Interactive Animal Program - Animal Care Assistant

Job Title: Interactive Animal Programs - Animal Care Assistant

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Hours: This is a seasonal position anticipated to run from April through October, contingent upon business operations and individual performance. Exact schedules will vary based on operational needs and may range from 3 to 5 days per week (between the hours of 8am to 5:30pm with occasional evenings), with fluctuations at times. The position will include many weekends and holidays. Seasonal employees may be considered for regular part-time employment at the conclusion of the season, subject to organizational needs and position availability.

Pay Rate: $15.40/hour

Summary:

We are seeking entry-level Animal Care Assistant to ensure safe animal/guest interactions, provide self-initiated guest interaction, and provide basic animal care in the following interactive animal areas at the Zoo: African Goat Kraal, Aquarium Touch Pool, Butterfly and Insect Pavilion, Children’s Adventure Trails Goat Hills, Giraffe Encounter, and Stingray Beach. The majority of time spent in this position is guest-facing, so it requires a high level of guest engagement. Ideal candidates must be proficient with initiating interactions with people, working around animals, be team-oriented, and have strong attention to detail. This position reports directly to the Wild Kingdom Pavilion Supervisor in the Interactive Animal Programs department.

Duties and Responsibilities (include but not limited to):

• Ensure all guests follow protocols for proper exhibit experience and safe animal interaction to be in compliance with AZA and USDA standards.

• Execute all assigned animal care duties, under the direction of relevant area animal care staff. This includes animal habitat cleaning, conducting animal observations, daily food preparation, providing environmental enrichment and basic animal training, general upkeep of facilities, and maintaining daily reports.

• Support the mission of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium by inspiring, educating, and engaging guests about the animals in the exhibits.

• Assist Zoo guests with questions or guidance to enhance their visit and leave a lasting, positive impression.

• Perform quality work without direct supervision.

• Exhibit good teamwork and communication skills both verbal and written within the home team and when working with other teams or departments.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to learn relevant and factual information about a diverse group of animals.

• Ability to initiate positive and engaging conversations with Zoo guests.

• Must be comfortable working with a diverse population of all ages and abilities.

• Ability to maintain a positive attitude while balancing multiple priorities.

• Ability to function independently or with the supervisor to manage guest questions. Along with exhibiting good judgment in making decisions.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Education and Experience:

• Must be at least 18 years of age or older.

• High school diploma or GED preferred.

• Experience working with animals preferred.

• Familiarity with positive reinforcement animal training preferred.

Candidates might be (depending on position) required to pass a pre-employment background check, drug test, negative skin tuberculosis test, and possess a valid driver’s license with a good history.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

• Will sometimes work extended/odd hours including weekends, holidays and some evening programs.

• Position requires standing for extended periods, walking, and the ability to use hands to signal and feel.

• Ability to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop; kneel; crouch and/or crawl; talk and hear; occasionally sit; frequently lift a minimum of 20 to 25 pounds.

• Work is performed mostly outdoors under all weather conditions.

• Working environments include exposure to salt water, fish, shellfish (shrimp), hay, and grass.

DISCLAIMER

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.