Animal Care Associate

Position:
Animal Care Associate
Direct Supervisor:
Animal Care Director
Employment Classification:
Non-exempt, hourly, year-round
Compensation: $20.00 per hour, bi-weekly, direct deposit

Schedule:

40 hours/week, 80 hours/bi-weekly, 2,080 hours/year, Thurs-Monday

Position Purpose and Summary
The Animal Care Associate (ACA) is a vital member of the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center (SLNSC) animal care team. The ACA assists in performing work necessary to provide daily animal care and maintain the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center's animal enclosures, ensuring appropriate animal welfare. The Animal Care Associate collaborates with all SLNSC staff to maintain established facility and operational standards, as well as AZA accreditation standards.

This position also performs other duties as needed.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform basic functions.

• Cleans animal exhibits and holding areas; raking, sweeping, hosing, scrubbing, and disinfecting.
• Prepares and provides food and water to exhibit animals per established protocols.
• Presents food and water using species-appropriate methods.
• Observation of animals for detection of illness and/or injury with a report to the Animal Care Director.
• Provides periodic treatment and administration of medications under the direction of the Animal Care Director and Veterinarian.
• Able to operate and maintain animal life support systems and animal facilities.
• Participates in the SLNSC enrichment and training program.
• Participates in training and oversees animal care volunteers and interns as directed by the AC Director.
• Maintains daily written and digital documentation of animal observations and work performed as needed.
• Provides opportunities for animals to exhibit species-appropriate behavior through the use of exhibit furnishings and enrichment techniques.
• Engages with guests both informally and through formal presentations as needed.
• Maintains all equipment and supplies in good working order.
• Regularly obtains weights of animals.
• Operates vehicles to transport supplies, equipment, and animals within SLNSC and between other facilities.
• Participates in maintenance, operations, and education functions of SLNSC as necessary.
• Proficiency in the use and operation of power tools and hand tools to make repairs, enrichment, and/or improvements while ensuring the safety of coworkers, the general public, and animals.
• Assists with special projects and helps other SLNSC employees as needed.
• Actively contributes to positive guest experiences.
• Maintains a clean, orderly working environment.
• Participate in the capture and restraint of animals as instructed.
• Perform basic triage and rehabilitation of native wildlife.
• Opportunity and willingness to participate in training for weapons handling after probationary period.

• High school diploma, or equivalency, is required.
• A Bachelor of Science degree in biological science or a related field is preferred.
• Current progress towards obtaining a degree is acceptable.
• Significant, documented, professional animal care experience is preferred.

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• A valid driver’s license is required.
• Proof of current rabies vaccination, or willingness to be vaccinated, at SLNSC expense.
• First aid/CPR certification, or willingness to obtain, at SLNSC expense.
• Formal on-the-job training is required and will be conducted by the Animal Care Director.
• Participation in SLNSC’s Respiratory Protection Program and be fit tested for a respirator.
• Anything on the face (e.g., facial hair, piercings) that may interfere with the mask-to-face seal must be removed during the initial fit testing and at a minimum twice a year when it will be required to wear the mask.

• Ability to learn and demonstrate knowledge of SLNSC policies, standards, operations, cleaning, and maintenance techniques.
• Ability to endure high-stress situations when feeding, transferring, or restraining animals.
• Ability to adapt to a rapidly changing, dynamic…