Husbandry Keeper & Licensed Veterinary Technician - Trevor-Lovejoy Zoo
The Trevor-Lovejoy Zoo at Millbrook School is the only USDA- and AZA-accredited zoological facility in the United States located at and owned by an independent boarding high school. Education is deeply rooted in the Trevor-Lovejoy Zoo's history and mission. The mission of the Trevor-Lovejoy Zoo reads: The Trevor-Lovejoy Zoo inspires all to live responsibly by educating its students and visitors about conservation, wildlife, and the natural world.
The Husbandry Keeper/LVT position has two important parts that contribute to high quality care for the animal collection. One part of the job includes the daily care, feeding, and enrichment of a diverse collection of animals; the second part includes supporting the director of animal care and the zoo veterinarian in weekly medical checks and administering medicines. This role ensures the animals' physical and mental well-being, maintains clean, safe enclosures, and engages with the public to educate them about wildlife conservation.
Additionally, the Husbandry Keeper/LVT serves as a mentor and educator to students and interns, fostering their development in the field of animal care, conservation, and veterinary medicine.
Additionally, the Husbandry Keeper/LVT serves as a mentor and educator to students and interns, fostering their development in the field of animal care, conservation, and veterinary medicine.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Animal Care:
- Feed and provide fresh water to animals according to dietary requirements.
- Administer medications and supplements as directed by the veterinary team.
- Monitor and document animal health and behavior, reporting any concerns to supervisors or veterinarians.
- Participate in welfare evaluations regularly.
- Assist with veterinary procedures and health checks.
- Participates with other animal care staff to provide positive reinforcement training.
Enclosure Maintenance:
- Clean and disinfect animal enclosures, ensuring they are safe and secure.
- Maintain habitat enrichment items and create new enrichment activities to stimulate natural behaviors under the direction of supervisors.
- Conduct regular inspections of enclosures to identify and repair any potential hazards.
Public Interaction and Education:
- Provide informative and engaging talks and demonstrations to zoo visitors.
- Answer questions from the public and promote awareness of conservation efforts.
- Contribute to educational presentations, programs, tours, and special events.
Record Keeping:
- Maintain accurate records of animal diets, health, behavior, and breeding.
- Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly reports on animal care activities.
Team Collaboration:
- Work collaboratively with other zookeepers, veterinarians, and support staff.
- Participate in team meetings and training sessions.
Assist in training new staff and volunteers. - Mentoring and Educating:
- Mentor students, interns, and volunteers, providing guidance and support in animal care practices.
- Develop and deliver training programs and workshops for students and interns.
- Evaluate the performance of students and interns, offering constructive feedback and support.
- Foster a learning environment that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and professional growth.
- Collaborate with Millbrook School and other educational institutions to facilitate internship programs and provide meaningful learning experiences.
QUALIFICATIONS
- At minimum, a two-year degree is required as a certified Licensed Veterinary Technician
- Bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology, animal science, or a related field preferred.
- Previous experience working with animals in a zoo, sanctuary, or similar environment is highly desirable.
- Experience in mentoring, teaching, or training is highly desirable.
- Strong observational skills to monitor animal health and behavior (experience using Microsoft Suite and/or Species 360 Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS) is highly desirable).
- Excellent communication skills for interacting with the public, team members, and students.
- Basic understanding of animal husbandry, nutrition, and enrichment.
Patience and leadership abilities to effectively mentor and educate students and interns. - Experience working within a team environment is highly desirable.
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
- Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
- Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, students, and visitors.
- Ability to work harmoniously with other personnel.
- Ability to minimize waste of supplies, misuse of equipment, etc.
- Must possess the ability to seek out new methods & be willing to incorporate them into existing practices.
- Be able to follow written and oral instructions.
- Must have patience, tact, a cheerful disposition, and enthusiasm.
- Is proficient in the composition of written communication.
- Must have a clean and valid driver’s license.
PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS (with or without the aid of a mechanical device)
- Must be physically able to operate a motor vehicle and other equipment.
- Must be able to speak and write the English language in an understandable manner.
- Must be able to operate hand tools and power tools.
- Must have physical strength for lifting or moving up to 50 pounds.
- Must be able to walk, stand, climb extension ladders, reach, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl & move within confined areas.
- Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
- Must be able to speak and write the English language in an understandable manner.
- Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
- Must possess sight/hearing senses or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately so that the requirements of this position can be fully met.
- Must be able to work in person, on campus.
- Must function independently, have flexibility, personal integrity, and work effectively with other personnel.
- Must be able to lift, push, pull, and move equipment, supplies, etc., without restrictions.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Regular exposure to outside weather conditions; Noise level is usually moderate to loud. Occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold or heat, and vibration. Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases and handling of dangerous animals.
The salary range for this position is $20.00-$24.00 per hour. Placement in the salary range is based on experience, education and other factors permitted by law.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
Continuing education credits
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Professional development assistance
Retirement plan
Tuition reimbursement
Vision insurance
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $20.00 - $24.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Work Location: In person
If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your resume and cover letter to Jessica Bennett at JBennett@millbrook.org and complete our online application.
