Animal Care Specialist

The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium seeks an Animal Care Specialist responsible for daily animal care, maintenance of exhibits, and public interaction. Duties include preparing diets, administering medications, observing animal behavior, cleaning habitats, and engaging with visitors. A bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred, along with hands-on experience with similar species. Strong observational and communication skills are essential. This position is based in Kansas City, MO.
POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Animal Care Specialist is responsible for performing routine work assignments, involving the daily care and welfare of animals within their area. This position also performs daily maintenance of exhibit and holding areas, as well as interacts with the public to provide information related to the Zoo & Aquarium’s animal collection.

This position will work with the Baobab team, which includes a wide range of animals, including: western lowland gorilla, black mangabeys, red-capped mangabeys, amur leopard, duiker, dik-dik, red river hogs, warthogs, cheetahs, bateleur eagles, lesser kudu, hooded vultures, saddle-billed storks, hamerkop, hadada ibis, hottentot teal, marbled teal, silvery cheeked and southern ground hornbills, taveta weavers and aldabra tortoises.

POSITION DUTIES & ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
• This position may at times be requested to perform other duties or special projects as assigned, which are in the best interest of the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. Additionally, specific duties and percentages may vary slightly between each Animal Care Team.
• All employees must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily and, upon request, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Duties

Performs daily animal husbandry activities, including:

Preparing diets and delivering animal feedings.

Administering medications and assisting with various animal health procedures.

Observing, logging, and reporting issues concerning animal behavior, health, and welfare.

Training animals for basic husbandry behaviors.

Creating and implementing various enrichment items/strategies.

40%

Completes daily maintenance of exhibits and holding areas, including:

Cleaning habitats, holding areas, and staff areas.

Performing minor repairs and improvements.

Reporting maintenance issues and potential safety hazards to appropriate manager.

Lawn and other horticultural maintenance within habitats.

40%

Maintains daily reports and other required records.

10%

Interacts with Zoo guests and the public, including:

Performing various animal chats and animal shows, as well as assisting with special events related to assigned area.

Engaging with visitors to answer questions about the Zoo & Aquarium and animals.

10%

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• EDUCATION & FORMAL TRAINING:
• Bachelor’s degree in biology, animal science, zoology, or related field preferred.
• Applicable experience can be substituted in place of formal education on a year-for-year basis for candidates not currently holding a degree.
• EXPERIENCE:
• Previous hands-on experience with the care and management of similar species strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of animal husbandry, behavior, procedures for proper care, and training of exotic animals.
• Strong observational skills to recognize and evaluate conditions of animal health, diets, and behavior.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, required.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions, including procedures for care and maintenance of animals, habitats, service and holding areas.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• OTHER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
• Must have valid driver’s license.
• Must have or be able to obtain negative TB test.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds and have sufficient mobility to ensure a safe work environment.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to manage stress, endure high risk situations when feeding, transferring, or restraining animals, and make immediate decisions concerning the safety of animals, staff, or the public.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and evening hours, in all weather extremes.
• Must pass a background and drug screening.

How to Apply

https://hcm.paycor.com/l/r/763442C7

Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium

6800 Zoo Drive

Kansas City, MO 64132

Phone: 816-595-1234

Fax: 816-595-1880

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