Animal Care Specialist I FT Temporary

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature

Position: Animal Care Specialist I FT Temporary

Department: Animal Care

Reports to: Director of Animal Care

Position Summary: Note:  This is a full-time temporary position lasting 6 months from hire date (start date no later than March 1, ending date September 1).  The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature Animal Care Specialist I will function as part of a team whose duties include but are not limited to: daily care of the West Indian Manatee in a second stage rehabilitation facility with the end result of return to the wild, daily care of permanent resident fresh water turtles, maintenance of aquatic animal habitats, behavioral observations, record keeping, and daily guest interactions.     

Essential Job Functions (Including, but not limited to):

• Perform all activities in alignment with AWA, USDA, MMPA standards and guidelines, all relevant laws and regulations, safety standards, and standards that ensure animal welfare.
• Husbandry and care of West Indian manatee, including preparing and distributing approved diets, detailed observations and maintaining pool water quality by SCUBA diving
• Husbandry and care of freshwater turtle species, including the preparation and distribution of approved diets, conducting detailed observations and proper handling. 
• Close observation of animal behaviors with a focus on input, output, swimming, and behaviors related to monitoring the health and welfare of the animals.
• Communicate safety, health, and welfare concerns in the appropriate manner.
• Maintain detailed daily records and reports on assigned animals in line with USDA standards.
• Develop knowledge of Museum and Animal area layout to respond quickly in the event of an animal emergency and to assist guests daily
• Initiate and complete area projects with supervisor’s approval.
• Develop knowledge of safety SOPs, safety concerns, and reporting protocols.
• Interact with guests daily in informal discussions.
• Respond to and assist supervisor in guiding the resolution of emergency situations
• Cleaning and safety checks of the manatee habitat by underwater diving following dive safety guidelines and SOPs and without animal interaction.
• Safely operate rental cars, vans or trucks, hand tools, power tools, personal computers, laboratory equipment and general office equipment.
• Support the values of the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
• Support the values of the Animal Care team with the primary focus on the animals.
• Promote a team environment.

Skills:

• Knowledge of Word Processing software and Spreadsheet software
• Must have good written and oral communication skills
• You will work weekends, holidays and be asked to adjust work schedule to fill in for sick and vacation shortages, the best functioning of the department and with manatee procedures, including releases.

Education/Experience:

• Experience in the Animal Care field through employment, internships, or volunteering
• High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
• AA degree or Bachelors’ degree in the sciences preferred.
• Open Water SCUBA certification required

Physical Requirements:

• Strong swimming abilities
• Must be able to dive in water temperatures as low as 72° F
• Ability to lift-up to 50 pounds
• Ability to bend, lift, sweep, and mop without difficulty
• Possess visual acuity and balance appropriate for animal care and general safety practices.

Send cover letter and resume to: vedmonds@bishopscience.org by February 5, 2024, EOD