Animal Care Technician

REQUIREMENTS:

Education Level: Associate’s degree or equivalent coursework in animal science or related field

Experience, Skill, and Certification: 

• At least 2 years basic animal husbandry experience
• Proven ability to work well with others
• Experience with word processing and other software, including data entry skills
• Sufficient oral communication skills to give educational information to visitors, including children
• Able to read and comprehend animal diets, instructions, and other printed information

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Provides daily care for the animal collection at Oatland Island including diet preparation, feeding, cleaning, and habitat maintenance.
• Collects and records animal information such as weight, size, physical condition, treatments received, medications given, and food intake. Observes animals to detect illnesses and injuries and notifies Veterinarian of findings.
• Provides veterinary technician services for staff Veterinary during surgeries, xrays and other procedures.
• Medicates animals and keeps records of animal medications under the guidance of the Veterinarian.
• Transfers animals from one enclosure to another for purposes such as breeding, giving birth, rearrangement of exhibits, or illness.
• Orders, unloads, stores and organizes food supply for the animals.
• Installs, maintains and repairs animal care equipment such as heat lamps, aquarium pumps, and misters.
• Researches and creates enrichment for Oatland’s animal collection.
• Coordinates and trains high school and college-level interns.
• Assisting with the development, fundraising, and special event planning as needed when the animal collection is involved.
• Develops and executes operant conditioning program for Oatland’s animal collection.
• Observes visitor behavior during daily operations to ensure the safety of humans and animals.
• Keeps visitors and members informed about the animals’ activities and special events through social media.
• Answers questions from the public in person and through social media.
• Writes articles about the animals for the quarterly newsletter.
• Works with contractors that provide services around animal enclosures.
• Drives and performs routine maintenance on John Deere utility vehicles.
• Assisting in improving and executing emergency response protocols.
• Assists in the construction of new exhibits.
• Provides instruction to visitors in selected education programs.
• Performs other duties as assigned the Director of Oatland Island.

EXCEPTIONAL PHYSICAL OR SENSORY DEMANDS

(Check any that apply to this job and complete the required information.)

• [ X ] Heavy lifting of up to 50 pounds
• [ ] Frequent climbing up to _______ feet, and/or working on building roofs.
• [ ] Exposure to heavy dust, dirt, chemical or paint fumes, or other airborne matter.
• [ ] Exposure to extreme heat, electric current, hazardous chemicals or other potential hazards.
• [ ] Sitting or standing for extended periods with no control over rest periods.
• [ X ] Other – Has regular contact with potentially dangerous animals. Must be willing and able to operate lethal firearms in the event of a dangerous animal escape. Will be exposed to outdoor conditions including heat and cold, rain, biting insects and humidity, strong odors, dust, hay and animal fur/dander