Aquatic Keeper Full-Time (40 hours)

SALARY: $15.16/hr for the first year

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum’s Department of Herpetology, Ichthyology and Invertebrate Zoology (HIIZ) seeks an enthusiastic individual to join our team. The applicant must have knowledge and experience in husbandry specific to Ichthyology. Knowledge and experience with saltwater and freshwater systems (Life support, water quality, and husbandry) are a must. This position is responsible for providing fish care, monitoring fish health, and maintaining cleanliness of fish areas. Knowledge of and experience with adjusting and monitoring equipment and water chemistry is required. This position serves as back-up support for the other HIIZ keepers’ service areas, including the care of reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates therefore, knowledge of reptiles, amphibians and invertebrate is a plus.

Must be comfortable with presenting lectures to the public and have the ability to learn presentation skills. Knowledge of the Sonoran Desert region is desirable but not required. The successful candidate will be expected to continue to seek and acquire education/knowledge in related fields. Also, must be a quick learner and self-starter, requiring little supervision. Must be team oriented and have a demonstrated history of being courteous, sensitive and respectful.

Qualifications
The qualified candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related field or a degree or certificate from an accredited vocational school with hands on experience in fish husbandry. One to three years’ paid experience with freshwater, marine fishes, and life support systems in a professional animal care facility (preferably an AZA accredited institution) is required for this position (combination of school and experience will be considered) along with experience interacting with the public, developing and offering presentations, and working with volunteers and interns. Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs. Must be able to work weekends and holidays.

Note: This position does not have a closing date and is considered open until filled; however, it is recommended that all credentials be submitted for consideration as soon as possible. Please understand that if offered a position, you will, as a final condition of employment, be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug test.

REQUIREMENTS:

Summary: Feeds, waters, and cleans quarters of animals by performing the following duties.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Prepares food for charges by chopping or grinding meat, fish, fruit, or vegetables; mixing prepared, dry, or liquid commercial feeds; or unbaling forage grasses. Adds vitamins or medication to food as prescribed by ASDM’s Veterinarian.
Fills water containers and places food in cages as specified.
Cleans and disinfects animals’ quarters.
Observes animals to detect illnesses and injuries and notifies Curator or ASDM’s Veterinarian of findings.
May assist with developing desired animal behaviors.
May assist with training and certifications of volunteers.
Under direction, transfers animals from one enclosure to another for purposes such as rearrangement of exhibits, or shipping.
Sets temperature and humidity controls of quarters as specified.
Answers visitors’ questions concerning animals’ habits or museum operations.
Assists ASDM’s Veterinarian in treatment of animals for illnesses and injuries.
Participates in educational activities as required.
Assists other collection departments, maintenance, and exhibits staff when required.
May assist in the collection of specimens and exhibit materials.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position may supervise and/or provide direction to volunteers assisting with keeper duties.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Other Skills and Abilities

Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.

Knowledge of the Sonoran Desert region highly desirable.

Knowledge of zoo facilities and operations desirable.

Knowledge of natural history, animal capture and handling, husbandry, and ecosystems required.

Must be able to work holidays and weekends.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

The above description reflects a general overview of the responsibilities, reporting relationships and position requirements for this job classification. It is not intended to be a complete description of all duties and requirements that may be inherent in the position.

To apply visit: https://www.appone.com/MainInfoReq.asp?R_ID=1403719&B_ID=83&fid=1&Adid=0&ssbgcolor=273A5B&SearchScreenID=1693&CountryID=3&LanguageID=2