Job Title: Animal Care Assistant Meadowlark Free Flight Amphitheater

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Hours: Part-time; April-October; 960 Hours; 7:00am-4:00pm

Summary:

We are seeking an entry-level Animal Care Assistant to join the Meadowlark Theater team in the Interactive Animal Programs (IAP) Department. The Animal Care Assistant supports Keepers with the husbandry, behavioral, and welfare management of all the animals in their department (primarily birds) according to OHDZA, AZA, and USDA guidelines. The Animal Care Assistant is expected to be proficient in operant conditioning and capable of public presentation of a variety of animal species in both formal and informal settings. Additionally, the Meadowlark Theater Animal Care Team is involved in working with Zoo Academy Students, Interns, and other Animal Ambassador Handlers. This position has a high level of public interaction. This position reports directly to the Supervisor of the Meadowlark Theater.

Duties and Responsibilities (include but not limited to):

• Daily husbandry, and enrichment of the Meadowlark Theater animal collection (primarily birds).

• Develop and participate in animal ambassador presentations, facilitating positive and meaningful interactions with Zoo guests, in both formal stage/show settings and informal settings.

• Maintain trained animal behaviors for husbandry and show behaviors as well as natural behavior demonstration to enhance animal ambassador programs.

• Assist in show production (pre-show preparations, sound, post show wrap-up)

• Assist Keeper staff in the event of a bird fly-off.

• Assist with student education efforts including Zoo Academy, shadows, interns, and classes.

• Assist with the maintenance of the departments buildings, animal exhibits, and structures including cleaning, painting, light construction, etc. Along with maintenance of Zoo grounds including plant care, raking, weeding, trash collection, etc.

• Assist Zoo guests and facilitate their needs

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must be at least 18 years of age or older.

• High School Diploma or GED required. Pursuing B.S in biology, animal science, behavior or related field, preferred.

• Basic computer proficiency in Microsoft Programs: Word, Excel, and Power Point.

• Experience working with birds is preferred.

• Familiarity with basic animal training techniques, theory, and application, preferred.

• Able to learn relevant and factual information about a diverse group of animals.

• Effective and engaging public speaker. Strong desire to engage guests to become lifelong stewards for the conservation of animals and their habitats.

• Self-motivated within a team setting and as an individual.

• Communicate with and work well with all types of people.

• Able to maintain a positive attitude while balancing multiple priorities.

• Able to exhibit good judgment in making decisions.

• Infectious positive attitude and sense of humor.

Candidates might be (depending on position) required to pass a pre-employment background check, drug test, negative skin tuberculosis test, and possess a valid drivers license with a good history.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

• Will sometimes work extended/odd hours including weekends, holidays and some night programs.

• Must be able to walk long distances across the zoo. Working in various weather conditions.

• Must be able to stand, sit, kneel, bend, twist, reach above head and climb.

• Will lift, push, pull, and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds using safe and proper lifting methods.

• Working environments can include exposure to salt water, fish, shellfish (shrimp), nuts, hay, grass.

• Exposure to physical and zoonotic disease risk.

DISCLAIMER

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.

Omahas Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.