Ectotherm Keeper - Newport News, United States - Virginia Living Museum

Description

Job Type

Full-time

Description

General Statement of Duties

The Ectotherms Keeper is responsible for all aspects of the Virginia Living Museum's aquatic, & terrestrial reptile, amphibian, fish, and invertebrate husbandry for 50+ aquatic systems, 20+ terrestrial or mixed habitats, in addition to ambassador animal holding areas. The keeper will support the Ectotherms Department's mission to provide the highest level of animal care and wellbeing to the animal collection through comprehensive husbandry practices, completion of day-to-day operations, and through daily maintenance of holding systems and exhibits. This position recognizes the capacity to achieve greater results by integrating skilled volunteers and leveraging their diverse knowledge and abilities to achieve our goals. This position reports directly to the Ectotherm Curator.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or current progress towards it in Biology, Zoology, Marine Biology, Fisheries, Ecology, or related field. *Significant professional animal care experience may be considered.
• Minimum of one year experience providing daily husbandry to terrestrial and aquatic animals, preferably at an AZA-accredited institution; more experience will be prioritized.
• Ability to physically maintain enclosures and habitats to safely and effectively house the living animal collections (non-venomous & venomous reptiles, amphibians, fish, elasmobranchs, and aquatic & terrestrial invertebrates).
• Ability to communicate effectively with Supervisor, co-workers, volunteers and guests of varying ages, in both individual and group settings.
• Desire to learn and be responsible for all aspects of animal husbandry.
• Ability to remain calm and provide clear direction in an emergency situation.

• Working knowledge of Virginia-native reptiles, amphibians, Mid-Atlantic freshwater and saltwater fishes, aquatic & terrestrial invertebrates, and their respective ecologies.
• Proficiency in the use and operation of power tools, hand tools, and basic knowledge of life support/repair material.
• Familiarity with the nitrogen cycle and how it pertains to an aquarium setting.
• Basic operational knowledge of aquatic life support systems (LSS).
• Experience with water quality testing and knowledge of common parameter values for aquariums.
• Experience with habitat design and /or knowledge of techniques to provide appropriate habitat based on animals' natural history.
• Basic understanding of positive reinforcement training techniques and benefits of providing enrichment.
• Experience using ZIMS or other online record management software.
• SCUBA certification required, or willingness to obtain.
• CPR and First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain
• Venomous animal experience, or willingness to learn.

• Enhance Guest Experience by:
  • Being a positive, enthusiastic representative of the Virginia Living Museum; uphold the museum values of Integrity, Stewardship, and Community.
  • Welcoming and entertaining questions from guests of all ages and backgrounds.
  • Providing engaging and educational public programs including public feedings, behind the scenes tours, and direct guest interactions.
• Assist Department staff in:
  • Maintaining naturalistic habitats for all animals and excellent aesthetics of all exhibits.
  • Learn and perform routine tasks, including but not limited to:
    • Habitat cleaning and maintenance,
    • Diet prep and feeding
    • Monitoring environmental parameters (water quality, temperature, humidity, UV-B lighting, etc.)
    • Administering Medications (with support from the Vet Team)
    • Providing Training and enrichment (with support of Training and Enrichment Coordinator)
    • Monitoring general animal health/behavior
    • Maintaining accurate daily maintenance logs and animal records, both in writing and digitally.
  • Maintaining a clean and organized work environment; follow all AZA guidelines.
  • Ensure all biosecurity protocols are followed.
  • Train, supervise, and work daily with VLM volunteers & interns.
  • Assist with conservation projects and special events, as needed.
• Follow all VLM safety guidelines and report any safety concerns to a supervisor.
• Assist in other animal card departments if needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Must be comfortable around a variety of live animals and wildlife.
• Excellent reliability, communications, and observational skills; work as part of a team.
• Must be able to work mornings, weekends and holidays.
• Must be able to express or exchange ideas by means of verbal and digital communication to a varied audience.
• Ability to lift and/or exert up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to navigate and move throughout the Museum's building(s) and outdoor trail as needed, and often for continuous portions of the day.
• Must have visual acuity to be able to operate motor vehicles and/or equipment.
• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, push, pull, lift, grasp, feel and utilize repetitive motions
• The candidate will be subject to outdoor environmental conditions such as heat, wind, and humidity.