Animal Care Specialist - Wildlife Response
Job Description
Summary:
This position is responsible for the routine handling and care of animals being housed in the rehabilitation and quarantine areas under the supervision of the Wildlife Response Curator at the Alaska Sealife Center. The primary focus of this position is marine mammals, though there are occasional responses to birds and other wildlife in the Seward area.
Education/Training Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in biology, animal science, zoology, veterinary science, or related profession preferred.
- Computer skills including Google mail, spreadsheets, word processing, and database programs.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license and be comfortable driving in rain and snow conditions.
- SCUBA certification preferred.
Specialist 1
In addition to the above,
- Experience in animal husbandry and wildlife rehabilitation is required; experience with marine mammals is preferred.
For Specialist 2
In addition to the above,
- Experience in animal husbandry and wildlife rehabilitation is required with at least two years of experience in marine mammal rehabilitation preferred.
- Experience with operant conditioning is also preferred.
Essential Duties:
Specialist 1
- Under the supervision of the Wildlife Response Curator, provides care for animals admitted into rehabilitation. Assists with the care and husbandry of animals housed in the rehabilitation area, quarantine area, and other animal care areas at ASLC.
- Coordinates with the Wildlife Response Curator and veterinary staff to ensure consistency in animal care.
- Performs routine animal husbandry duties, including diet preparation, feeding animals, cleaning animal enclosures, disinfecting preparation areas and equipment, and maintaining animal records.
- Under the supervision of a veterinarian or a veterinary technician, performs basic medical treatments such as administering oral medications and cleaning wounds, and assists in basic medical procedures including animal restraint for physical exams.
- Under the direction of the Wildlife Response Curator, supports research and data collection within accepted research and husbandry protocols and assists with data collection and sampling procedures. Maintains accurate records in accordance with ASLC and permit requirements.
- Serves as a team leader for interns and volunteers to ensure animals are appropriately monitored and daily tasks are completed in a timely manner. Monitors animal behavior, health, and progress, and reports updates or concerns to senior staff and veterinary personnel.
- Participates, as needed, in presentations for visitors and the public on topics related to marine science and ASLC operations. Learns to appropriately lead VIP tours through quarantine spaces while respecting the needs of animals in care.
- Answers the ASLC stranding hotline and may be scheduled for on-call coverage outside regular working hours. Employees are compensated for on-call duties.
- Maintains HAZWOPER 24 certification (training provided) and serves as member of the Oil Spill Response Team.
- If certified in SCUBA, maintains active SCUBA diver status and is comfortable diving in cold water environments. Functions as a diver/dive tender during underwater activities carried out at the ASLC.
- Fosters positive relationships with the public, ASLC visitors, volunteers, community leaders, contractors, and fellow staff members by promoting cooperation, professionalism, goodwill, and high standards of service.
- Becomes familiar with the fundamentals of operant conditioning for animals housed at ASLC and for animals that may remain in permanent human care following rehabilitation.
- Cross-trains with other husbandry departments to support efficient use of staff resources when appropriate.
- Complies with all Alaska Sealife Center policies, procedures, and programs.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Specialist 2
In addition to the above duties,
1. Under the supervision of a veterinarian or a veterinary technician, assist with medical procedures such as blood collection, anesthesia preparation and monitoring, and animal restraint for advanced physical exams and radiographs.
2. Under supervision of senior staff, assist in developing animal care and treatment plans.
3. Develop supervisory skills by mentoring interns and supporting their progression through the program.
4. Leads animal pickups and releases in the field.
5. Assist with the preparation and transport of non-releasable animals to permanent placement in zoos and aquariums.
6. Use principles of operant conditioning to shape and maintain husbandry behaviors of non-releasable animals.
Other Skills and Abilities:
- Ability to remain organized, self-motivated, independent, and attentive to cleanliness and wildlife safety awareness.
- Willingness to work holidays, weekends, and overnights as needed to accommodate animal requirements.
- Comfortable with social media and with potentially being filmed and interviewed while working.
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities.
This role includes a range of physical activities, such as standing or moving for extended periods, bending, kneeling, crouching, and occasional climbing, as well as handling tools, equipment, and materials. The ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds may be needed depending on the assignment.
Salary Range: $20.35-$25.03(1), $23.65-$29.15(2)
Full Time with Benefits
Please submit a resume, cover letter and letter of recommendation with your application.
Must be able to pass a background check.