Organization: The Savanna
Location: Austin, Texas, us
Job or Internship: Job
A privately owned exotic game ranch in Austin, TX is now seeking a full time assistant curator to go forward with us in developing “The Savanna”, a brand new safari park being developed in Austin, TX. The Exotic Game Ranch currently has over 1500 animals with more than 50 species, mostly hoofstock. Expanding into “The Savanna”, our animal numbers and species diversity will be increasing greatly. We would like to find a well-rounded candidate with a diverse animal background to become part of our team. Experience working with free ranging animals in a drive through safari park or similar facility is a PLUS.
The assistant curator is responsible for the safety, health and well being of animals through routine cleaning and maintenance of enclosures, feeding, observation and handling of animals. Duties to include but not limited to:
• Assists wildlife manager/curator with management and husbandry decisions.
• Assists curator with facility change-over to electronic record keeping system
• Preparing diets, alerting supervisor when supplies or feed needs ordering
• Makes a daily inventory of the animal collections, provides daily assessments of the health and behavior of the animals and records these assessments in the zookeeper logbook. Records and reports any unusual condition regarding the animal’s health to supervisor. Prepares other written reports as required.
• Participates in capturing, restraining, and moving animals; administers medication and dietary supplements as directed.
• Cleans and maintains the areas within each exhibit and other animal related areas, (ie. Holding pens, kitchen, barns, etc.) Reports any maintenance issues and potential safety hazards to supervisor.
• Participates in developing the animal enrichment and behavioral husbandry training program.
• Assists with neonatal care and husbandry as directed
• Giving occasional tours to visitors.
• Willingness to work irregular hours, including weekends, holidays and evenings as necessary.
• Be able to assist in building of/maintenance of game fencing and other facility management issues that regularly occur on a ranch.
• Undertakes other appropriate tasks as may be assigned.
Minimum Qualifications: General knowledge and demonstrated experience with animals, including but not limited to hoofstock, rhino, giraffe, carnivores, primates and macropods; knowledge of animals in captive situations, knowledge of proper animal care and handling techniques, experience with animal restraint, experience with neonates, ability to work comfortably and effectively with peers and management; demonstrated commitment to excellence in work products and relationships with co-workers. A degree in biology or a related field and five years of appropriate experience in a zoo, wildlife, veterinary or related institution is preferred. A high school diploma and five years of appropriate experience in a zoo, wildlife, or related institution will also be considered.
Please email inquiries, cover letters, references and resumes to Rebecca Ross, rross@texasdisposal.com.