Animal Care Specialist -Animal Discoveries

Careers & Internships Current Job Openings

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do conduct background checks.

To view overarching information about internships, please go to our Internship Overview page.

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center invites you to apply for any of the position(s) listed below:

Position: Animal Care Specialist - Animal Discoveries

Location: Glen Rose, TX

Job : 331

# of Openings: 1

Full Time Hourly - $16.50

This position provides care for the inhabitants of the Animal Discoveries, offers a safe, enjoyable, educational, and interactive experience for our guests, and maintains the aesthetics of the Animal Discoveries. This area provides one of the few opportunities for the public to interact with Fossil Rim staff. In addition, this position assists in the daily husbandry of goats, ectotherms, black‑footed cats, a North American porcupine, and other small mammals and avians.

This position will liaise with the Environmental Engagement Department to provide educational opportunities for FRWC guests and groups.

• Daily care, diet prep, training, enrichment and management of the Animal Discoveries collection
• Train and provide mentorship for up to 6 interns annually.
• Enhance the conservation programs and educational opportunities through sound animal management practices
• Cleaning and maintenance of the Animal Discoveries with consideration for public aesthetics, health, and impression of all facilities
• Provide visitors a safe and welcoming environment for learning and entertainment at the Animal Discoveries
• Assist with medical and management procedures of the Animal Discoveries collection, including but not limited to handling domestic goats and sheep for hoof care, and capture and restraint of avians, medicating other small mammals.
• Progressive involvement and understanding of all FRWC conservation and education programs
• Compile orders and inventory of needed food, enrichment and other supplies
• Maintain accurate daily records and communicate with supervisor and team members
• Monitor safety for people and animals
• Provide excellent customer service for guests
• Ensure regular and dependable attendance
• Be available after‑hours and for weekend call‑outs in emergencies
• Able to lift and carry 75 pounds
• Able to bend over and climb ladders
• Ability to spend 2/3 of the work day standing/walking
• Ability to work outside all day in weather ranging from extreme heat (>100°F) to extreme cold (below freezing) and in wet conditions
• Ability to drive and operate small maintenance equipment (e.g., chainsaw, weed trimmer, mower, hand tools, truck, lawn tractor)
• Ensure compliance with Employee Handbook, Risk Management Plan, safety rules & procedures, company vision, mission, and goals
• Fulfill other duties as assigned

• Maintenance of supplies and equipment
• Provide opportunities that demonstrate educational value of live animals in a safe program environment
• Act as a spokesperson for Fossil Rim

• Associate or B.S. degree in biology, zoology, animal science, or a related field
• At least one year of previous experience with similar species
• Experience with education and public engagement
• Good communication skills
• Experience with public is a must
• Basic computer literacy
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Patience with the public (especially children)
• Ability to monitor animal/human interactions and intervene positively and politely
• Ability to maintain communication with multiple taxa curators
• Flexibility in daily schedule and expectations

This position is Essential to Fossil Rim throughout the year and during times when Fossil Rim is closed due to unexpected events; any Essential employee scheduled to work must work as scheduled. Usually a 5‑day work week, often requiring flexibility and ability to work weekends and holidays. Irregular scheduling with days that may exceed 8 hours and weeks that may exceed five days.

Please submit your resume today! We are a Non‑Profit organization and an equal employment opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other protected classification under federal and state law.

Fossil Rim is an at‑will and equal opportunity employer. It should be noted that it is company policy to conduct background checks on potential new employees, inclusive of testing for drugs and controlled substance use.

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