Animal Care & Exhibits Coordinator
Classification: Exempt
Department: Science Learning
Reports To: Exhibits Manager
Position Overview
The Animal Care & Exhibits Coordinator is responsible for wellbeing of SCI’s animal collection and assists with exhibit development, design, construction/fabrication, installation, maintenance/repairs, and theatrical lighting. This position will serve as an audience advocate, and serves visitors by providing and maintaining engaging science experiences.
Responsibilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation, and perform other duties as assigned.
- Responsible the overall health and wellbeing of SCI’s animal collection and provides daily care including feeding and cleaning
- Provide necessary care to ill or injured animals, and seek veterinary care for animals that need professional attention
- Oversee documentation of all animal care records/ files, and maintain permits with the Department of Natural Resources & US Department of Wildlife as well as others as needed
- Acquire new animals for collection, as needed, following SCI’s animal collections policies and documenting the acquisitions as required.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment; observe safety and risk management procedures in public areas and work spaces
- Maintain appropriate levels of materials and supplies
- Implement approved solutions for improvements
- Collaborate and communicate project progress across departmental teams
- Complete work in a timely manner so projects meet deadlines and within budget
- Participate in the installation and strike of exhibits
- Ensure that identified exhibit goals, objectives and key messages are clearly documented, reviewed, achieved in the exhibits, evaluated and addressed by remediation
- Assist with the prototyping, formative evaluation and fabrication of exhibits components
- Provide support on program and project development
- Work alongside volunteers with some training responsibilities
- Function as a direct representative from the science learning team to the public
- Be an active participant in the visitor experience including some programming and assist with special events and projects
- Please note: this job description does not contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job; duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice
Supervisory Responsibility
This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.
Education, Experience and/or Other Requirements
Required
- Equivalent combination of education and experience in animal science, biology, science, High School Diploma or equivalent required, Bachelor’s Degree desired
- 2 years experience in animal care
- Experience with tools and working knowledge of woodworking tools and shop safety practices
- Experience with and a willingness to learn fabrication techniques with a variety of materials
- Creative, curious, innovative and passionate about learning
- Flexible in adapting to changing timelines and priorities
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Trustworthy and of high integrity, showing high respect for confidential information
- Ability to communicate complex science concepts in a fun, exciting and interesting fashion; high enthusiasm is required
- Highly motivated and resourceful self-starter with effective multitasking skills
- Ability to work independently while also constructively contributing in a team environment
- Organized with the ability to work efficiently on several projects simultaneously
- Valid Driver’s License
- Successfully pass a background check
Preferred
- 3-5 years experience in animal care, specifically in the care of reptiles and amphibians
- Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Zoology, Animal Ecology or a related field
- Familiarity with Universal Design, Accessibility, and User Experience Design concepts
- Basic knowledge of museum experiences (exhibits and programs), science, technology, engineering and math
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (e.g. Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
- Knowledgeable on evaluation methods and data collection
- Proactively able to identify and improve product quality and development
Physical Demands
Prolonged periods of standing and walking. Must be comfortable working at heights and physically able to climb ladders, bend, or crawl into awkward spaces. Must be able to lift, bend, twist, stoop, climb, reach, and lift up to 75 pounds at a time. Use their hands to grasp, move, handle, control, assemble or feel objects, tools, or controls. Repeat the same movements. See details of objects that are less than a few feet away. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Hours & Work Schedule
Hours will vary based on business needs and may include days, evenings, weekends and holidays. Some travel maybe required.
To Apply: Email your resume and completed application materials to scihr@sciowa.org.