Animal Care Technician
Reports to: Associate curator of birds and
mammals
Status: Full-time, hourly, benefited position
Hours of work: Thursday through Monday, 7am to
4pm
Date needed: ASAP
Posting expires: October 27, 2015
About the Seattle Aquarium: The Seattle
Aquarium is owned by the City of Seattle and under nonprofit management. The
Aquarium currently serves over 825,000 visitors and 40,000 schoolchildren and
their teachers annually. Guided by its mission of Inspiring Conservation of Our
Marine Environment, the Seattle Aquarium has a realistic plan for phased growth
based on record-setting attendance, membership and fundraising growth, an
energized board of directors
and professional
management. The current annual budget is $14 million.
Position description: The animal care
technician works to further the mission of the Seattle Aquarium by helping to
maintain a thriving bird and mammal collection. The animal care technician is
responsible for assigned husbandry duties for the Seattle Aquarium’s animal
collection. This position will be working in the Aquarium’s bird and mammal
department caring for sea otters, harbor seals, northern fur seals, North
American river otters, various alcids and
shorebirds, and the
fish and invertebrates that inhabit the bird exhibits.
A. Essential functions: Responsible for all
aspects of the care and management of the Aquarium’s bird and mammal collection
including but not limited to:
· Preparing, storing
and distributing food according to established amounts, types and diets;
monitoring feeding habits and reporting any changes or abnormalities.
· Observing animals
and evaluating behavior to determine physical and behavioral health and
well-being.
· Cleaning and
performing routine maintenance and minor repair of animal exhibits and holding
areas to assure the health of animals and the presentation of the species in an
attractive environment. Monitoring water quality to keep aquatic animals in a
healthy condition.
· Working directly
with veterinarian to administer medications and treatments according to
established procedures and veterinary instructions. Providing assistance in
handling or restraining animals in accordance with established safety
procedures as necessary to ensure animal welfare.
· Applying operant
conditioning techniques and principles with an emphasis on positive
reinforcement as described in the Seattle Aquarium animal training manual to
condition a variety of medical, natural and exercise behaviors. Designing and
maintaining behavioral plans for each animal to include descriptions of
training approximations and behavioral criteria.
· Designing,
implementing, evaluating and documenting a variety of stimulating objects,
activities and situations for the animal collection as described in the Seattle
Aquarium enrichment manual to provide mental and physical stimulation and
encourage natural behavior patterns.
· Maintaining
records and reports regarding assigned species including daily veterinary
reports, training and enrichment records, food consumption records and other
reports specific to the assigned area.
· Possessing public
speaking skills necessary to interpret natural history and conservation issues
effectively with the public in both formal (on microphone) and informal
settings. Assisting Aquarium education/visitor engagement staff in message
development. Participating in associated education initiatives and events.
· Representing the
Seattle Aquarium with media as assigned.
· Training,
coordinating and supervising the work of animal care volunteers, interns and
temporary animal care personnel by identifying, assigning and monitoring tasks
and evaluating their work.
B. Additional responsibilities:
· Working as part of
the bird and mammal animal care team to maintain a comprehensive programmatic
manual and all accompanying standard operating procedures and pertinent
policies.
· Being familiar
with the Animal Welfare Act and all USDA/APHIS regulations pertaining to public
display of marine mammals. Ensuring compliance with all necessary AZA
accreditation standards.
· Acting as a role
model for compliance with all Seattle Aquarium safety protocols.
· Assuring the
safety of animals, employees and the visiting public from injury or mishap.
· Performing
emergency first aid and CPR as needed and according to established guidelines.
· Assisting the
curator and associate curator with the acquisition and disposition of new
animals including permitting, coordinating and executing safe transport,
quarantine, acclimation and introduction.
· Establishing and
maintaining cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
· Serving as a
customer service liaison through daily contacts with visitors providing
information and answering questions.
· Performing in the
role of individual species program advisor as assigned.
· Performing other
duties as assigned.
C. Skills, abilities and other requirements:
· Add, subtract,
multiply and divide quickly and accurately.
· Strong
interpersonal, collaboration, team-building skills; share responsibilities and
perform assignments in concert with the team’s efforts.
· Must possess
organizational skills, be self-motivated, and communicate effectively orally
and in writing. Ability to use various computer software products: MS Word,
Excel and population management software.
· Must have or be
able to obtain a Washington State driver’s license.
· Ability to use
fall restraint equipment, respirators and other appropriate safety gear; work
in confined spaces.
· While performing
the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands
to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and
arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste
or smell.
· Possess
coordination and dexterity necessary to ascend and descend rocky exhibits with
animals still on display while carrying containers of food, enrichment items
and/or vet supplies.
· In order to assess
animal health and cleanliness of facility and habitat, specific vision
abilities are required including, but not limited to, close vision, distance
vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, contrast and the ability
to adjust focus. Indoors and out in all weather conditions.
· Must be able to
swim.
· CPR/first aid
certified
D. Education and experience:
· BA/BS degree in
biology, marine biology, animal behavior, psychology or related field required.
We may consider an equivalent combination of education and experience in lieu
of degree.
· Minimum of one
year of experience involving the care and husbandry of animals in a zoo,
aquarium or related environment. Preference will be given to applicants with
operant conditioning experience with the species in the current Seattle
Aquarium bird and mammal collection.
· At least six
months of animal care experience at an AZA-accredited facility.
F. Working conditions:
· Requires handling,
working with or exposure to large, dangerous animals, animal diseases, animal
feces, and toxic chemicals.
· Occasionally
required to lift more than 50 pounds.
· Must be able to be
on feet six or more hours a day; be active through all physical motions.
· Required to work
outdoors year-round, near water, on wet and slippery surfaces and at heights.
· Regular work
schedule: 7am to 4pm, Thursday through Monday. Must be willing to work
evenings, nights, weekends and holidays and an occasional 24-hour emergency
call.
Salary and benefits: D.O.E. Please include
salary requirements in cover letter. Full-time staff are eligible for Seattle
Aquarium’s comprehensive benefits package to include medical, vision, dental,
HRA, FSA, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, long-term care coverage,
access to a subsidized ORCA pass, and paid time off.
How to apply: The Seattle Aquarium is a
progressive, equal opportunity employer that values a diverse workforce. All
candidates are encouraged to apply. To apply, please send a one-page letter of
interest, résumé and salary requirements to jobs@seattleaquarium.org
Application review
will begin immediately.
Note: Must pass a
background check to be eligible for this position.
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