Seasonal Animal Care Assistant - Cats and Bears

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium Seasonal Animal Care Assistant – Cats and Bears

Job Title: Seasonal Animal Care Assistant – Cats and Bears

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Classification: Seasonal

Hours: Approximately 40 hours/week starting in May (total of 584 hours available); weekends required

Pay Rate: $15.40/hour

Summary: The Seasonal Animal Care Assistant for Cats and Bears provides daily husbandry and care associated with feeding and cleaning of animal enclosures. Ideal candidates are willing to work in a fast-paced and highly changing environment. This position reports directly to the Supervisor of Cats.

• All aspects of animal husbandry including cleaning, feeding, medicating, assisting with medical procedures, enrichment, training, exhibit and holding maintenance and general upkeep of building and grounds.
• Observe and report all animal behaviors and other general observations and concerns to the Supervisor.
• Work with interns, volunteers, and student shadows including behind-the-scenes tours and help with public training demonstrations and talks.

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Strong communication and organizational skills, including attention to detail.
• Safety minded, with knowledge of safe work practices when working around potentially dangerous animals.
• Ability to stay motivated and work independently or with a team.
• Knowledge of modern animal husbandry and well-being practices.
• Experience with positive reinforcement and operant condition training.
• Ability to speak publicly to large and small groups.

Candidates might be (dependent on position) required to pass a pre-employment background check, drug test, negative skin tuberculosis test, fit testing for N95 and possess a valid driver’s license with a good history.

• 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.
• Surgical masks are required to be worn when working in close proximity to all felids. N95s are to be worn indoors with snow leopards.

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.

3701 S. 10th Street
Omaha, NE 68005