Little Explorers Mobile Petting Zoo is currently looking to fill an Animal Handler position, which offers a unique opportunity to work hands-on with our diverse and personable group of animals while at educational programs and petting zoos for events all over the Bay Area!
This is an excellent position if you are looking to expand your paid, hands-on work experience with a wonderful group of farm animals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. In this position, you will play a lead role in exhibiting our domesticated farm animals at event locations for guests of all ages while also being a caretaker for our reptiles, amphibians, and insects.
Major Responsibilities:
-Handling and working with our domesticated farm animals in public and private settings. This includes approximately 10 species.
- Managing loading and transporting animals to event locations in a safe and friendly manner.
- Monitoring the public's interactions with animals to help maintain the safety of both visitors and animals.
- Enhancing guests' experience through educational interpretation.
-Managing our diverse collection of reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Duties include day-to-day care.
- Handling our reptiles, amphibians, and insects in public settings for our Creepy & Crawly educational programs.
- Interacting with guests, using age-appropriate conversation.
- Assist with crowd control.
- Drive a 15-passenger van full of animals and zoo equipment (requires a Class C California Driver's License).
Additional Responsibilities:
-Supporting other animal care managers with basic care of animals.
Requirements:
-Class C California Driver's License with a clean record. For this position, you must be able to drive a 15-passenger cargo van safely.
- Proof of a negative Tuberculosis test that has been performed within the last 4 years; proof of both tetanus and whooping cough vaccinations. Proof of full Covid-19 vaccination and boosted.
- Fingerprinting and a background check.
- As this position heavily involves working with children, it is emphasized that you enjoy working with younger ages!
Desired Qualifications:
- Must be 18 years or older to be considered for this position.
- Must have a valid Class C driver's License (standard driver's license) and a clean driving record.
- Must be able to work independently and as a team.
- Must be a quick learner.
- (Preferred)Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of biology, zoology, veterinary medicine, animal husbandry or a related field of experience.
- (Preferred)Past experience working/volunteering with animals in a professional setting.
Physical demands:
- This is an active job; handler must be able to bend, twist, stand, kneel, sit, climb, walk, and stoop for long periods of time, up to 4 hours at a time.
- Must be able to lift and carry objects weighing 40lbs., must be able to move objects weighing 75lbs. Please note you may be tested.
- Work year-round outdoors in all-weather types.
Compensation:
- Pay is determined by experience
Availability:
- Wednesday - Saturday. With occasional Sundays and holidays. These are our days of operation!
To apply:
- Please be sure to include a list of animals that you have worked with in a private (your own pet, that you were the primary care provider for) and professionally (worked paid or volunteer at a zoo, nature center, rescue, petting zoo, dog-walking, etc.)
Please note that we will be screening for driving records and criminal history. Upon hire, the handler will need to provide proof of a negative Tuberculosis test, tetanus, whooping cough vaccinations, and proof of Covid vaccinations.
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Work Remotely
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $19.00 - $25.00 per hour
Ability to commute/relocate:
- San Leandro, CA: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)
Application Question(s):
- Please list your experience working with animals in a private and professional setting?
- Have you worked hands-on with reptiles, amphibians, and insects?
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Required)
Shift availability:
Work Location: In person
