Animal Care Specialist 

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 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.

We are looking for animal care/husbandry staff that will maintain high quality and welfare of our daily animal care collection of native and exotic animal species.   

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 includes mostly reptiles/amphibians such as crocodilians, snakes, frogs, turtles as well as inverts, parrots, owls, small mammals.
• 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, keep 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 Animal Care 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.  
• 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 may conduct educational programming, individually/independent and as part of a team, primarily to students. May present dynamic and interactive presentations to students and the public as needed. 
• Public speaking and/or teaching experience working with children is preffered . Knowledge of Herpetology /avian husbandry, experience, and other animals a must.
• Will assist in training and supervising staff and volunteers/Jr Assistant volunteers.
• May assist with daily operating administrative duties such as phones, customer service, and logistics for the daily operations.  
• Promote conservation and green practices.
• May need to drive a 15 passenger van with a clean driving record. Training will be given.   

Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in science, education, or related field OR  previous experience working with exotic animals highly preferred. Public speaking, education, experience is a plus 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. 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.   Must attend a training session that includes expectations, safety protocols, animal handling training, and program information. Background check is required.  

Competencies: Staff must possess a unique set of abilities including stamina, be on your feet for hours at a time, high energy/outgoing personality, strength to lift heavy props and equipment (at least 40 pounds),  go upstairs, work in 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.  

Salary and Benefits:  Salary varies :Training pay- $17 per hour until you are trained. There is a  2 month review. Once you are trained in the program or animal care you receive $17.50-$20 per hour depending on experience.   This is a part-time to FT position approximately 35 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 an area of need. Because we are small,  family-operated business and value our staff, we are very much family-friendly! We have flexibility with unpaid time off and vacations/family responsibilities with paid time off after 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 1.5 years from the time training ends and give the employer a min of 1-2 months before leaving.  Training time depends on each individual’s learning curves, 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 within 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 Full-time opportunity.