Part Time Animal Keeper

General Statement of Duties

The Animal Keeper is responsible for all aspects of Museum’s bird and mammal collections, both ambassador and exhibit animals, including but not limited to cleaning, feeding, inspecting / observing specimens, maintaining exhibits, implementing veterinary, nutrition and enrichment programs, and record-keeping.

Acquires and maintains appropriate knowledge about animals, exhibits, museum policies, procedures, and facilities. The Animal Keeper works in cooperation with curatorial staff as well as other departments to achieve established facility / operational and AZA standards.

Interact with visitors routinely through formal and informal programs. This position recognizes the capacity to achieve greater results by integrating skilled volunteers, leveraging their diverse knowledge and skills.

This position reports directly to the Curator Birds and Mammals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or current progress towards it in biology or related field. Or significant professional animal care experience may be considered.
• Minimum one year of experience in general animal husbandry (preferably native or exotic birds and mammals)
• Ability to physically maintain enclosures to safely and effectively house small to large birds and / or mammals.
• Make exhibit repairs / improvements while ensuring safety of coworkers and the general public.
• Proficiency in the use and operation of power tools, hand tools.
• Excellent reliability, communication, and observational skills.
• Ability to speak to groups of all ages.
• Passion for animals, their welfare and conservation.
• Self-assurance to handle animals with confidence and patience.
• Current rabies vaccination or agree to be vaccinated at museum expense.
• Must be self-reliant and motivated.
• Must be able to remain calm, make sound decisions and provide clear directions in a crisis situation.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Be a positive, enthusiastic representative of the Virginia Living Museum.
• The Animal Keeper will ensure high customer satisfaction by engaging with museum visitors and answering their questions.
• Enhance guest experience by providing engaging tours and educational enrichment activities.
• Provide daily husbandry of mammal and bird collection (indoor and outdoor program).
• Help to ensure all quarantine procedures are followed, including the cleaning of foot baths.
• Train, supervise, and work with animal care volunteers.
• Develop and provide regular enrichment to the collection.
• Maintain accurate cleaning, feeding records and charts.
• Assist with veterinary care and provide medications as needed.
• Prepare diets for birds and mammals.
• Engage with the public, responding to inquires both on-site and over the telephone.
• Properly secure all animal enclosures on a daily basis.
• Ensure all animal habitats are safe and look professional, create work order for maintenance.
• Follow safety guidelines and report any safety concerns to the supervisor.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Essential Job Requirements

• Must be able to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word and perceive detailed information through oral communication.
• Ability to lift and / or exert up to 50 pounds of force.
• Must be comfortable around a variety of live animals and wildlife.
• The candidate must have visual acuity to be able to operate motor vehicles and / or equipment.
• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, push, pull, lift, grasp, feel, and utilize repetitive motions.
• Must be able to move throughout the Museum’s building(s) and outdoor trail as needed.
• The candidate will be subject to outdoor environmental conditions such as wind, humidity, and extreme temperatures.

Experience Required

Minimum one year of experience in general animal husbandry (preferably native or exotic birds and mammals)

Perks

Museum Membership, EAP, 401K

Salary

an hour