OBJECTIVE: The Living Collection Specialist is responsible for the professional care, training, and welfare of COSI’s living animal collection. This role coordinates the implementation of evidence-based husbandry practices, animal behavior training programs, and guest engagement strategies. The Living Collection Specialist also supports research initiatives, supervises interns and student team members, and ensures compliance with industry standards and institutional policies.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS / EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Ideal candidate possesses excellent organizational skills; is energetic and flexible with duties assigned; able to coordinate diverse tasks; able to establish good working relationships with Team Members; and has excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Required:

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology, Animal Science, or a related field, OR have comparable professional experiencethat demonstrates equivalent knowledge and skills.
Minimum 2 years of professional experience in animal care, training, or biological research.
Strong organizational and communication skills.
Experience with operant conditioning and enrichment strategies.
Ability to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays.

Preferred:

Experience in an AZA- or ZAA-accredited institution.
Familiarity with digital recordkeeping systems and training databases.
Knowledge of regulatory standards and animal welfare guidelines.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
Comfortable working in varied environments including outdoor and confined spaces.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, and perform physical tasks for extended periods.

ACCOUNTABILITIES / ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS include but are not limited to:

Animal Husbandry & Welfare
Oversee daily care routines including feeding, cleaning, enrichment, and health monitoring for all animals in the collection.
Develop and implement species-specific care protocols based on current research and best practices.
Conduct behavioral observations and maintain detailed health and training records.
Coordinate veterinary care and maintain accurate medical documentation.
Training and Behavior
Design and lead operant conditioning programs for animal training and behavioral enrichment.
Evaluate training outcomes and adjust protocols to ensure animal welfare and safety.
Train staff and interns in safe and effective handling and training techniques.
Guest Engagement & Education
Facilitate engaging animal experiences for guests, including formal presentations and informal interactions.
Collaborate with the Education team to integrate animals into COSI Connects and other educational platforms.
Support the development of interpretive content related to the living collection.
Leadership & Supervision
Supervise Animal Care Interns and other student team members involved in animal care.
Coordinate daily assignments.
Provide training and ongoing support to staff using the animal collection.
Research & Program Development
Conduct literature reviews and research to inform husbandry and training practices.
Contribute to the development and maintenance of a digital database of species-specific care information.
Administrative & Operational Support
Manage inventory and procurement of supplies for the animal program.
Maintain organized records and files, both digital and physical.
Contribute to strategic planning.
Attend meetings as appropriate.
Work towards COSI’s mission and vision of expanding the COSI brand to increase engagement with diverse audiences of all backgrounds. Support general COSI operations through participation in meetings as appropriate.
Serve as an example to other COSI Team Members and Volunteers in matters of appearance, attitude, and performance in a manner best serving COSI paid and Volunteer Team Members and Guests.
In accordance with COSI's Guest Services Strategy, and as opportunities present themselves, provide excellence in Guest Services by assuring Guest safety, using courtesy to drive each Guest interaction, by delivering the COSI show, and by keeping operations efficient.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Living Collections.

PERKS & BENEFITS:COSI prioritizes the health and wellness of our Team because we believe in investing in the people who make our programs and services possible. To learn more about what COSI offers, visit: https://cosi.org/careers.

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Animal Care Specialist

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