Animal Care Specialist

Each year approximately 1.7 million people visit the Aquarium, making it consistently one of the leading attractions in the Southern California region. Beyond its world-class animal exhibits, the Aquarium offers educational programs for people of all ages from hands-on activities to lectures by leading scientists. Through these programs and a variety of multimedia experiences, the Aquarium provides opportunities to delve deeper into ocean science and learn more about our planet.

Animal Care Specialist

• The Animal Care Specialist is primarily responsible for the daily care and maintenance of the Aquarium’s bird, marine mammal, and animal ambassador collection. Duties may extend to all species within the mammal and bird section.
• The primary duties include food preparation, feeding, handling, cleaning and exhibit maintenance. Under the direction of the Asst.
• Curator and area Managers, animal care specialists will learn all aspects of animal husbandry as it relates to the bird, mammal, and amphibian collection.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
• Provides the highest possible quality of care to the animals, according to Aquarium standards and protocols.
• Participates as part of a team in the completion of daily tasks and assignments related to the cleaning and care of animal enclosures and exhibits.
• Prepares food and feeds the animals established diets.
• Assists in the Aquarium’s animal welfare & well-being program, creating an environment for the animals to prosper.
• Performs daily public presentations and animal behavioral demonstrations, including interacting with and educating the public.
• Will assist with the progression of volunteers assigned to work with the animal collection.
• Maintains all appropriate records pertaining to the Aquarium’s collection of animals.
• Responsible for the cultivation and maintenance of live plants within and adjacent to animal exhibits.
• Willingness to work after hour events in support of Aquarium functions.
• Ensures the proper care of life support equipment by adhering to a regular preventive maintenance schedule and by keeping all items clean and in good working order.
• Maintains a clean and organized area to facilitate a presentable and safe environment for work and behind-the-scenes tours.
• May occasionally provide interviews to the media under the direction of Marketing.
• Adheres to all established safety protocols (fire, OSHA, diving, etc.) and reports unsafe conditions area managers.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.
• Must have introductory knowledge of natural history and husbandry of animals in the Bird and Mammal section.
• Basic understanding of animal care practices, such as training, quarantine, exhibit maintenance and animal handling
• Ability to respond to varying work day and animal conditions.
• Presents programs, behind-the-scenes tours and other interactions with guests and staff
• Proficient in public speaking
• Interpersonal agility; ability to work well with others
• SCUBA certification preferred

QUALIFICATIONS

• The qualifications described here are representative of those that an individual must possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related field, or equivalent experience
• Minimum of one (1) year of progressively responsible experience as with animals in a zoological facility
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Valid driver’s license

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for long periods of time
• Ability to balance bend, squat, climb, kneel, twist
• Ability to lift and carry up to 0-75lbs
• Ability to pull and push up to 0-100lbs
• Ability to climb ladders and stairs
• Ability to see and hear
• Full functional range of motion in all major body joints from reaching, twisting, bending, simple and power gripping, fine and gross motor skills
• Ability to pass SCUBA physical

MENTAL DEMANDS

• The mental and emotional demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Flexibility and adaptability in dealing with high levels of responsibility, empathy, frustration and patience when it comes to the care of animals with basic needs.
• Resilience and ability to prioritize sometimes competing tasks and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain positive and productive relationships with colleagues and guests, even when differing perspectives present potential for conflict.
• Strong problem-solving skills to analyze issues and find effective solutions and alternatives.
• Flexibility and adaptability to handle changes in schedules or responsibilities.
• Critical thinking and decision-making abilities to handle complex situations.
• Empathy and emotional intelligence to understand and respond to the needs of colleagues or customers.
• Ability to maintain composure and handle difficult situations with professionalism.
• Ability to cope with occasional illness, injury, or loss of animals.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an individual encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Exposure to injury from animals

• Ability to respond to unpredictable behavior by animals in the collection
• Food preparation and feeding of fish and shellfish
• Exposure to variations in temperature, humidity or wetness
• Wet, dirty, uneven surfaces and walkways
• Elevated platforms
• Use of special auditory, visual, and personal protective equipment
• Exposed to working with bio-hazards
• Use of hand tools, machinery and company vehicles
• Participate in and help with pest control and trap maintenance
• Aquarium habitats and open ocean environments
• Interested or Qualified?
• If you meet the requirements of this position, click on the link below. You will be directed to our web application process, the successful completion of which is required by all applicants. There are THREE simple steps to this process, which is administered by Hire Select:
• You will complete a brief web application;
• You will attach or build your resume;
• You will complete the PCI aptitude assessment.
• Upon completion of all THREE steps, your submission will be forwarded to our hiring team for consideration.
• If you are among the most qualified applicants, we will contact you within two to three weeks.
• If you do not hear from us within that time, feel free to reapply in the future as other opportunities arise.
• Thank you so much for your interest in the Aquarium of the Pacific!
• Aquarium of the Pacific is an equal opportunity employer.
• We welcome and celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all staff.