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Job Description
Rainforest Staff/Sr. Herp Keeper Galveston , TX 77554 Apply Overview Salary Range $25.00 - $27.00 Hourly Level Experienced Position Type Full Time Job Shift Any Education Level None Travel Percentage None Category Animal Care Apply Bio III/Sr Herp Keeper
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Professional Animal Care Maintain proficiency in all expected tasks of a Biologist 2 Be knowledgeable about natural history, behavior and conservation of collection species in areas of responsibility, including individual specimen histories. Be knowledgeable about Moody Gardens accepted animal husbandry policies, procedures and routines. Assist with animal acquisitions. Research husbandry and natural history information on prospective acquisitions. Be knowledgeable about animal capture, restraint and transport procedures. Be knowledgeable about water quality system mechanics and maintenance. Be knowledgeable about aquatic/marine disease diagnosis and treatment protocol. Be knowledgeable about infant care and hand rearing techniques. Be able to identify disease problems, in coordination with Veterinary Technicians, Veterinarian, Curator/General Curator. Be knowledgeable about medical treatment for animals as directed by the veterinarian. Be knowledgeable about animal nutrition. Be knowledgeable about pest control measures. Perform daily routines as scheduled or when needed. Pursue continuing education through association with various professional organizations, including AZA. Assure animal health is a top priority Be able to identify disease problems, in coordination with Veterinary Technicians, Veterinarian, Curator/General Curator. Make frequent daily rounds to evaluate animal health and exhibit condition, cleanliness and address any safety concerns. Communication Communicate regularly with staff through department meetings, individual meetings and written memos or instructions. Meet with Curator to plan day's events, projects, etc., daily or as appropriate. Orient and train new Biologists. Convey relevant species and specimen information to animal and education staff. Conduct tours for guests/visitors and relate facility and animal knowledge. Conduct public presentations. Represent Moody Gardens and the
L.S.&E.O.
Department in media events. Be able to interact with colleagues, professionals and conduct tours as directed. Coordinate ongoing training program of routines and procedures for new and existing employees. Maintain a staff communication tree and update as needed Foster good relations with staff, guests, volunteers and contractors. Department Management Ensure that appropriate animal records are maintained. Maintain and order necessary supplies. Organize animal movements, in coordination with Curator. Perform administrative duties with, or in absence of Curator. Develop weekly work schedules in the absence of the Curator . Supervision of Personnel Set an example for the staff by reporting to work on time and maintaining a clean, professional appearance. Direct Biologists in all aspects of animal care. Train Biologists in relevant facility, animal and safety procedures. Know and implement department and facility rules, policies and procedures. Assist Biologists and Curator to assure exhibit readiness for opening, schedule employees, arrange for shift coverage when necessary. Demonstrate effective leadership when onboarding new staff and with conflict resolution, team building and safety training, Related Strengths Be able to interface professionally with other departments and interact with guests in a positive manner. If applicable, organize and conduct field work as directed by Curator or General Curator. Be organized and self-motivated to see tasks and projects through to completion. Demonstrate sound decision making in animal care, facility operations and interactions with staff, volunteers and guests. Be able to revise daily routines to increase staff efficiency Be able to revise food acquisitions to increase food/diet quality. Encourage staff professional opportunities, in turn increasing productivity and morale. Observe and help maintain areas not normally within area of responsibility. Be ambitious and self-motivated. Have strong observational skills. Have ability to work with other employees, and volunteers. Qualifications
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor's Degree with major course work in Biology, Zoology or related field. Work experience may be substituted. Must have a minimum of five years zoological experience, preferably with a variety of taxa. Must be certified
S.C.U.B.A.
diver if work area requires it. Current member of professional organizations, including AZA that support professional development and Moody Gardens' operations. Must have valid Texas driver's license. Must have working knowledge of life support systems, animal husbandry, disease prevention, treatment and control, behavioral management techniques and animal rearing techniques. Must be prepared to work odd or unscheduled hours. Must represent Moody Gardens in a professional manner with all guests. This position will require the candidate to work with potentially dangerous animals. Participation in safety protocol evaluation and drills is expected, as well as staying current on industry standards on safe handling practices. Some supervisory experience is preferred.
