This position reports to the Animal Ambassador Supervisor and works alongside the rest
of the Animal Care team members. The Animal Care Technician I works directly with all other
WIREC staff members to perform daily operations throughout the facility in a thorough, safe,
and mission-driven manner. All staff members uphold the Wildlife Images “Code of Conduct”
concerning interactions with other staff, volunteers, and interns. Technicians support the
mentoring of interns and volunteers and ensure that these individuals are properly executing
their positions and responsibilities.
Ambassador Animal Care Responsibilities:
● Perform daily husbandry duties for bird, mammal, and reptile ambassadors
● Performs opening and closing rounds
● Observe animal behavior to be able to interpret and distinguish signs of unusual
behavior which may indicate illness/injury.
● Administer medications and supplements as prescribed by the staff veterinarian.
● Verify that safe and appropriate animal food supplies are being maintained.
Prepare and feed out appropriate diets to ambassador animals
● Restrains ambassador animals for medical procedures and performs routine
health checks, including coping and nail trims
● Monitors quality and safety of ambassador animal equipment and gear --
including harnesses, jesses, and anklets -- and replaces as needed
● Utilizes operant conditioning techniques to maintain and train both husbandry
and education focused behaviors to assigned animal ambassadors
● Assists with enclosure re-sets and habitat development
● Supports Food Production staff in their daily role
● Updates and maintains animal health and training records using Google Drive,
Microsoft programming and RaptorMed
● Maintain a clean working environment by following proper sanitation procedures
● Other duties as assigned
Guest Engagement and Education Support Responsibilities:
● Conducts public and private encounters and trailside keeper talks
● Supervises volunteers and interns who are on Animal Care shifts and ensures
that husbandry and safety protocols are being appropriately followed
● Handles and presents educational ambassadors at events
● Assists management with special events, tours, or animal encounters
● Assists front office with animal-related questions
● Assist the public regarding injured or orphaned wildlife, animal rescues,
transport, emergency care and human-wildlife conflicts, both in person and over
the phone.
● Supports off-site education when available
● Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
● Must be 18 years of age
● Have a valid driver’s license
● Able to be flexible, communicate effectively, and be a dedicated team player
● Be in adequate physical condition, needing to bend, stoop, crawl and walk on
uneven surfaces and terrain. Ability to lift up to 50lbs
● Adequate public speaking skills
● Able to work outdoors in inclement weather conditions
● Able and willing to follow all safety protocols
Education and Experience
● High school diploma, GED, or equivalent
● One year of experience in a zoological setting or the field of animal care
● Bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology or a related field is preferred
● Background or experience in operant conditioning, animal behavior, and animal
training is preferred
Job Type: Full-time
Work Location: In-person
Benefits
● Health insurance
● Paid time off
● Retirement plan
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $15.05 per hour
Expected hours: 30 – 40 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person