Animal & Habitat Specialist

Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh•Pittsburgh, PA

About The Position

Kamin Science Center is dedicated to inspiring learning and curiosity by connecting science and technology with everyday life. By making science both relevant and fun, the Science Center’s goal is to increase science literacy in the region and motivate young people to seek careers in science and technology. One of the four Carnegie Museums, the Science Center is Pittsburgh’s premier science exploration destination and the region’s most visited museum, reaching more than 500,000 people annually through its hands-on exhibits, camps, classes, and educational programs. This Part-Time position is eligible for many of the Carnegie Museums' Benefits. This is a union position. The Animal & Habitat Specialist is responsible for performing a wide variety of tasks relating to the proper care and public display of all components of the Animal and Habitat department. Primary responsibility is for maintenance of installed systems and equipment, proper care of animals and organisms and for maintaining proper inventory of animals, organisms, food and maintenance supplies. Specialist is responsible for the coordination and training of part time staff, interns, and volunteers - and must be able to work independently.

Requirements

Prefer a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology or related field with experience in Animal Husbandry.
Candidate must be knowledgeable in the care and sustainability of various organisms, primarily fresh-water fish, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.
Specialists work with the public as well as subordinates and must have good public speaking skills, ability to work independently, and successfully motivate and train a team.
Must demonstrate excellence in customer service and have problem solving skills.
Proficiency of computer programs such as Microsoft word, Excel, and Outlook.
Candidate should have some technical skills or familiarity with electrical, plumbing, and mechanical experience.
Work is primarily active.
Use of ladders, scaffolding and water testing equipment is necessary.
Ability is required to lift up to 50 pounds and occasionally to lift up to 80 pounds with assistance.
May need to work in small, enclosed spaces.
The following PA Act 153 clearances, or proof of application of clearances, are required beginning employment and as a condition of continued employment: Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check FBI Fingerprint Criminal Background Check Obtaining the required clearances is completed as part of the new hire process.

Responsibilities

Completes or delegates daily feeding, cleaning, and maintenance procedures for animal habitats.
Inspects habitats daily in order to ensure the safety and health of the animals and to provide the best possible public display.
Completes or delegates water quality testing of all of Animal & Habitat components, daily topping of tanks and daily inspection of all systems, equipment, habitats, and organisms to ensure the highest quality exhibition.
Provides educational content to the visitors through small and large format presentations. These include, but are not limited to, group “Behind the scenes” tours, camp presentations, specimen identification, general aquarium questions, and animal presentations with touchable animals.
Guides, trains, and motivates interns and volunteers in order to produce the highest quality exhibitions and customer services.
Follows safety protocols and all components of Animals & Habitat operation procedures and maintenance operations. Exceed compliance of these areas and ensures others are as well.
Documents infractions and communicates with Supervisor.
Assists with logistics including acquisition of supplies needed, unloading deliveries, providing feedback and technical support with system maintenance.
Maintains detailed logs and observations of animal health. Provides routine health treatment including but not limited to; nail/beak trims, first aid and dispensing medication as needed.
Assists with special projects and assists other departments and teams within the Exhibits Division to ensure Science Center’s successful achievement of goals.
Keeps abreast of new animal and aquarium care and maintenance methods.
Researches and investigates materials for continued education and job knowledge.