Job Description

AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, Related Facilities, Commercial Members, Conservation Partners and Society Partners may post free unlimited online job listings as a member benefit. Non-members can purchase job listings. Interested in a career in AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums? Learn more about types of zoo and aquarium jobs and relevant education programs in our career center. Animal Care Specialist II or Senior Animal Care Specialist Posted: Open to internal and external applicants Reports to: Supervisor of Birds & Mammals Status: Full-time, hourly, benefitted position Hours of work: Thursday - Monday, from ~7:00 - 3:30pm. Occasional need for weekend or after-hours work related to events and projects. Date needed: July 2025 Posting expires: Open until filled; applications received by June 12 are prioritized. The Seattle Aquarium, a leading marine conservation organization, seeks an Animal Care Specialist II or Senior Animal Care Specialist to join the Birds and Mammals team. The role involves caring for sea otters, harbor seals, northern fur seals, North American river otters, alcids, shorebirds, fish, and invertebrates. Candidates should be organized, self-motivated, independent, and eager to complete projects. Preference is given to those with a strong understanding of bird and marine mammal biology, water quality, aquatic life-support systems, and animal health. Senior level applicants should have mentoring experience and a passion for leadership. We value multicultural, multilingual, and diverse experiences. Our organization is committed to inclusivity, anti-racism, social justice, environmental justice, and integrating DEI and regenerative practices into our work. Key functions: Animal Care Perform daily husbandry duties, including diet prep, habitat care, and monitoring. Act as a species Assistant Lead or Lead, adjusting diets, monitoring weights, coordinating behavioral training, and training staff. Apply operant conditioning techniques focusing on positive reinforcement. Observe and evaluate animal behavior for health and wellbeing. Follow SOPs and assist in updating manuals. Design and evaluate behavioral enrichment activities. Maintain records and reports. Ensure compliance with Animal Welfare Act, USDA/APHIS regulations, and AZA standards. Administer medications and assist with handling animals safely. Communicate natural history and conservation messages to the public. Order supplies and respond to animal emergencies. Senior ACS: Lead daily husbandry and behavioral care duties. Mentor staff on operant conditioning and animal care. Ensure compliance with all regulations and standards. Lead behavioral enrichment and recordkeeping. Support animal acquisition and disposition processes. Participate in community and team engagement activities. Collaboration/Teamwork and Engagement: Support training, welfare assessments, and team goals aligned with our values. Establish effective working relationships and participate in organizational initiatives. Staff Mentoring (Senior ACS only): Provide mentorship and training, support staff development, and lead in emergencies. Required skills and experience: B.A./B.S. in biology, marine biology, or related field, or equivalent experience. Minimum 3 years' experience for ACS II; 4 years for Senior ACS, preferably in an AZA-accredited environment. Working conditions: Stand, walk, and perform physical activities for extended periods. Work outdoors year-round, near water, at heights, and with large animals. Must be able to swim and obtain necessary certifications. Salary and benefits: ACS II: $27.90-$28.41/hr; Senior ACS: $30-$32.76/hr, based on experience. Benefits include health coverage, retirement plan, paid time off, and more. How to apply: Submit a résumé via our online application. Applications are reviewed immediately. For accommodations, email jobs@seattleaquarium.org. Note: Candidates must pass background and motor vehicle checks. Convictions are considered on a case-by-case basis. About the Seattle Aquarium: The Seattle Aquarium promotes marine conservation through education, research, and community engagement. We are committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability, and are accredited by AZA. Learn more at SeattleAquarium.org. Timeline: Priority application deadline: June 10. We will coordinate interviews with selected candidates. #J-18808-Ljbffr Association Of Zoos & Aquariums

Job Tags

Similar Jobs