Animal Keeper

Area: Animal Care

Reports
to: Animal Care Supervisor

USA

Miami Seaquarium

Summary

A Wildlife Keeper at Miami Seaquarium will be responsible
for the care and display of Tropical Birds, Manatees and Sea Turtles living
in exhibits throughout the park as well as being a resource for the Aquatics
Department staff. The primary responsibilities will include working as
assigned in any of the aquarium exhibits or areas. Position also works to
rehabilitate injured sea turtles and manatees.

Roles & Responsibilities

·       Ensuring all work environments are safe and any safety concerns are reported immediately.

·  Maintain open and professional communication with departments that interface with the Aquatics Department.

·    Ensure a quality experience and accurate information given during presentations and guest encounters by active participation and feedback to the team.

·       Function as a team player, showing trust and mutual respect for all members on the team.

·       Uphold the highest standards of courtesy and conduct.

·       Respond to all animal and operational emergencies as required.

·   Responsible for all tasks in assigned exhibit. Including keeping up with maintenance and
husbandry schedules.

·       Ensure all exhibit and husbandry standards are met every day.

·       Demonstrate basic knowledge of animal care including diets, water preferences,
scientific nomenclature, range, habits, and compatibilities. Apply this
knowledge to the exhibits and animal collection.

·        Assist in training keepers in all areas of animal care and operations.

·        Perform mentoring responsibilities as assigned for new keepers and teach them assigned tasks.

·        Assist management with administrative tasks such as scheduling, ordering supplies and payroll.

·        Participate in exhibit projects such as renovation, repairs or modifications.

·        Participate in on site animal procedures and moves.

·        Demonstrate proper small animal restraint and handling techniques.

·        Administer prescribed medical treatments as directed by veterinarian and curator.

·      Apply animal training techniques to improve the health and welfare of the animal collection, and to meet program needs.

·        Perform roles in animal interactions including Bird interactions, Penguin Encounter and other
encounters as assigned, ensuring an excellent guest experience and safety.

·  Provide accurate and informative interpretations of animal exhibit to guests by performing formal and informal discussions and/or tours.

·     Provide and develop species specific enrichment items.

·   Represent Miami Seaquarium at industry conferences by presenting work that contributes to the aquarium and zoological industry.

Requirements

Education: College degree in Marine/Life Science or related field, or commensurate experience. SCUBA certification from an internationally recognized certifying agency. Preferred requirements include CPR and lifeguard certification

Languages: Fluent English

Skills:

·         Demonstrated excellent animal observation and record keeping skills.

·         Demonstrated professional presentation skills.

·         Pass all required department tests, including a swim test.

·         SCUBA certification from an internationally recognized certifying agency.

·         Basic computer skills.

·    Ability to recognize and correct normal
operational challenges or seek prompt assistance from senior personnel.

·   Possess the characteristics of an Animal
Care professional demonstrating competence, professionalism, teamwork, mutual
respect and commitment to the mission of Miami Seaquarium.

·         Availability to work full time, 40hrs per week, this may include working weekends and holidays.

·         Must be able to move/ lift up to 50lbs on a daily basis.

Experience:

·     2+ years experience working as an Animal Keeper at an accredited animal aquarium or zoo (HC or AZA)..

·     Basic knowledge of general Avian, Manatee and/or Sea Turtle biology, nutrition, natural history and behavior

· Proven experience with habitat maintenance, animal food preparation & nutrition requirements, general husbandry practices and animal restraint/capture techniques.

·        Proven experience with performing animal interactions with guests.
 
Please also email your resume to Juylie Heyde at [email protected]