Animal Care Specialist II – Jellyfish

POSITION SUMMARY:

As part of the OdySea Aquarium team, this position requires a dedicated individual to carry out all aspects of jellyfish husbandry, jellyfish exhibit maintenance, and holding area management, as well as other assigned projects and programs. Responsibilities will also include covering assigned areas, projects, and programs through direction from the area senior, Curator, Director, or General Manager. Fostering a positive work team atmosphere, attention to animal health, exhibit excellence, and visitor experience are the driving priorities in accomplishing the goals of this position. 

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• As a member of the Animal Care team, inspire and lead by example by being patient, kind, humble, respectful, selfless, forgiving, honest, communicative, and committed when interacting with one another and guests.
• Understand and execute excellent animal care and management in the assigned area through regular feedings, water quality monitoring, administering treatments, and exhibit and holding system maintenance.
• Understand and complete appropriate records pertaining to the health and condition of animals kept, including daily care, acquisition/disposition, and system maintenance.
• Execute effective written and verbal communication within the assigned team and between teams, curator, director, and other departments.
• Commute between two facilities to care for animals at the offsite quarantine facility. 
• Oversee assigned area and act as a point of contact in absence of area senior, including coordinating activities of as many as 4 full-time staff plus daily volunteers and interns.
• Understand and execute educational strategies that will lead to the delivery of strong conservation messaging and excellence in visitor experience. 
• Monitor animal food, supplies, and maintenance equipment. Report purchasing needs to area senior, curator, and appropriate department representatives.
• Coordinate with Director of Animal Health and Animal Health department in carrying out medical procedures and prescribed protocols in assigned areas. Assist with organizing and preparing for involved medical procedures.
• Keep work area clean and organized and report atypical animal behavior, exhibit status, or mechanical issues to supervisors in a timely manner. 
• Take an active role in educating guests with species information and conservation messaging. 
• Uphold a standard of excellence in guest experience. Participate in education, public relations, and membership programs including facility tours and lectures.
• Research and suggest upgrades, enhancements, and changes to exhibit systems, record keeping, animal care, staff development, content messaging, conservation initiatives, and guest experience as needed to the curator.
• Develop advanced knowledge of animal life histories, industry innovations, and progressive animal care through professional meetings and conferences, trade journals, and communication with professional colleagues. 
• Assist with the design, development, and construction of new exhibits and/or life support systems. 
• Assist in training new Animal Care team members to ensure compliance with established standards and protocols.
• Cross-train with other staff within husbandry and animal health services. 
• Comply with safety and security directives, policies, and procedures. 
• Perform all other related duties as assigned. 

Experience Required

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s Degree in biology or related field. Three to four years of professional husbandry, training, and interactive guest experience at a public zoo, aquarium, or similar institution. One year of demonstrated knowledge and experience with the care and propagation on and off exhibit of jellyfish. demonstrated knowledge and experience with the coordination and culturing of live food items for jellyfish and other aquatic animal species Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team in a constantly changing environment as well as individually, with a minimum of supervision. A valid driver’s license with a good driving record. Certification from a recognized SCUBA training organization. Willingness to follow all procedures and use of personal protective equipment, when necessary, as this position can involve exposure to inclement weather, dust, potentially dangerous/unpredictable animal species, large machinery, restraint devices, and exposure to chemicals. PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to work a flexible schedule which may include evenings and/or weekends and holidays. Ability to respond to emergencies on an on-call basis. Successful completion of all pre-employment screening, including SCUBA dive physical. In good health and capable of performing strenuous and/or heavy physical labor. No history of allergy related to animals or plants, which might interfere with the ability to work. The employee must occasionally lift or move, carry, push, or pull up to 50lbs. While performing the duties of this job the employee is required to stand for long periods, as well as walk. The employee must be able to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms The employee is frequently required to balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb stairs, or crawl. Ability required to frequently talk and hear. No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance, and ability of movement which might interfere with the ability to work. Must be able to take directional cues directly or indirectly. Ability to work in an environment that may be loud at times. Ability to work in all weather conditions, including occasional extreme hot or cold, and wet and/or humid conditions.

Perks

Free entry into all attractions & team discounts

How to Apply

Please follow this link to our website and apply!  https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/1276605/ODYSEA-AQUARIUM-LLC/Animal-Care-Specialist-II---Jellyfish