Animal Attendant

The University of Texas at Austin; Port Aransas (TX); On-site; USD 28,080 - 34,320; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin seeks an Animal Attendant at the Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas, Texas. The role involves caring for sea turtles and various marine birds and assisting in their rehabilitation.

Responsibilities include feeding, cleaning enclosures, administering treatments, and maintaining records. Candidates must possess a high school diploma and have some experience in animal care. The position offers a starting salary of $31,200.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of experience in animal care and handling in rehabilitation or veterinary settings.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Feed and care for resident animals and new admissions at the ARK.
• Administer medications and follow treatment protocols.
• Maintain cleanliness of animal enclosures and rehabilitation facilities.

Skills

Animal handling and restraint

Observational skills

Communication skills

Education

High school graduation or GED

Job description

Animal Attendant

Hiring Department: Marine Science Institute

Position Open To: All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt from FLSA

Earliest Start Date: Jul 31, 2026

Position Duration: Expected to Continue Until Jan 30, 2027

Location: MARINE SCIENCE INSTITUTE

Job Details

Position is located at the UT Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas, Texas. To assist in caring for sea turtles, marine birds, and birds of prey at the Amos Rehabilitation Keep (ARK) at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute (MSI). Responsibilities include feeding the animals, cleaning their enclosures and tanks, record keeping, and rescuing or receiving animals when necessary. Animal Attendants work directly with the ARK’s Coordinator and other ARK staff to provide daily care and rehabilitation for a variety of injured or orphaned species, following established protocols and treatment plans under the supervision of the ARK Coordinator or veterinarians.

Responsibilities

• Attend to daily care and rehabilitation needs for resident animals and animals brought to the ARK for rehabilitation, including taking measurements and weights as required.
• Follow established protocols and treatment plans under the supervision of the ARK coordinator or veterinarians.
• Administer medications and treatments as prescribed.
• Prepare diets and ensure proper nutrition, adhering to specific dietary requirements.
• Maintain clean and sanitary conditions in animal enclosures and rehabilitation facilities.
• Perform initial physical examinations and diagnostics to determine and evaluate health condition of wildlife at the time of admission.
• Assist with medical procedures and surgeries as needed.
• Maintain records for all animals handled at the ARK into logs, including admittance data, general observational data, transfers, release data, and outcome. Maintain treatment files for all animals receiving care at the ARK.
• Clean and maintain ARK equipment and facilities such as vehicles, pumps, filters, tanks, enclosures, scales, tools, work surfaces, etc.
• Monitor and supervise daily ARK volunteer activity, provide needed tasks to volunteers, and delegate accordingly.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with co-workers, management, volunteers, and the public at all times. Answer and document telephone inquiries about rescues, refer calls to supervisor as needed.
• Participate in educational and outreach events and programming, and public releases as needed.
• Assist with the development of outreach and social media content on ARK patients and happenings at the ARK.

Required Qualifications

Other related functions as needed.

• High school graduation or GED.
• A year of experience in care and handling of animals in a rehabilitation or veterinary setting. Experience substitutes for the AMOUNT of experience needed. However, the KIND of experience is required.
• Ability to handle and restrain wildlife safely and effectively.
• Strong observational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

Preferred Qualifications

• Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT), Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT), Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) or comparable certification.
• Experience capturing and caring for wild animals that are injured or abandoned, especially birds and sea turtles.
• Knowledge of wildlife species native to the region and their habitats.
• Experience with animal behavior observation and enrichment techniques.
• Knowledge of local and federal wildlife regulations and permits.

Driving Requirement

This job requires a class “C” operator’s driver’s license. The applicant selected must provide a current three year driving record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver’s license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident.

Salary Rate

$31,200

Working Conditions

• May work in all weather conditions.
• May work in extreme temperatures.
• May work around chemical fumes.
• May work around standard office conditions.
• May work around biohazards.
• May work around chemicals.
• May work around electrical and mechanical hazards.
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.
• Use of manual dexterity.
• Climbing of stairs and/or ladders.
• Lifting and moving.
• Work with injured animals and birds.
• Radiography and laser training will be provided to work with appropriate equipment.

Work Shift

This may include work during the standard work week as well as holidays and will require some weekend availability.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.