Department:      Conservation and Science

Supervisor:       Conservation and Science Manager

Supervises:       None

FLSA Status:    Full Time, Regular, Non-exempt

Class Code:      B31

Hourly Rate:    $18.23

Application Submission Deadline: 05/24/2022

General Statement:

Responsible for maintaining the safety, health and well-being of all assigned conservation specimens through the performance of documented husbandry practices, especially husbandry of animals reared specifically for release to the wild. This position assists in training volunteers and interns; participates in field conservation and research activities; provides support for conservation partnerships as assigned, and participates in guest interaction in support of the ACNCs mission and goals.

Essential Duties:

1. Provide quality guest service to both internal and external guests by maintaining a WILD (friendly, helpful, positive and professional) working attitude and appearance.
2. Follow all animal servicing and safety guidelines, performing routine husbandry by feeding prescribed diets; monitoring and reporting diet consumption consistent with documented Standard Operating Procedures; observing and reporting any health or behavioral abnormalities of specimens, administering prescribed medication to specimens, and assisting veterinary staff in carrying out health monitoring and assessment.
3. Observe, document and report any structural or mechanical problems. Perform minor repairs and interact with maintenance staff as needed and as assigned.
4. Participate as assigned in non-routine health and husbandry activities such as animal transports, animal introductions/breeding, restraint and treatment of animals, and the medication of specimens.
5. Respond to animal emergency circumstances according to approved protocols.
6. Participate in appropriate field conservation activities as assigned (e.g., surveys, field transport, reintroductions/translocations, habitat improvement projects).
7. Participate in the collection of research data for analysis as needed.
8. Work collaboratively with other staff and departments to meet the Zoos and Conservation Centers overall goals, participating as appropriate with Education, Events, Development, Marketing and PR.
9. Assist the Director of Conservation and Science with writing and/or summarizing data for reports (annual reports, species updates, etc.).
10. This position will be working with native species at the Johnson Conservation Center. 

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job. Management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (e.g. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs, or technological developments.)

1. Bachelor’s degree in life sciences required.
2. Minimum one year of experience in work relevant to animal husbandry, field biology, and/or conservation laboratory research, of which at least 6 months must consist of animal husbandry experience.
3. Knowledge of and experience using laboratory equipment and tools, including microscopes, water chemistry analysis tools, etc., preferred.
4. Ability and willingness to camp overnight for multiple days required, if needed for field work.
5. Previous experience with research and field work preferred.
6. Strong verbal and written communication skills required.
7. Ability to engage and communicate with the public to share conservation and scientific messages.                     
8. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
9. Ability to bend, stoop, crawl and walk on uneven surfaces, repetitively bend and reach for cleaning purposes, and climb ladders.
10. Ability to work indoors and outdoors, often in extreme weather conditions, and hike multiple miles. 
11. Possession of a valid driver’s license.
12. Ability to pass pre-employment background check, drug test, DMV check and clear annual tuberculosis test.
13. Ability to learn to operate a 4-wheel drive vehicle and tow a truck and trailer set-up.
14. Ability to learn to use specialized computer programs for animal husbandry, reproduction, and research.
15. Demonstrated ability to work well with others and independently.
16. The Arizona Center for Nature Conservation / Phoenix Zoo requires all employees and volunteers hired (or approved for a position as a volunteer) on or after January 31, 2022 to be both fully vaccinated and receive a booster dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment or becoming a volunteer.  As an equal opportunity employer, we will provide accommodations to individuals who cannot be vaccinated for COVID-19 in accordance with applicable law.

Additional Details/Requirements:

1. Applicants must upload a resume as well as a cover letter explaining interest in the position and any prior experience with conservation, research, field work, and/or animal husbandry.