Prepares daily rations, feeds animals, and stores food according to schedule duties
Cleans and sanitizes animal enclosures, food preparation, storage areas, and office spaces
Administers medications as prescribed by veterinarians
Closely monitors and records animal behavior and notifies staff of potential health and social challenges
Assist veterinarians with examinations, treatments, surgery, emergency care and necropsies
Effectively and efficiently communicates in a professional manner to staff of all levels
Demonstrates an understanding of operant conditioning animal training techniques and how to apply it for maintaining animal behavior with supervision of an ACS 2 or higher.
Understand how to interpret animal behavior and make decisions appropriately with the aid of ACS2 or higher
Perform in shows as well as conduct educational lectures and/or animal interactions and tours as assigned
SCUBA dive in exhibits as required
Collects and labels blood, urine, fecal and other diagnostic samples as directed by veterinary staff
Provides support on carrying out capture and restraint procedure for animals in the assigned area with veterinarian and management's assistance as well as assist in emergency situations
Responsible for the daily operations in area assigned
Provide animal enrichment and husbandry training maintenance with the animal collection
Maintain, recognize, and aid in the renovation of facilities and equipment up to USDA standards
Maintains area equipment such as tools and equipment such as scuba gear, transport units, squeeze cage, electric carts and more
Provides support in the implementation and/or modifications to presentations and guest interactions
Properly handles, uses, and stores all chemicals in accordance with SFDK policy
Represents SFDK in a well-informed, positive manner before other zoological facilities, professional and educational organizations, the media, and federal and state agencies.
Ensure excellence in guest service by responding promptly to customer requirements, expectations and special needs
Practices safe work habits
Performs other duties as requested/assigned.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate must possess:
32 hours per week minimum
Must have minimum of 4 days of unrestricted availability to include weekends, holidays, early mornings, and late nights
Must be at least 18 years of age.
SCUBA certification preferred
Must have an Associate’s degree in biology, psychology, zoology or related field preferred or equivalent of 2 years of relevant experience
Minimum of 1-year paid, full time experience in the care, husbandry and training of a variety of marine mammal species
Minimum of 6 months experience as an Animal Care Intern
Must have valid California driver's license
Must have strong written/verbal communication skills, able to speak effective before large groups.
Must be able to lift and/or move 50 pounds
Must possess strong swimming skills
Must be able to read, write and speak English and be proficient in MS office applications
Must be willing and able to work both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions
Must be available to work weekends, evenings and holidays
Must possess quick reflexes and be able to react quickly to changing animal situations
Must possess the mental and physical capacities necessary to perform the primary job duties
Must be willing and able to work in and around cold saltwater
Must be able to work with chemicals and adhere to the MDS and company standards
Must have a basic understanding of water chemistry
