General Description

　　The Animal Care Technician will be responsible for the care of animals displayed in the Da Vinci Science Center's Lehigh River Watershed Exhibit, scheduled to open to the public in May of 2024. Native wildlife will be exhibited in a collection including North American river otters, freshwater fish, turtles, and non-venomous snakes upon opening, with the planned additions of amphibians and an education ambassador collection after opening.

　　Under the supervision of the Lead Otter Keeper and Animal Care Manager, this position will help with animal introductions, facility set-up, and other pre-opening tasks to contribute to the on-time opening of this exhibit.  Primary responsibilities of this position after opening include performing daily animal care (feeding, enclosure cleaning, minor maintenance), enrichment, and training, and helping to lead interpretive programming for visitors.  

　　This is a full-time position working a minimum of 40 hours per week, including weekend, and occasional evening and holiday work, and possible infrequent overnight stay in times of severe inclement weather.

　　MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

　　Pre-opening tasks

　　·         Provide final input on procedure and policy creation as requested by Lead Otter Keeper and Animal Care Manager (LOKACM) and Director of Environmental Science and Living Collections (Dir. ES & LC)

　　·         Work under LOKACM and Dir. ES & LC to implement and adjust newly written procedures.

　　·         Work with LOKACM to set up animal facility, including equipment assembly, receiving and unpacking materials, etc.

　　·         Help to set up and furnish exhibits with substrate, hides, water/food bowls, enrichment items, decor, etc.

　　·         Help to acclimate newly acquired animals to housing.

　　Responsibilities after opening- Animal Care

　　·         Perform daily diet prep and feeding of collection.

　　·         Perform enrichment for all collection animals and incorporate enrichment into feeding routines.

　　·         Under the direction of the LOKACM, participate in and eventually lead otter training sessions.

　　·         Oversee and perform daily exhibit and holding area cleaning and maintenance, including shifting animals for cleaning.

　　·         Monitor animal behavior, health and well-being, and perform health assessments daily; report and document abnormalities.

　　·         Monitor visitor interactions and survey exhibit daily to ensure animal and visitor safety.

　　·         Monitor environmental conditions of enclosures/exhibits.

　　·         Maintain detailed, thorough records of all of the above, file daily reports.

　　·         Maintain an excellent line of communication with supervisor and other relevant staff.

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　　Life Support Systems

　　·         Perform water quality testing as planned.

　　·         Monitor and perform routine maintenance on LSS systems, animal habitats, and back-of- house equipment.

　　·         Perform water changes, adjust water levels, clean filters, replace filter media, etc. as needed.

　　Other responsibilities

　　·         Attend trainings and workshops to enhance skills and knowledge and stay up to date on best animal care practices.

　　·         Present public and reserved programs to visitors, possibly including keeper talks and enrichment demonstrations.

　　·         Assist with exhibit creation, design, or modification as necessary.  

　　·         Serve as an in-house expert on native wildlife and conservation.

　　Make diversity, equity, and inclusion a priority in day-to-day operations and colleague and community relationships.

　　Other duties as assigned.

　　Qualifications

　　Mandatory

　　Successful candidate will meet all of these qualifications:

　　·         1-3 years of experience working as an everyday keeper/animal care personnel in a zoo, aquarium, museum, or nature center environment.

　　·         Comfort with aring for and handling turtles, snakes, and fish.

　　·         Motivated, task-oriented, accountable, independent worker, with the ability to multitask and meet deadlines. 

　　·         Skilled at working harmoniously and efficiently as part of a team.

　　·         Ability to walk on uneven, slippery terrain and be comfortable around 3-4 ft deep pools.

　　·         Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office, file sharing, email, etc.)

　　·         Must agree to follow health and safety and PPE protocols when working with animals (including possible vaccination, tuberculosis test requirements and use of safety equipment)

　　·         Motivated self-starter that is team and goal oriented

　　·         Exceptional communication skills, both oral and written.

　　·         Public speaking and presentation ability.

　　·         Ability to participate in programs, events and receptions that may occur outside of normal working hours.

　　·         Demonstrated problem solving skills and ability to work with staff at all levels in a complex, collaborative environment.

　　·         Work and communicate effectively and respectfully with people from different cultural backgrounds.3