Reports to: Facilities & Animal Care Managers
Details: Full time, year-round role, 100% in person role. The schedule for this role is Wednesday – Saturday, 7am – 5pm.
Accepting applications: Applications are open until filled. Candidates must submit cover letter and resume.
Location: This is an in-person, on-site role. Candidates must be able to commute to 1 College Street, Burlington, VT. Parking is provided.
Description: ECHO inspires and engages families in the joy of scientific discovery, wonder of nature, and care of Lake Champlain. ECHO is a dynamic, nationally acclaimed, science center committed to engaging diverse public audiences and providing experiential, relevant and lifelong educational experiences for all our guests. ECHO employees contribute to a productive, respectful, inclusive workplace by modeling humor, communication, cultural responsiveness, collaboration and accountability to our colleagues, animals and guests.
The Facilities & Animal Care Specialist is a unique position that serves in a split capacity within the Facilities & Animal Care department. This position will provide part-time, state of the industry animal care and husbandry for ECHO’s reptile/amphibian/fish collection that promotes optimal health and longevity. In addition, this position will provide part-time facilities and exhibit repair assistance and support custodial and facilities maintenance needs of our 36,000 square foot, LEED-certified aquarium and science center to ensure a positive visitor experience.
Responsibilities Include:
Animal Care
- Perform observations of animals to determine health status and initiate or confer with other animal care staff to implement responsive care as needed.
- Perform observations of animal enclosures and all related life support equipment including but not limited to filtration systems, lighting, pumps, motors, aeration, etc. Implement or confer with other animal care staff regarding repairs in response to observed issues in animal enclosures or related equipment (as noted in previous bullet).
- Provides implementation of proper animal care including provision of designated diets and environmental conditions (lighting, temperatures, water quality, substrates, ‘furniture’, filtration).
- Implement veterinary care based on veterinary input or reference material recommendations; determine and administer by appropriate means, at correct concentrations and dosages. Monitor animals’ responses to treatments.
- Maintain equipment including life support systems, exhibits and all other equipment utilized in maintaining animal habitats and animal health.
- Perform water quality testing and implement measures to maintain optimal water quality in animal enclosures.
- Assist with specimen capture, collection and transportation, quarantine and introduction to displays or holding quarters.
- Provide thorough and accurate record-keeping on daily implementation of animal care, animal health, veterinary care, acquisitions and dispositions, and equipment status.
- Develop and deliver educational programs to ECHO guests and on various media networks regarding science, natural history, captive care, and environmental stewardship.
- Design, install and repair animal exhibit habitats.
Facilities
- Custodial work: dusting, mopping, sweeping, scrubbing, window cleaning, trash removal, periodic deep cleaning, carpet extraction, power washing, etc. in a timely manner.
- Stocking cleaning/repair supplies.
Installing, maintaining and repairing non-animal exhibits. - Seasonal weed removal, mowing, raking, sweeping of exterior areas.
- Maintain and repair building mechanical system, HVAC, Plumbing and aquarium life support systems, etc.
- Maintain exterior areas including parking lot, walkways, planted areas and lawns, etc.
- Building mechanical and lighting controls software
- Interior and exterior building maintenance including but not limited to painting, flooring repair, light carpentry, light electrical, signage install and repair, etc.
- Interact with staff to coordinate building and exhibit repairs.
Other Duties
- Provide quality customer service while working in high volume guest environment.
- Assist in departmental budgeting, researching and purchasing of animal care and facilities supplies.
- Train volunteers and interns and other staff in provision of animal care.
- Assist with building mechanical software package (WebCTRL) and building lighting software package (Keeper Enterprise) to optimize system functions and minimize resource consumption.
- Regular weekend and some after-hours work required.
- Other duties and special projects assigned as needed.
Essential Skills:
- High school diploma or GED, Bachelor’s degree preferred
- Minimum six months experience in facilities work and/or 6 months experience in Animal Care, preferably both
- Experience working in public setting and interacting with the public while performing job duties
- Valid driver’s license strongly preferred
- Demonstrated ability to multitask in a fast paced environment, managing multiple priorities
- Must be able to lift 50 pounds occasionally and spend the majority of the 10 hour shift moving, including bending, stooping, standing, walking, and using hands to operate cleaning equipment and tools
- Willingness to observe and learn new skills
Instructions for Applying:
To be considered a candidate for this position, please click here.
If you require assistance with the application process, or need a different form of application, please contact Katelyn Olson (she/her/hers) by email or phone (kolson@echovermont.org / 802-864-1848 Ext.116).
ECHO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state or Federal law.
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