Summary/Purpose of Position: This position assists the Animal Care Specialist-Animal Discoveries (AD) in providing care for the inhabitants of the AD and Overlook area, provide a safe, enjoyable, educational and interactive experience for our guests and maintain aesthetics of the AD. This area provides one of the few opportunities for the public to interact with Fossil Rim staff. In addition, this position assists the Carnivore Department in the daily husbandry of the carnivore collection, consisting of American Red wolves, Mexican grey wolves, black-footed cats, and cheetahs.
Specific/Mandatory Duties: The essential responsibilities of the Animal Care Specialist: AD/Carnivore Swing include but are not limited to the following:
- Daily care and management of AD and carnivore collections
- Daily diet preparation for AD and carnivore collections
- Enhance the conservation programs and educational opportunities through sound animal management practices
- Constant cleaning of the AD with consideration for public aesthetics, health, and impression
- Provide a safe environment for learning and engagement at the AD
- Assist with medical and management procedures of AD and carnivore collections
- Progressive involvement and understanding of all carnivore programs
- Format and review game camera footage for breeding behaviors within the carnivore collection
- Keep accurate daily records and communicate with supervisors
- Routine cleaning and maintenance of all AD and carnivore facilities
- Monitoring of safety for both people and animals
- Assist with mentoring interns
- Provide excellent customer service for guests
- Regular and dependable attendance is required
- Be available after-hours and weekend call out in emergencies
- Able to lift and carry 75 pounds
- Able to bend over
- Ability to spend up to 2/3 of the work day standing/walking
- Ability to work outside all day in weather ranging from extreme heat (100+ degrees) to extreme cold (below freezing) and in wet conditions
- Ability to drive and/or operate small maintenance equipment e.g., chainsaw, weed trimmer, mower, hand tools, truck and lawn tractor
- Ensure compliance with Employee Handbook, Risk Management Plan, all other safety rules & procedures, the company vision, mission and goals
- Fulfill other duties as assigned
The secondary responsibilities of the A/C Specialist: AD/Carnivore Swing include but are not necessarily limited to the following:
- Assist with maintenance of supplies and equipment
- Assist in other areas within the Animal Care Department as trained, as needed
- Provide opportunities that demonstrate educational value of live animals in a safe program environment
- Act as a spokesperson for Fossil Rim
Desired Qualities, Experience, and Educational Skills:
- Associate or B.S. degree in biology, zoology, animal science, or a related field preferred
- At least one year of previous experience with carnivores
- Experience with education animals preferred
- Good communication skills
- Experience with public is a must
- Basic computer literacy
- Ability to work independently
- Patience with public (especially children)
- Ability to monitor animal/human interactions and intervene in a positive polite way
- Ability to take instruction from multiple supervisors
- Flexibility in daily schedule and expectations
- Valid TX driver's license or ability to attain one
Work Requirements: This position is Essential to Fossil Rim throughout the year and during times when Fossil Rim is closed due to unexpected events, any Essential employee that is
scheduled to work must work as scheduled. Usually a 5-day work week, often
requiring flexibility and ability to work weekends and holidays. Irregular scheduling in which days may exceed 8 hours, and weeks may exceed five days
Position Specs:
A full time, non- exempt position. Fossil Rim is an “at will” and equal opportunity employer. It should be noted that it is company policy to conduct background checks on potential new employees, inclusive of testing for drugs and controlled substance use.
Please apply through our website (https://fossilrim.org/career-internships/).We are a Non-Profit organization and an equal employment opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other protected classification under federal and state law.
Fossil Rim is an “at will” and equal opportunity employer. It should be noted that it is company policy to conduct background checks on potential new employees, inclusive of testing for drugs and controlled substance use.
