Animal Care Assistant - Butterflies

Job Title: Animal Care Assistant - Butterflies and Insects

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Reports To: Supervisor of Butterflies and Insects

Date: May 2024

Hours: Seasonal (40 hours per week for 12 weeks)

Job Description

Summary: Animal Care Assistant of Butterflies and Insects provides assistance to keeper staff including the daily care and management of insects, arachnids, myriapods, birds and horticulture. This position is responsible for basic animal care including environmental enrichment, general maintenance of exhibits, and observation of the animals in the Berniece Grewcock Butterfly & Insect Pavilion. Additional duties include guest interaction through keeper presentations and behind the scenes tours. Staff is responsible for maintaining a safe work environment for self, fellow employees, guests and the animal collection. The staff at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo strives to foster an environment of open communication and collaboration concerning, but not limited to, the following discussion points: research, observations, behavior management, husbandry, diets, training, and the acquisition and disposition of species. There may be taxa specific duties that include working knowledge of life support, water chemistry, incubation techniques, etc. The Animal Care Assistant follows all requirements for the USDA APHIS PPQ Facility to ensure that non-native insects stay with the plant pest quarantine areas and waste is treated appropriately before disposal.

Duties and Responsibilities/Essential Functions (include but not limited to):

• Entry level position to learn from and assist keepers with daily husbandry of terrestrial invertebrates and birds, horticulture, cleaning, feeding, animal enrichment, observations, record keeping, routine animal medications, exhibit maintenance and general upkeep of support facilities.
• Daily horticultural duties that include watering, planting, and pruning.
• Must maintain all USDA and AZA standards at all times.
• Basic understanding of the principles of entomology.
• Understanding of professional animal care and welfare standards.
• Pest control for ants and roaches without endangerment of the invertebrate collection.
• Maintain the functions of USDA APHIS PPQ Facility including some life support systems.
• Public speaking
• Actively participate in Zoo-based conservation breeding and field conservation projects
• Works with interns, volunteers, and students.
• Communication through verbal and written methods

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Require strong communication and organizational skills with high attention to detail and the ability to prioritize and multi-task.
• Knowledge of a safe working environment for animal collection, employees and visitors.
• Ability to work within strict guidelines and PPQ standards.
• Ability to work independently and as a team.
• Must possess interest in invertebrates, birds and horticulture.
• Has a basic understanding of the animals under their care. Natural history, anatomy, behavior, and parameters.
• Must be able to follow simple recipes for diet preparation.
• Must be able to work with potentially dangerous animals in a controlled environment using appropriate safe methods.
• Ability to speak publicly to large and small groups.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

• Work is normally performed with some physical effort.
• The employee is regularly required to stoop, rake, sweep, and crouch.
• 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 50 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds using safe and proper lifting methods.
• The employee will be exposed frequently to outside, potentially adverse, weather conditions
• The employee will be exposed frequently to hot, humid working conditions and sunlight.
• Employee will be regularly exposed to water, chemicals, loud noises, dust, pollen, animal waste, etc.
• Must possess visual acuity appropriate for animal care and general safety practices.
• Must be able to work within guidelines set by the USDA for APHIS PPQ Facilities.
• Weekend and holiday work required.
• Will sometimes work extended/odd hours including some night programs.

Travel Required

• Possible travel for conservation field trips.

Education and Experience

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Valid driver’s license is required.
• A successful candidate is likely to have some college courses in biology, animal science, or a related biological field. High school diploma or equivalent required.

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.