Nature Based Activity Specialist - Animal Care

About This Position

Job Description:

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Safely facilitate and actively supervise participants at all times while engaging in a variety of indoor and outdoor activities.
• Develop, modify and teach program activities to accommodate various ages, abilities and interests.
• Regular attendance is mandatory for this position.
• Attend all sessions of scheduled staff training.
• Serve as a role-model, exercising appropriate decision-making and boundary setting.
• Utilize effective behavior management skills including enforcing policies fairly, consistently, kindly and firmly.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with participants, parents, co-workers and supervisor.
• Work cooperatively with co-counselors and other staff.
• Provide excellent customer service.
• Complete reports and forms and assist with maintaining records in accordance with City of Austin (COA) and Parks & Recreation Department (APR) policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities – Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised:

• None.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of youth programs and activities.
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in problem solving.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Ability to work with children and teens, including youth with special needs.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with the City and the public.

Minimum Qualifications:  

• Must have a High School diploma/GED, and no experience required.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Appropriate certifications as specified for the assignment.
• May require certification in CPR, First Aid, Water Safety Instruction, or other areas as specified for the assigned class.
• Texas Class “C” Driver or Commercial Driver license if required for the assignment.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience with animal husbandry or animal care in a professional setting (care of domestic pets at home is not sufficient on its own).
• Experience caring for live animals, including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and invertebrates.
• Experience in the safety practices and procedures of assessing the health of live animals.
• Experience in preparing diets and administering medications for live animals.
• Experience cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures.
• Experience in entering animal care records.

Other:

• Ability to travel to more than one work location.

Work Location:

Austin Nature & Science Center - 301 Nature Center Dr.

Work Schedule:

• Tuesday – Saturday or Sunday – Thursday from 8:15 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. (40 hours per week).
• May be required to work during special events, evenings, weekends & holidays.
• Work schedule and location is subject to change based on department needs and programs.
• May be required to work during city emergencies such as extreme weather events.

Salary:

$22.15 per hour.





Compensation Range:





Physical Location:





Notes to Candidate:

The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department (APR) provides, protects, and preserves a park system that promotes quality recreational, cultural, and outdoor experiences for the Austin community. Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more! Click HERE for more information.

The purpose of the Temporary – Nature Based Activity Specialist position is to provide care for exhibit and program animals at the Austin Nature & Science Center, including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and invertebrates. Animal care is provided 7 days a week and 365 days per year. They ensure animal health through enrichment, maintenance, diet adjustments, and health support.

Application Instructions/Job Requirements:

• Application: A detailed, complete application is required, and applicants must include on their Employment Record all experience (work and/or volunteer) related to this job posting – up to 10 years or more; this will be used to determine your base compensation. Employment Record dates must include month and year. Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application. Statements such as “See Resume” will not be accepted and a resume alone will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online application.
• Skills Assessments: Skills assessment(s) may be required as part of the recruitment process.
• Virtual Interviews: APR may conduct virtual interviews.
• Military/Veteran: An applicant claiming Military/Veteran status must provide a copy of his or her DD-214(s), or valid comparable document, at the time of interview.
• Driving Requirement: This position requires that you must have or be able to obtain a valid Texas Class “C” Operator’s License within 90 days of employment. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.
• Physical Requirements: Tasks involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying, or using a force equal to lifting up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Must be physically and mentally able to work with participants adapting to a variety of conditions such as daily walking, hiking, climbing, standing, balancing, kneeling, stooping, running, bending, crawling, swimming, stretching and reaching in rugged terrain. Tolerate loud noise associated with enthusiasm and excitement. Ability to work outside in all types of weather and/or inclement conditions, and in confined spaces.

Other Information:

• Application Status Communication: Please note that you will be contacted if you are selected to move forward in the hiring process. Once the department is no longer hiring for this position, you may receive a notification informing you the position is closed and the hiring process is concluded.
• Travel: If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
• Tobacco and Vape-Free Workplace: APR work site locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any APR work site – including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicles located on the premises.

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JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

 

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.

• Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.

• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.

• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.

• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.

• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

 

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

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EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.