Animal Care Technician

As part of Seattle Aquarium’s life sciences division, the temporary Animal Care Technician is responsible for assigned husbandry duties for the animals in our care. This position reports directly to the associate curator of birds and mammals (BAM), is temporary in nature, and is designed to support the BAM team by supplementing the execution of critical core duties. This position will work in the BAM department caring for sea otters, harbor seals, northern fur seals, North American river otters, various alcids and shorebirds, and the fish and invertebrates that inhabit the bird habitats.  

Essential functions: 

• Responsible for all aspects of the care and management of bird and mammal habitats, including but not limited to: 
• Prepare, store, and distribute food according to established protocols that detail amounts, types and diets; monitor feeding habits, record feeding behavior and observations in general and report any changes or abnormalities. 
• Observe animals and evaluate behavior to determine physical and mental health and well-being. 
• Perform routine maintenance, cleaning and minor repair of animal habitats and back-of-house areas to ensure the safety and welfare of the animals and presentation of the species in an appropriate environment. Monitor water quality to keep aquatic animals healthy. 
• Work directly with the Aquarium’s veterinary services to advise appropriate observations and administer medications and treatments according to established procedures and veterinarian instructions.  
• Apply appropriate operant conditioning techniques and principles as assigned with an emphasis on positive reinforcement as described in the Aquarium’s animal training manual.  
• Design, implement, evaluate and document a variety of stimulating objects, activities and situations (enrichment) for the animals as needed to provide mental and physical stimulation and encourage the expression of natural behavior. 
• Maintain specified records and reports on assigned species including daily reports to the veterinarian, training and enrichment records, food consumption records and other reports specific to the species. 
• Uphold Seattle Aquarium’s S.A.L.I.S.H. values to foster an inclusive community for staff, visitors and all who engage with the life sciences team.  
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Required skills, abilities:  

• Strong interpersonal, collaborative, and team-building skills; share responsibilities and perform assignments in concert with the team’s efforts.  
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and accurately. 
• Must possess organizational skills, be self-motivated and communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to use various computer software programs: MS Word and Excel and animal management software (Tracks, ZIMS, etc.). 
• Have a clear understanding of basic aquatic life-support systems. 
• Ability to use fall restraint equipment and other appropriate safety gear following training and as assigned.  
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. 
• Possess the coordination and dexterity necessary to ascend and descend rocky habitats with animals still on display while carrying containers of food, enrichment items and/or vet supplies. 
• Specific vision abilities are required, including but not limited to close vision, distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, contrast and the ability to adjust focus. Duties will be performed indoors and out and in all weather conditions.  
• Must be able to swim. 

Working conditions: 

• Requires handling, working with or unprotected exposure to large, potentially dangerous animals, animal diseases, feces, and toxic chemicals. 
• Occasionally required to lift more than 50 pounds when moving boxes of seafood. 
• Must be able to be on their feet six or more hours a day and be active through all physical motions. 
• Required to work outdoors year-round, near water, on wet and slippery surfaces and at heights. 
• Must be willing to work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays and an occasional 24-hour emergency call. 
• Pay and benefits: $23.00/hour. Temporary staff are not eligible for benefits but accrue paid sick time and are paid an additional $0.75/hour to assist with transportation costs.  

Experience Required

Experience, education and certifications:  We will consider various combinations of relevant experience and education in order to meet minimum requirements.  B.A./B.S. degree in biology, marine biology, animal behavior, psychology or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience in lieu of degree.   Minimum of six months of experience involving the care and husbandry of animals in a zoo, aquarium or related environment. Preference may be given to applicants with operant conditioning experience with the species in the current Seattle Aquarium bird and mammal habitats.  Animal care experience at an AZA-accredited facility desirable.