Animal Care Specialist - Baobab Team (Full Time)

Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 20,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is seeking an Animal Care Specialist for the Baobab team in the Animal Care department. The role involves daily animal care, exhibit maintenance, and public engagement to share knowledge about the zoo’s diverse species.

Responsibilities include feeding, health procedures, enrichment creation, record-keeping, and assisting with events. A strong emphasis on safety, mobility, and flexibility to work weekends and evenings is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, animal science, zoology, or related field preferred.
• Experience with animal care and management of similar species is strongly preferred.
• Strong observational skills to recognize and evaluate animal health, diets, and behavior.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and basic computer skills.

Responsibilities

• Preparing diets and delivering animal feedings.
• Administering medications and assisting with health procedures.
• Observing, logging, and reporting issues concerning animal behavior, health, and welfare.
• Training animals for basic husbandry behaviors.
• Creating and implementing enrichment items/strategies.
• Completing daily maintenance of exhibits and holding areas.
• Maintaining daily reports and records.
• Interacting with Zoo guests through chats and shows and assisting with special events related to the assigned area.

Skills

Observational skills

Computer skills

Verbal and written communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology/animal science/zoology or related field preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

ANIMAL CARE SPECIALIST - BAOBAB (FULL TIME)

DEPARTMENT

Animal Care

CLASSIFICATION

Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO

Animal Care Manager

STARTING PAY

$17.50/Hour

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Animal Care Specialist is responsible for performing routine work assignments, involving the daily care and welfare of animals within their area. This position also performs daily maintenance of exhibit and holding areas, as well as interacts with the public to provide information related to the Zoo & Aquarium’s animal collection.

This position will work with the Baobab team, which includes a wide range of animals, including: western lowland gorilla, black mangabeys,red ruffed lemurs, amur leopard, duiker, dik-dik,sitatunga, red river hogs, warthogs, cheetahs, bateleur eagles, lesser kudu, hooded vultures,secretary bird, saddle-billed storks, hamerkop, hadada ibis,blue-billedteal, marbled teal,southern ground hornbills, taveta weavers, lady ross turaco, and aldabra tortoises.

POSITION DUTIES & ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Duties

Percentage

• Preparing diets and delivering animal feedings.
• Administering medications and assisting with various animal health procedures.
• Observing, logging, and reporting issues concerning animal behavior, health, and welfare.
• Training animals for basic husbandry behaviors.
• Creating and implementing various enrichment items/strategies.

40%

Completes daily maintenance of exhibits and holding areas, including:

• Cleaning habitats, holding areas, and staff areas.
• Performing minor repairs and improvements.Reporting maintenance issues and potential safety hazards to appropriate manager.
• Lawn and other horticultural maintenance within habitats.

40%

Maintains daily reports and other required records.

10%

Interacts with Zoo guests and the public, including:

• Performing various animal chats and animal shows, as well as assisting with special events related to assigned area.
• Engaging with visitors to answer questions about the Zoo & Aquarium and animals.

10%

*This position may at times be requested to perform other duties or special projects as assigned, which are in the best interest of the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. Additionally, specific duties and percentages may vary slightly between each Animal Care Team.

*All employees must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily and, upon request, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• EDUCATION & FORMAL TRAINING:
  • Bachelor’s degree in biology, animal science, zoology, or related field preferred.
  • Applicable experience can be substituted in place of formal education on a year-for-year basis for candidates not currently holding a degree.
• EXPERIENCE:
  • Previous hands-on experience with the care and management of similar species strongly preferred.
  • Knowledge of animal husbandry, behavior, procedures for proper care, and training of exotic animals.
  • Strong observational skills to recognize and evaluate conditions of animal health, diets, and behavior.
  • Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, required.
  • Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions, including procedures for care and maintenance of animals, habitats, service and holding areas.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• OTHER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must have valid driver’s license.
  • Must have or be able to obtain negative TB test.
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds and have sufficient mobility to ensure a safe work environment.
  • Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.
  • Must be able to manage stress, endure high risk situations when feeding, transferring, or restraining animals, and make immediate decisions concerning the safety of animals, staff, or the public.
  • Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and evening hours, in all weather extremes.
  • Must pass a background and drug screening.