Aquarium Peng/Seal LSEO

POOSITION IS WORKING WITH THE PENGUIN AND MARINE MAMMAL COLLECTION

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Professional Animal Care

• Report to scheduled work location on time.
• Maintain clean and professional appearance.
• Perform daily routines as scheduled.
• Maintain detailed animal records utilizing the ZIMS programming.
• Perform daily observations of animals and systems and report any issues to Senior Biologist/Curator
• Recognize disease or poor health issues and report those to the Senior Biologist/Vet tech/Curator
• Assist with animal treatments and perform some treatments as directed.
• Assist with animal moves and transfers as directed.
• Perform basic exhibit and workspace maintenance.
• Be able to troubleshoot basic life support issues.
• Perform water quality analysis and interpret results, when applicable. Report anomalies to Senior Biologist/Curator.

Communication

• Be helpful, patient, respectful and kind to all staff, volunteers and guests.
• Participate in public presentations and media, with or without animals.
• Interact with other zoo/aquarium professionals and special guests as directed.
• Document the events of the daily routine and communicate any problems with animals and exhibits to Senior Biologist/Curator.
• In the absence of senior staff communicate with designated point person and/or other biologists in area as to what the daily priorities are.
• Contact appropriate persons when issues arise.
• Follow Moody Gardens call out procedures as well as communicating with the team when you are unable to come to work.

Exhibit Maintenance

• Observe and help maintain areas outside of your normal responsibility as directed. Report concerns or problems to Senior Biologist/Curator
• Report/request supply needs to Senior Biologist /Curator.
• Implement routines and ensure exhibit "readiness" for opening in absence of Senior Biologist/Curator.
• Knowledge of cleaning/disinfection procedures and protocols.
• Knowledge of basic exhibit landscape maintenance and exhibit decoration/design.

Related Strengths

• Assist with training of staff.
• Be available to work as required. Must be flexible and willing to cover as needed in all aspects of daily care in any area where trained.
• Exhibit organization and self-motivation.
• Meet Moody Garden’s Animal Behavioral Management level 3 aptitude within 6 months of hire.
• Must be able to Problem solve
• Work with all people in a positive and productive manner
• Adapt quickly and be flexible in any scenario
• Proficient in animal record keeping.
• Understand and interpret water quality data and life support systems when applicable.
• Operate all company vehicles safely and responsibly.
• Confidence in decision making skills
• Strong animal care and husbandry knowledge

Desire for professional growth

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

College degree in Biology, Zoology, Animal Science or related field preferred. Two years paid animal care experience or a combination of education and experience. Must be organized, self-motivated, with desire to see projects completed. Must have or be able to obtain valid TX driver’s license within 6 months of hire and have reliable transportation. Must have knowledge, skills and ability to provide the best care available to animals. Must have excellent observation skills. Must work with other employees and volunteers in a polite, patient and professional manner. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays. Availability for overtime, both non-emergency and emergency situations

WORKING CONDITIONS

Subject to the possibility of bites and stings. Work in water, both man- made and natural, with temperatures ranging from 45 - 90^oF. Indoor and outdoor work, under variety of conditions ranging from seasonal to extreme: cold weather, hot weather, rain, mud, ocean environments, and dry land. Working in areas that require walking between buildings, or may include driving company motorized vehicle and/or bike. Entering tight spaces (enclosures) and working in basement service areas with loud pumps, filters, HVAC etc.

PHSYICAL REQUIREMENTS

Employees may be required to perform, but are not limited to the following physical tasks:

Standing/walking, climbing (i.e.: on ladders, platforms, in planters, rock work, stairs etc.). Stooping, reaching ( includes overhead reaching, sideways reaching, bending over, kneeling, pulling). Repetitive hand and upper body motion(i.e.: sweeping, hosing, scrubbing, squeegeeing, locking/unlocking locks and latches, twisting open lids, opening valves, typing for records, chopping and preparing food) Swimming/snorkeling, wading in water at various depths. Entry and egress into/out of exhibits which may contain water, carrying equipment, operating motorized vehicles. Heavy lifting (50 pounds or more), walking, bending, crawling and working within a wet environment