The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
Position: Animal Care Specialist, PT, Permanent
Department: Animal Care
Reports to: Director of Animal Care
- Position Summary* Bishop Museum of Science and Nature Parker Animal Care
Position Summary: The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature Animal Care Specialist will function as part of a team whose duties include but are not limited to: daily care of the West Indian Manatee in a second stage rehabilitation facility with the end result of return to the wild, daily care of permanent resident fresh water turtles, maintenance of aquatic animal habitats, behavioral observations, record keeping, and daily guest interactions. Must have an open water dive certification.
Essential Functions (Including, but not limited to):
- Perform all activities in alignment with AWA, USDA, MMPA standards and guidelines, all relevant laws and regulations, safety standards, and standards that ensure animal welfare.
· Husbandry and care of West Indian manatee in rehabilitation, including preparing and distributing approved diets, detailed observations and cleaning the pools by SCUBA diving
· Husbandry and care of freshwater turtle species, including the preparation and distribution of approved diets and conducting detailed observations.
· Close observation of animal behaviors with a focus on input, output, swimming, and behaviors related to monitoring the health and welfare of the animals
· Communicate animal safety and health concerns.
· Develop skill in animal restraint and proper handling procedures for assessments and transports.
· Maintain detailed daily records and reports on assigned animals in line with USDA standards.
· Develop knowledge of museum and animal area layout to respond quickly in the event of an animal or human emergency and to assist guests daily
· Develop knowledge of safety SOPs, safety concerns, and reporting protocols.
· Daily guest interactions
· DIving for cleaning and safety checks following dive safety guidelines and SOPs and without animal interaction. Must have an open water dive certification.
- Safely operate rental cars, vans or trucks, hand tools, power tools, personal computers, laboratory equipment and general office equipment.
- Support the values of the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
- Support the values of the Animal Care team with the primary focus on the animal and human welfare and safety.
- Promote a team environment without drama and egos
Skills:
Must have an open water dive certification prior to employment
· Knowledge of word processing software and spreadsheet software
· Ability to communicate person to person and through written documentation
· Must have the flexibility to work weekends, holidays. Be willing to fill in for sick and vacation shortages. Maintain schedule flexibility for the best functioning of the department and to be present for manatee procedures, including releases.
Education/Experience:
· Experience in the Animal Care field through employment, internships or volunteering preferred
· High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
· AA degree or Bachelors’ degree in the sciences preferred.
· Must have an Open Water SCUBA certification prior to employment.
Physical Requirements:
· Strong swimming abilities
· Must be able to dive in water temperatures as low as 72° F
· Ability to lift-up to 50 pounds
· Ability to bend, lift, sweep, mop without difficulty
· Possess visual acuity and balance appropriate for animal care and general safety practices.
Those candidates chosen for interviews will be contacted.
Please submit a resume and cover letter. Application closing date Friday, July 10, 2026
Pay: Up to $16.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
