Senior Animal Care Specialist

JOB POSTING

Bird and Mammal Senior Animal Care Specialist

Posted:Open to internal and external applicants

Reports to
:
Supervisor of Birds & Mammals

Status:Full-time, hourly, benefitted position

Posting expires: Open until filled; priority given to applications received by January 14.

Position description:

This position is responsible for all assigned husbandry duties of the Seattle Aquarium’s bird and mammal population. This position will be caring for: sea otters, harbor seals, northern fur seals, North American river otters, various alcids and shorebirds, and fish and invertebrates which inhabit the bird habitats. While not a direct supervisory role, the Senior Animal Care Specialist position requires staff members to have a strong interest and skillset in mentoring to aid in the growth of Animal Care Specialists I and II.

Must be organized, self-motivated, independent, and show a strong desire to complete projects. Preference given to candidates with an in-depth understanding of bird and marine mammal biology, water quality parameters/analysis, aquatic life-support systems, and marine and aquatic animal health.

Multicultural, multilingual, and diverse experiences are an asset in this role as we have a diverse and passionate team. The natural sciences and the conservation movement have historically marginalized many communities from taking on scientific roles such as this one. The Aquarium actively seeks to dismantle this practice and broaden participation in marine and environmental conservation professions, making them more inclusive of the full diversity of our communities and responsive to their needs and perspectives.

Candidates passionate about anti-racism, social justice, environmental justice, and other intersections will be an asset to our work. All staff should value and participate in advancing and integrating Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Regenerative practices in alignment with our S.A.L.I.S.H. Values into their work. The knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below may be demonstrated through a combination of relevant cultural, traditional practices, community programs, jobs, internships, volunteer experience, and/or formal or informal education.

• Perform daily animal care operations within Bird & Mammal (BAM) team, including diet preparation and monitoring, habitat care and maintenance, etc.
• Act as an individual species Lead for institution’s resident BAM species/habitats as assigned. Adjust species diets, monitor animal weights, coordinate species behavioral training goals in collaboration with Curator, Supervisors, and Veterinary team, provide extra focus and ad vocation for animal/area needs, and train other BAM staff members in standards of care for species.
• Plan for, apply, and mentor staff on appropriate operant conditioning techniques with an emphasis on positive reinforcement. Capable of problem-solving when behavioral management issues arise.
• Observe/evaluate animal behavior to determine physical and behavioral health and wellbeing.
• Comply with and teach all standard operating procedures and Aquarium Species Programmatic Manuals for all species and animal facilities managed by the BAM team.
• Design, implement, offer, evaluate, and document a variety of behavioral enrichment opportunities for the animal collection that encourage natural behavior. Coach others in this.
• Proficient in recordkeeping and reporting regarding assigned species including daily veterinary reports, habitat maintenance, food consumption records, and other reports.
• Be familiar with the Animal Welfare Act and all USDA/APHIS regulations pertaining to maintaining and public display of marine mammals and birds. Ensure work outputs also comply with all necessary AZA accreditation standards. Assist in preparing for inspections as assigned and lead efforts as necessary.
• Administer basic and challenging medications according to established procedures and veterinary instructions. Ability to lead in handling or restraining animals in accordance with established safety procedures as necessary to ensure animal welfare.
• Possess proficient public speaking skills necessary to interpret natural history and conservation issues effectively with the public in both formal (on microphone) and informal settings.
• Responsibly order BAM team supplies as assigned.
• Provide occasional response to animal emergencies outside of normally scheduled hours.

• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships within BAM team and other departments to support BAM team needs or asks from others. Practice respect and reciprocity in all communications.
• Work with Curator and Supervisors to aid in the acquisition and disposition of new animals including coordinating and executing safe transport, quarantine, acclimation, and introduction to habitats.
• Share technical knowledge, submit work orders, and communicate habitat need requests with Facilities and Engineering staff.
• May hold roles…