Animal Care Specialist - Elephant Team (Full Time)

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Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium

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Animal Care Specialist - Elephant Team (Full Time)

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POSITION DESCRIPTION:

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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.

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This position will work with the Elephant Team, which is responsible for the daily husbandry of African elephants.

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POSITION DUTIES & ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

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Duties

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Percentage

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Performs daily animal husbandry activities, including:

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• Preparing diets and delivering animal feedings.

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• Administering medications and assisting with various animal health procedures.

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• Observing, logging, and reporting issues concerning animal behavior, health, and welfare.

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• Training animals for basic husbandry behaviors.

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• Creating and implementing various enrichment items/strategies.

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40%

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Completes daily maintenance of exhibits and holding areas, including:

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• Cleaning habitats, holding areas, and staff areas.

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• Performing minor repairs and improvements.

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• Reporting maintenance issues and potential safety hazards to appropriate manager.

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• Lawn and other horticultural maintenance within habitats.

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40%

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Maintains daily reports and other required records.

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10%

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Interacts with Zoo & Aquarium guests and the public, including:

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• Performing various animal chats and animal presentations, as well as assisting with special events related to assigned area.

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• Engaging with visitors to answer questions about the Zoo & Aquarium and animals.

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10%

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• 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.

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• 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.

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Experience Required

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MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: \t\t\t\t\tEDUCATION & FORMAL TRAINING: \t\t\t\t\tBachelor's degree in biology, animal science, zoology, or related field desired. \t\t\t\t\tApplicable experience can be substituted in place of formal education on a year-for-year basis for candidates not currently holding a degree. \t\t\t\t\tEXPERIENCE: \t\t\t\t\tPrevious hands-on experience with the care and management of similar species is desired. \t\t\t\t\tKnowledge of animal husbandry, behavior, procedures for proper care, and training of exotic animals. \t\t\t\t\tStrong observational skills to recognize and evaluate conditions of animal health, diets, and behavior. \t\t\t\t\tStrong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, required. \t\t\t\t\tAbility to understand and follow oral and written instructions, including procedures for care and maintenance of animals, habitats, service and holding areas. \t\t\t\t\tStrong verbal and written communication skills. \t\t\t\t\tOTHER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: \t\t\t\t\tMust have valid driver's license. \t\t\t\t\tMust have or be able to obtain negative TB test. \t\t\t\t\tMust be able to lift 50 pounds and have sufficient mobility to ensure a safe work environment. \t\t\t\t\tMust be able to stand for extended periods of time. \t\t\t\t\tMust 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. \t\t\t\t\tMust be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and evening hours, in all weather extremes. \t\t\t\t\tMust pass a background and drug screening.

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How to Apply

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To learn more and apply click here

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Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium

Kansas City, MO 64132

Phone: 8165951020

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