Animal Care Assistant - Aquarium

Job Title: Animal Care Assistant - Aquarium

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Classification: Seasonal

Hours: Up to 40 hours/week for approximately 14 weeks (584 total hours available)

Pay Rate: $15.40/hour

This is a seasonal position with a maximum duration of six months, based on individual performance and business operations. The exact end date will be determined by the official start date. 

Summary:

The Animal Care Assistant provides daily husbandry and care associated with aquatic animals in the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium, the largest aquarium inside of a zoo. The aquarium exhibit features a 70-foot shark tunnel and habitats ranging from polar regions to coral reefs. This position reports directly to the Aquarium Supervisor.

Duties and Responsibilities (include but not limited to): 

• All aspects of animal husbandry including, but not limited to, cleaning, feeding, medicating, assisting with medical procedures, enrichment, display maintenance and general upkeep of the building.
• Observe and report all animal behaviors and other general observations to the Supervisor.
• Work with interns, volunteers, and student shadows including tours and talks.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Strong communication and organizational skills, including attention to detail.
• Knowledge of a safe working environment for animal collection, employees, and visitors. 
• Ability to work independently and with a team.
• Animal husbandry knowledge.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, highly changing environment.
• Operant conditioning experience preferred.
• Ability to speak publicly to large and small groups.

Candidates might be (depending on position) required to pass a pre-employment background check, drug test, negative skin tuberculosis test, and possess a valid driver’s license with a good history.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

• Will sometimes work extended/odd hours including weekends, holidays and some night programs.
• Must be able to walk long distances across the zoo.
• Must be able to stand, sit, kneel, bend, twist, reach above head and climb.
• Will lift, push, pull, and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds using safe and proper lifting methods.

DISCLAIMER

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job. 

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.