Animal Care Specialist - Elephant Team (Full Time)
$36,400–$36,400 year
On-siteKansas City, Missouri, United States
Kansas City, Missouri, United StatesOn-siteFull Time$36,400–$36,400 yearAssociates Degree
Full TimeAssociates Degree
Job Summary
Prepare daily animal husbandry activities for African elephants, including feeding, administering medications, observing behavior, and creating enrichment strategies. Complete daily maintenance of exhibits and holding areas through cleaning, minor repairs, and horticultural work while reporting hazards. Maintain required records and interact with Zoo & Aquarium guests by conducting animal chats, presentations, and answering questions. This role supports the Elephant Team's daily husbandry efforts within the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in biology, animal science, zoology, or related field
- Applicable experience can be substituted in place of formal education on a year-for-year basis for candidates not currently holding a degree
- Previous hands-on experience with the care and management of similar species
- 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
- 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
- Valid driver's license
- Negative TB test
- Ability to lift 50 pounds and have sufficient mobility to ensure a safe work environment
- Ability to stand for extended periods of time
- Ability 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
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and evening hours, in all weather extremes
- Pass a background and drug screening
Desired Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in biology, animal science, zoology, or related field desired
- Previous hands-on experience with the care and management of similar species is desired
- 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
- 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
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