Job Postings

Cheetah Animal Care Specialist

Facility

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center

Closing Date
July 27, 2016
Description

Summary/Purpose of Position:

This position will be responsible for the daily care and management, along with the Carnivore Curator, of the cheetah collection within the Carnivore Department at Fossil Rim. This position will assist the Curator in the facilities Cheetah Breeding Program. Fossil Rim houses an average of 30 cheetahs and has two breeding facilities. Almost 200 cheetahs have been born here since 1985. Commitment and dedication will be considered an essential requirement for this position. Some experience with cheetah is preferred. The Carnivore Department consists of cheetah, maned wolves, Mexican wolves, red wolves, coati and black-footed cats. This position will also fill in as needed in all areas within the Carnivore Department.

Specific/Mandatory Duties

The essential responsibilities of the Cheetah Animal Care Specialist include but are not necessarily limited to the following:
•Daily keeper care of cheetah collection including nutritional, husbandry, and housing needs.
•Maintenance of cheetah facilities
•Enhance the conservation programs and educational opportunities through sound animal management practices.
•Progressive involvement and understanding of all carnivore programs.
•Progressive understanding of captive carnivore management “best practices”, especially regarding cheetah.
•Maintain a high standard of care for all animals and facilities on a day to day basis.
•Maintenance and routine cleaning of all cheetah areas.
•Assist with all medical/management procedures within the carnivore department.
•Keep accurate records and report to Curator.
•Implement/continue a training program for cheetahs.
•Regular and dependable attendance is required.
•Be available for after-hours and weekend call out in emergencies.
•Able to lift and carry 50 pounds.
•Be able to bend over.
•Ability to spend up to 2/3 of the work day standing/walking.
•Ability to work outside all day in weather ranging from extreme heat +100 degrees to extreme cold, below freezing and in wet conditions.
•Ability to drive and/or operate small maintenance equipment e.g., chainsaw, weed trimmer, mower, hand tools, truck and lawn tractor.
•Ensure compliance with Employee Handbook, Risk Management Plan, all other safety rules & procedures, the company vision, mission and goals.

The secondary responsibilities of the Cheetah Animal Care Specialist include but are not necessarily limited to the following:
•Assist in care and maintenance in other carnivore areas as needed.
•Carry out other duties and responsibilities as assigned
•Fill-in duties as assigned in other areas within the Carnivore Department
•Assist with some animal management/medical procedures as needed outside of carnivore department.
•Ability to assist guests as needed
•Provide lecture opportunities both on and off site
•Assist with or implement some research initiatives as needed
•Assist with corporate functions

Education and Pre-requisites

Desired Qualities, Experience and Educational Skills:
•B.S. in biology, zoology, animal science, or a related field
•One or more years of experience with cheetah, wolves, small cats preferred
•Carnivore training experience preferred.
•Some maintenance experience preferred
•Interest in wildlife conservation
•Ability to work as a team member, or alone
•Ability to take instruction from multiple supervisors
•Self motivated
•Flexibility in daily schedule and expectations
•Creative thinking

Compensation and benefits

Work Requirements:
Usually a 5-day work week, often requiring flexibility and ability to work weekends and holidays. Irregular scheduling in which days may exceed 8 hours. Be available for after-hours and weekend call out in emergencies

Position Specs:
A full time, exempt position. Fossil Rim is an “at will” and equal opportunity employer. It should be noted that it is company policy to conduct background checks on potential new employees, inclusive of testing for drugs and controlled substance use.

Benefits Offered:
Partially subsidized medical insurance as well as voluntary dental and life. A 401k savings is offered (after 3 months service), through the Company’s programs for these, are applicable to this position. Compensatory time off, a length-of-service related leave system, and staff discounts at our Overlook Café and Nature Store are applicable.

Application instructions

To apply, please go to http://fossilrim.org/career.php and make application. Please also submit a cover letter, resume and 3 professional references. We do not accept any applications via email.