Lead Animal Keeper - Aquatics
$43,680–$43,680 year
On-siteOrlando, Florida, United States
Job Summary
Conduct daily care of the aquatic animal collection within the LIFE exhibit, including water quality testing, life support system maintenance, and feeding daily rations. Oversee dive operations, perform conservation-based keeper talks with live animal interactions, and mentor Animal Keepers, volunteers, and interns. Maintain exhibit aesthetics through habitat cleaning and underwater maintenance while keeping up-to-date records on animal health and husbandry using ZIMS. Administer medicines, perform necropsies, and monitor animal welfare, reporting concerns to the Animal Care Manager. Act as the Dive Safety Officer and Institutional Representative for designated Species Survival Plans. Develop educational content for public programs and digital platforms, and travel throughout Central Florida for supply pickups. Work full-time onsite, including weekends, holidays, and after-hour events as needed.
Required Qualifications
- Associate degree in an animal science, biology, or related science field
- A Bachelor's degree in an animal science, biology, or related science field experience is preferred
- Equivalent of three years' experience in a zoo, aquarium, museum, park or a similar facility including animal husbandry and public programming
- Experience with life support systems, water chemistries and basic aquatic animal husbandry in an aquarium setting
- Must be comfortable and willing to work in and around water
- Valid driver's license
- Acceptable driving record as stipulated by OSC's insurance carrier
- Willingness to drive an OSC vehicle for business purposes
- Willingness to obtain provided CPR and First Aid certification
- Proof of negative tuberculosis (TB) screening within six months prior to employment and annually thereafter
- Ability to pass a swim test upon employment
- Willingness to undergo medical evaluation, fit testing, and training to wear a company-provided respirator
- Must be able to work weekends, holidays, and after hour events as needed
- Travel throughout the Central Florida area will be required to pick up supplies and program materials
- Required to be onsite 100% of the time
- Ability to remain in a stationary position
- Moves throughout the museum
- Ascends/descends stairs throughout the museum
- Ascends/descends ladders or other equipment to perform various tasks
- Observes and reacts to the needs of guests, staff, volunteers, and community partners
- Communicates and exchanges accurate information with guests, staff, volunteers, and community partners in a variety of formats including in-person, electronically, and over the phone
- Operates a computer and/or office equipment efficiently and accurately
- Manipulates and moves components weighing up to 80 pounds, including those that may be low to the ground or above eye level
- Occasionally works in outdoor environments
- Frequently works in indoor environments
- Must be comfortable working on slippery, wet and uneven surfaces
- Kneeling and Crouching (frequently)
Desired Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in biology, animal sciences, zoology, or related field
- Experience with live coral systems
- SCUBA certification from a nationally recognized organization at Open Water level
- Experience with aquatic quarantine protocols
- Knowledge of AZA standards and requirements
- Must be proficient in all Microsoft Office Software
- Must be highly motivated, organized, and demonstrate a willingness to adapt positively to corporate change
- Experience speaking in front of large, diverse audiences
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