Seasonal Animal Interactive Attendant in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania at Lehigh Valley Zoological Society

The Seasonal Animal Interactive Attendant participates in the daily care and husbandry of the animals in the Barnyard habitat. They help run the Animal Interactive Areas and will be responsible for monitoring animal wellbeing and behavior, ensure that the interactives are operating appropriately, and supervise guest interactions with animals. Each member of the Lehigh Valley Zoo team plays a crucial part of helping our organization save species.

Animal Interactive Areas include Barnyard Feeding and Contact Yard, Lorikeet Aviary Walkthrough, and Giraffe Feedings.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Basic knowledge of current zoo animal husbandry standards and natural history for animals in their areas

• Basic knowledge of USDA and AZA standards

• Performs all assigned husbandry tasks including cleaning and diet prep

• Must be able to learn how to evaluate and properly report animal issues, concerns, behaviors, or updates to Lead Keeper and Assistant Curator

• Familiarity with the Standard Operating Procedures for each Animal Interactive Area and upholding these standards

• Maintain exhibit aesthetics and report maintenance issues or concerns

• Demonstrates knowledge of zoo-wide and area emergency procedures

• Interacts with zoo visitors and monitor interactions with the animals

• Educate visitors on the animals in the Interactive Areas

• Works cooperatively with other zoo departments

• Demonstrates an ability to work in a team setting with a positive attitude

• Demonstrates initiative and motivation in daily activities

• Other duties as assigned

Skills Competencies:

• Comfortable interacting with and being in close proximity to a variety of animals

• Critical thinking skills to trouble shoot and create solutions to assist the progression of the interactive animal experiences

• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently with purpose and accountability

• Good interpersonal skills with the ability and desire to work as a team member

• Proficient time management with ability to multitask

• Able to follow written and oral direction, exercise good judgment, and apply safety precautions applicable to the work

• Able to interact with the public to provide them with a safe, educational, and enjoyable experience

Qualifications and Experience:

• Candidates must have completed at least 2 years of college towards a bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, or related field.

• Preferred candidates will have completed at least 1 Internship in Animal Care or Education in a zoological setting.

• Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, and occasional after-hour assignments

• Possess a valid driver’s license

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Physical Demands: Employee must lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. The employee must be able to drive Zoo vehicles

• Work Environment: You are often required to perform physical labor in varying weather conditions. You can be bitten, scratched, kicked, or otherwise harmed by wild animals.