Assistant Animal Care Specialist
This is a part-time, hourly position that may be scheduled up to 28 hours per week including at least 1 weekend day. This position requires a highly motivated individual who will take direction from the Seniors Animal Care Specialist and Curator of Birds and Ambassador Animals in carrying out the animal care routine and maintenance for an assigned set of habitats or holding tanks. The position will also be responsible for: maintaining organized written records pertaining to health, feeding, water quality, animal welfare and behavioral observations, and adhering to all aquarium safety protocols, and standard operating procedures.
Functions & Responsibilities
Essential Functions
•Provides care for all specimens in assigned areas through proper husbandry protocols involving daily observations, feedings, behavioral and environmental enrichment.
•Ensures guest satisfaction by maintaining exhibits through daily maintenance.
•Keeps support areas clean, organized, and safe.
•Complies with all standard operating procedures (SOPs) pertaining to daily operations and safety.
•Maintains records in accordance with protocols or as directed.
•Promotes conservation, animal welfare, and good stewardship in daily tasks.
•Supports interactive programs and educational presentations in assigned areas
•Undertakes special projects as assigned by manager(s)
Other Duties & Responsibilities
•Safety & Security – All Team Members are required to adhere to all Mississippi Aquarium safety and security standards.
•Attendance & Appearance – To maximize the guest’s experience, all Team Members are required to adhere to Mississippi Aquarium standard operating procedures regarding attendance and dress code policies as it relates to individual job functionality. Tattoos and piercings must be appropriate and in keeping with a professional image. Depending on the work area, management reserves the right to determine that tattoos will need to be covered during your shift.
•Sales & Guest Services – Our forward-thinking business model requires listening and understanding the needs of our guests both internal and external. To that end, we must always be focused on the guest experience which is the key driver for return guest visitation and increased sales.
•Team Partnership – All Team Members are focused on supporting each other to complete the guest experience. Therefore, supporting, facilitating, and participating in activities that promote team effectiveness is vital to our Organization.
Skills & Experience
Knowledge & Skills
•Knowledge of the biology, behavior, and natural history of a multi-taxa collection
•Experience with accurate and timely record-keeping.
•Ability to prepare and conduct public educational programs.
•Knowledge of proper animal conformation & body conditions, gestation/incubation periods and nutrition
•Excellent observation and communication skills
•Strong interpersonal skills and ethics that sustain a positive and professional environment.
•A valid driver’s license and ability to travel if necessary.
•Ability to work weekends, holidays, days closed due to inclement weather.
•Able to work in all weather conditions.
•Able to lift up to 60 pounds, climb ladders, crouch, stoop, and be on one’s feet for 8+ hours a day.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Education & Experience
•An Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology, Environmental Education, or related field desired.
•Completion of an internship or other hands-on work with animals in a zoological setting with birds, reptiles, or ambassador animals.
Job Requirements
Physical Requirements
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally 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. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
