Animal Keeper and Educator

Job Description:   Animal Keeper and Educator  

Do you love working with animals and making a difference?  The mission of Eco Adventures is to offer hands-on learning experiences that provide educational and enriching ecological experiences to students of all ages.  The purpose of these programs is to create positive, personal experiences for participants while inspiring them to make a difference in our planet. Students will have the rare opportunity to encounter extraordinary ambassador animals, discover various native and international ecological habitats, explore our environment through various art forms, and learn about ecological, technical, and scientific research projects around the world.

The animal keeper’s job duties are the daily care and husbandry of a wide collection of animals. Daily record keeping, cleaning enclosures, animal training and enrichment, and the supervision of interns and volunteers. This mainly includes herpetology collection (crocodilians, snakes, lizards, turtles, amphibians), macaw, Sun conure, screech owls, invertebrates, and small mammals. Previous experience in a zoological or nature center setting preferred, with at least 1-2 years of experience working with any animals.  Knowledge in herpetology is desired.  This position will also align with leading some educational programs such as outreaches, field trips, school programs, after-school programs, and more.  The Instructor must be comfortable public speaking/teaching to a public or school setting audience with various animals such as insects, arachnids, amphibians, and reptiles.  

Essential Functions: 

• Responsible for heading the daily animal care, welfare, and accountability of all of our collection, which includes over 80 animals in our collection.
• Responsible for record keeping in digital care sheets as well as monitoring records/sheets which includes computer work. Must be knowledgeable in animal requirements, diet requirements, housing, and feeding.
• Maintain and update information files related to animal care, animal records, keeps permits currents and readily available for any inspections.
• Responsible for the cleanliness of all enclosures, exhibits and tanks.
• Must pay attention to details, observant, be clean, efficient, responsible, organized and able to be good at data recording for animal care.
• Responsible for developing and monitoring regular training and enrichment for animals.
• As part of the supervisory team, responsible for supervision, training, and working closely with animal care staff and weekend program staff.
• Reports to and works closely with Supervisor and Director on any animal health or behavior concerns, training/enrichment plans, acquisition of new animals, etc.
• Responsible for tending to any animal emergencies including during any weather emergencies or situations that may arise unexpectedly such as a fire or animal escape.
• In charge of inventory and ordering animal care supplies, maintenance, care, and organization of props, Keeps track of USDA bio-facts and cleanliness and organization of Animal Care food prep room.
• Responsible for working closely and supervising other animal care staff and educators on education animals, behavior patterns, warnings, feeding schedules, or tasks that need to be done etc.
• In addition to animal care, this individual will also conduct programming, individually/independent and as part of a team, primarily to students ages 3 to 12 in the surrounding areas but also for public patrons at Special Events and inhouse programs such as but not limited to: Outreaches, scouts, field trips, homeschool classes, camps, fairs, after school, and private Feeding Frenzies tours and will present dynamic and interactive presentation to students and the public.
• Public speaking and/or teaching experience working with children is a must. Supervisory Experience is a must. Vast knowledge of Herpetology husbandry, experience, and other animals a must.
• Responsible for upkeep and submission of permits.
• Can lead animal zookeeping classes.  May also develop and write programs using accurate scientific information.
• Will assist in training and supervising staff and volunteers/Jr Assistant volunteers.
• May assist with daily operating administrative duties such as phones, customer service, supervising, prepping for events/cleaning up, etc.
• Promote conservation and green practices.
• Drive a 15 passenger van or mini van possibly with children. Clean driving record. Training will be given.

Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in science, education, or related field OR previous experience in science and/or working with animals or education in a non-formal education setting, highly preferred. Public speaking, education, or performing experience is a must, and an outgoing personality that can interact with people on a daily basis.  We will train in all protocols, procedures, safety, animal information and handling (especially crocodilians and snakes) but must have a general background experience. Vast knowledge of herpetology husbandry, arthropods, small mammals, and previous WORK experience is a must.  Previous animal handling experience is a must. Current Maryland driver’s license, a clean driving record, and own transportation is required. Knowledge of programming subject matter, including the Chesapeake Bay, Rainforest, ocean, and conservation practices.  Must attend a training session that includes expectations, safety protocols, animal handling training, and program information. A background check is required.  

Competencies: Staff must possess a unique set of abilities, including stamina, be on their feet for hours at a time, high energy,  strength to lift heavy props, snakes, crocodilians, and equipment (at least 40 pounds), go up the stairs, work in a warm atmosphere/animal room, flexibility with schedules and hours.  Specific skills involve experience working with a diverse population, including people with disabilities, creative problem solving, and driving to and from locations with the animals. The position requires the ability to work independently as well as in a team.  

Problem Solving: Staff is asked to make decisions in novel situations. Problem solving includes improvising to accommodate any needs of the unforeseen event, conflicts, staff conflicts, animal health intuition, etc.  Must be able to adapt quickly to any situation and or changes without stressing.  Also welcome creating new ideas and brainstorming on how to improve the high standards of our animal care, welfare and programming.

Accountability: 

• Report to Directors: Mei Len Sanchez-Barr/Dr. Brady Barr and Work closely with other animal care staff and instructors.
• Accountable for the safety, health, and welfare of all of our animals.
• Follow all safety protocols, COVID protocols, animal welfare, and procedures for implementing programs.
• Train and oversee staff volunteers/JA’s on animal care chores.
• Deliver quality programs and special projects in a timely manner.
• Manage and care of animals, be accountable for animal safety and welfare during your care and be responsible for training and making sure the staff follows protocols.
• Deliver high-quality customer service and a positive and professional image to clients.

Physical Requirements: These are the physical and mental requirements of the position as it is typically performed.  Inability to meet one or more of these physical or mental requirements will not automatically disqualify a candidate or employee from the position.  Upon request for a reasonable accommodation, Eco Adventures may be able to adjust or excuse one or more of these requirements, depending on the requirement, the essential functions to which it relates, and the proposed accommodation. 

• Seeing (must not be legally blind)
• Ability to drive 
• Heavy lifting about 40 lbs
• Color Perception (Red, Green, Amber)
• Hearing/Listening
• Carrying  (specify) loading/unloading bins/materials
• Clear Speech
• Be able to hike and swim         
• must be able to handle various reptiles, amphibians, insects, and arachnids
• Have all the skills needed to be responsible for and meet the safety standards to oversee a group of children completely on your own

Work Environment:

• PT- FT hours Shift Work Outside:   Uniforms:
• Works with Others _x_ Extreme Heat/rain   _x_ Eco Adventures Shirt Provided –must wear Khaki/tan pants/shorts
• Verbal Contact w/Others x  Long work hours/on feet
• Face-to-Face Contact with the public x Wear masks indoors
• Exposure to Animals and Nature:   X Possible Coronavirus exposure at your own risk
• Only trained personnel can handle.  Although not likely, it is possible: _x_ Poisonous/Venomous (inverts only)
• Bite potential
• Zoonotic Potential

Schedules:   Depending on the type of program or venue, schedule and hours will vary from week to week.  Mostly 4 days during the week and one rotating weekend day.  Must attend extensive training programs and on-the-job training.  Must shadow and team teach until ready to lead solo.  Pay increases as your level of independent competency increases.   

During the year, it varies with programs and seasons.   Hours depend on programming schedules.

Salary and Benefits:  Salary varies : Training pay- $17 per hour until you are on your own. There is a 3 month review.  Once you are trained in the program or animal care you receive $17.50+  start depending on experience.    This is a part-time to FT position, approximately 35-40 hrs depending on the season.  Salary is hourly with no insurance benefits.  After one year, you get the opportunity to advance and receive professional training in desired area. Because we are a small family family-operated business and value our staff, we are very much family-friendly!  We have flexibility with unpaid time off and vacations, family responsibilities and sometimes even hours. You receive one personal paid day off and one paid personal and one sick day off after working 6 months.  After one year, you may qualify for 401 K plan.  Benefits/paid time off increase with time.  Bonuses may be given due to exceptional job performance. Must have your own health and car insurance and live locally.  Intensive training, background check, and CPR/First Aid class will be provided.  Due to the time and resources we put into training, we require a minimum length commitment contract of at least 1 year from the time training ends and give employer a min of 1-2 months before leaving.  Training time depends on each individual’s learning curve, motivation, and availability.

Part of our proceeds benefit rainforest and crocodilian education, research, and conservation projects. As part of the team, there will be opportunities to become involved in these and other projects in Costa Rica and Florida ECO travel. Staff may also represent the company at conferences and meetings, which provide an excellent opportunity for professional development, involvement in professional organizations, and contact development. Eco Adventures, LLC is fully insured and will provide Worker’s Comp to all trained staff and volunteers.   Eco Adventures offers an opportunity to become a mentor to many young people and make a difference, influencing the public about choices and protecting the environment in a fun, laid-back working environment.   Great potential to be promoted to a full-time opportunity.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of all personnel so classified.