The Seattle Aquarium, a leading marine conservation organization, is looking for an Animal Care Specialist to join the Bird and Mammal team. With the opening of Ocean Pavilion in 2024, the Bird and Mammal team is growing. As an Animal Care Specialist, you will be responsible for assigned husbandry duties within the Seattle Aquarium’s bird and mammal (BAM) population.
This position will be caring for: sea otters, harbor seals, northern fur seals, North American river otters, various alcids and shorebirds, and the fish and invertebrates which inhabit the bird habitats.
Key functions
Animal Husbandry:
- Prepare, store, and distribute food according to established protocols that detail amounts, types, and diets; monitor feeding habits, record behavior and observations, and report any changes or abnormalities.
- Observe animals and evaluate behavior to determine physical and mental health and wellbeing.
- Perform routine maintenance, cleaning, and minor repair of animal habitats and back of house holding areas to assure the safety and wellbeing of the animals and the presentation of the species in an appropriate environment. Monitor water quality to keep aquatic animals in a healthy condition.
- Work directly with the Aquarium’s veterinary services to advise appropriate observations, administer medications and treatments according to established procedures and veterinarian instructions. Lead and/or aid in handling and/or restraining animals in accordance with established safety and animal wellbeing/handling procedures as necessary.
- Apply appropriate operant conditioning techniques and principles with an emphasis on positive reinforcement as described in the Aquarium’s Animal Training Manual to condition a variety of medical, husbandry, and natural behaviors and work through behavioral challenges. Design and maintain behavioral plans for each animal to include descriptions of training approximations and behavioral criteria.
Collaboration and Engagement:
- Collaborate with the Facilities Department to maintain departmental habitat quality standards through regular maintenance.
- All Aquarium staff and volunteers are expected to participate in advancing and integrating into their work Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Regenerative practices in alignment with our S.A.L.I.S.H. Values.
- Demonstrates an understanding of the Aquarium’s Mission and Values, including Regenerative and Equity work.
- Assist with various requests from other departments for tours, provide content for social media or special projects, and help with special events.
Minimum Requirements
We will consider various combinations of relevant experience and education to meet minimum requirements.- B.A./B.S. Degree in biology, marine biology, animal behavior, psychology or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience in lieu of degree.
- Four years of experience involving the care and husbandry of animals in a zoo, aquarium, or related environment. Preference may be given to applicants with operant conditioning experience with the species in the current Seattle Aquarium bird and mammal collection.
- Six months of animal care experience at an AZA accredited facility desirable.
- Able to obtain a Washington State Driver’s License preferred. May drive aquarium vehicles as assigned to participate in field work, transport animals or equipment between regional zoological facilities, or attend other staff development opportunities.
Salary and Benefits
$27.00 to $29.00 per hour, dependent on experience. Please include salary expectations in your materials. Full-time staff are eligible for the Seattle Aquarium’s comprehensive benefits package to include medical, vision, dental, an employer-funded health reimbursement account, medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, 403b retirement fund with employer match, access to a subsidized ORCA pass, a Seattle Aquarium Family Plus membership and generous paid time off.
