Animal Care Technician - 1

Position Overview:

The Animal Care Technician I position is responsible for daily operations in the zoo section of the facility. The Animal Care Technician I meets the medical, husbandry and training needs of the ambassador animals. This position also supports the task of engaging guests through on-site encounters, keeper talks, and special events. This position reports to the Animal Ambassador Supervisor and works alongside the rest of the Animal Care team members. The Animal Care Technician I works directly with all other WIREC staff members to perform daily operations throughout the facility in a thorough, safe, and mission-driven manner. All staff members uphold the Wildlife Images "Code of Conduct" concerning interactions with other staff, volunteers, and interns. Technicians support the mentoring of interns and volunteers and ensure that these individuals are properly executing their positions and responsibilities.

Ambassador Animal Care Responsibilities:

• Perform daily husbandry duties for bird, mammal, and reptile ambassadors
• Performs opening and closing rounds
• Observe animal behavior to be able to interpret and distinguish signs of unusual behavior which may indicate illness/injury.
• Administer medications and supplements as prescribed by the staff veterinarian.
• Verify that safe and appropriate animal food supplies are being maintained. Prepare and feed out appropriate diets to ambassador animals
• Restrains ambassador animals for medical procedures and performs routine health checks, including coping and nail trims
• Monitors quality and safety of ambassador animal equipment and gear -- including harnesses, jesses, and anklets -- and replaces as needed
• Utilizes operant conditioning techniques to maintain and train both husbandry and education focused behaviors to assigned animal ambassadors
• Assists with enclosure re-sets and habitat development
• Supports Food Production staff in their daily role
• Updates and maintains animal health and training records using Google Drive, Microsoft programming and Raptor Med
• Maintain a clean working environment by following proper sanitation procedures
• Other duties as assigned

Guest Engagement and Education Support Responsibilities:

• Conducts public and private encounters and trailside keeper talks
• Supervises volunteers and interns who are on Animal Care shifts and ensures that husbandry and safety protocols are being appropriately followed
• Handles and presents educational ambassadors at events
• Assists management with special events, tours, or animal encounters
• Assists front office with animal-related questions
• Assist the public regarding injured or orphaned wildlife, animal rescues, transport, emergency care and human-wildlife conflicts, both in person and over the phone.
• Supports off-site education when available
• Other duties as assigned

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

From $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Health insurance Paid time off

Work Location:

In person