Animal Care Specialist - Discovery Zone Team (Part Time)

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

Job summary

Kansas City Zoo is seeking an Animal Care Specialist for the Discovery Zone Team on a part-time basis. You will care for a variety of species, prepare diets, and interact with guests, sharing knowledge about the animals and zoo programs.

The role involves daily husbandry tasks, maintenance of habitats, and delivering engaging animal chats during events and tours. Must be able to work weekends, holidays, and evenings, with a valid driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, animal science, zoology, or related field preferred.
• Experience with care/management of similar species preferred.
• Strong observation skills to assess animal health, diet, and behavior.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds and stand for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Prepare diets and deliver feedings.
• Administer medications and assist with health procedures.
• Observe, log, and report animal welfare and behavior issues.
• Train animals for basic husbandry behaviors.
• Create and implement enrichment items/strategies.

Skills

Observational skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Following instructions

Physical stamina

Education

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

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

ANIMAL CARE SPECIALIST - DISCOVERY ZONE TEAM (PART 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 animal habitats 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 Discovery Zone Team, which is responsible for the daily husbandry of various species of domestic hoofstock, amphibians, non-venomous snakes, American alligators, small primates, two-toed sloth, macaws and kookaburras.

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 & Aquarium guests and the public, including:

• Performing various animal chats and animal presentations, 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.