Job Description: Reptile Keeper
Company: Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo
Location: New Braunfels, Texas (United States)
Job Category: General
Job Type: Full Time
Salary: {dict_notSpecified}
Reptile Keeper
ABOUT ANIMAL WORLD & SNAKE FARM ZOO
The Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo is a ZAA accredited facility currently in the midst of incredible renovation and growth. Since its inception in 1967, AWSFZ has grown to become a respected zoological facility and houses a diverse animal collection, including many species of mammals and birds, with emphasis on venomous reptiles, crocodilians, chelonians. Recent renovations include a beautiful naturalistic toucan habitat, new Komodo dragon habitat, and new award-winning bioactive immersive reptile habitats. The zoo will be expanding onto an additional 25+ acres with opportunities to bring in new animal species and habitats, re-imagining of existing habitats, and dining and recreational opportunities for guests. AWSFZ is committed to exceptional animal care standards, an immersive educational guest experience, and staff development. More on our history and future plans can be found here: https://www.awsfzoo.com/about/history.
Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo is located in beautiful New Braunfels, Texas, within 30 minutes of Austin and San Antonio. This area is home to exceptional rivers, parks, restaurants, shopping, and recreational facilities.
JOB SUMMARY:
Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo is looking for a motivated and detail-oriented candidate to join our dynamic reptile team, working with a wide variety of herpetological species, including a large number of venomous snakes and crocodilians. Other animals will include non-venomous snakes, lizards, turtles/tortoises, and amphibians. This position is responsible for the daily care, maintenance and observation of the assigned animal collection and associated facilities. The reptile team assists with grounds maintenance and landscaping.
This position requires an individual with a high degree of professional experience who takes pride in work well done. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, a team player, and positive coworker . The priorities for this position include attention to animal care and health, habitat maintenance, plant care, fostering a positive team environment, and accomplishing an excellent guest experience through shows, encounters, and informal interactions. AW&SFZ takes pride in providing guests intimate experiences with animals and staff in many settings. There is an emphasis on guest interactions in field trip, show, and private encounter experiences. The ideal candidate will be comfortable speaking to guests in informal and formal (microphone) situations. Previous experience with reptiles is required, and venomous experience is preferred but not required.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Providing general husbandry for a wide range of animals through cleaning, diet preparation and distribution, watering, observing, enclosure upkeep, propagation, monitoring health, and medicating under veterinary supervision
- Maintains animal habitats through regular maintenance, landscaping, oversight of life support systems including lighting, filtration, heating, and AC units, and care of living plants
- Data collection and input into the animal records databases; assuring that appropriate records are kept on all husbandry including daily care and animal health
- Exceptional use of time management techniques
- Keeping all on- and off- exhibit areas clean, neat, and organized
- Demonstrating a positive attitude and willingness to adopt a general philosophy/outlook in line with the Zoo’s mission
- Understanding the significance of their role and how they can positively impact visitors; proactive, friendly communication will be expected at all times, as well as anticipating visitors’ needs and desires
- Presenting various species to visitors in shows and private encounters
- Take direction from the Reptile Curator and perform daily husbandry duties, tasks, and non-routine assignments within the work day
- Work collaboratively with other zoo staff and departments to accomplish zoo initiatives
- Inspect enclosures, tanks, fencing, pools, furniture and public areas for cleanliness and/or structural defects and to perform minor repairs and maintenance as needed
- Using email, Google Drive and related programs, and digital task management systems on a daily basis
- Performing other related duties as assigned
EDUCATION AND PRE-REQUISITES:
The position requires knowledge of herpetology, including husbandry and exhibitory techniques, nutritional requirements, behavior, common diseases, capture and restraint and propagation methods. The successful candidate will need to maintain and develop a broad knowledge base on the proper husbandry of reptiles and the other animals in the collection. Candidates should have a proven record of animal care.
Candidates will need to have good communication skills, be able to follow specific instructions, and communicate activities and observations clearly in writing and verbally. Applicants must be able to present to small and large crowds and work well with large groups of children. Physical requirements include working outdoors in any weather, lifting 50 pounds, and repetitive work such as raking and shoveling. Candidates must be comfortable using power tools and be proficient in construction and exhibit design.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
This is a full time position that involves working on weekends and holidays. Compensation commensurate with experience.
How to Apply:
Please send a cover letter, resume, and 3 references to: Samanthaw@hczoo.com and Jarrodf@hczoo.com.