Temporary Job Opportunity at the Houston Zoo for Amphibian Conservation

General Summary

The Houston Zoo Amphibian Conservation Keeper position will work within the Department of Conservation and Science. This position is a supporting role with the Houston toad (Bufo houstonensis) program and the successful candidate will work on the upkeep, maintenance, husbandry and head starting of the Houston Toad. This is an opportunity to assist with the conservation of one of the most endangered amphibians in the United States.

Responsibilities

· Maintenance of invertebrate feeder cultures including domestic crickets, fruit flies, springtails, and woodlice; and

· Cleaning and feeding Houston Toad enclosures and keeper areas,

· Maintains clean and organized exhibits, equipment, and keeper areas,

· Maintains effective communication with the veterinary staff,

· Observes and evaluates animal condition, behavior and responses and communicates observations orally and on written reports,

· Performs other duties as requested.

Industry:
Position Type:	Part Time Temporary
Position Reports To:	Amphibian Conservation Program Manager and the Director of Conservation
Travel Required:	0% of the time (approximate)
Starts On:	12-Apr-10

Job Requirements

Experience

Knowledge

· Understanding of the life cycle of common feeder invertebrates,

· General understanding of amphibian biology,

· Ability to perform simple arithmetic and mentally keep track of numbers and individuals.

Experience
Experience with common feeder invertebrate cultures in captivity

Schedule
This is a part time position that runs from April 2010 to August 2010. Exact start and finish dates are negotiable. Work hours are equivalent to 18-20 hours per week. Scheduling of work shifts is dependant upon the needs of the program.

Skills

Work Environment
The position involves some moderate physical exertion, such as the use of ladders, lifting equipment, etc. on a frequent basis and assuming awkward positions. The working area gets exposed to considerable heat and moisture.

Physical Skill
Requires the ability to make closely coordinated hand/eye movements within very fine tolerance and/or calibration demands; or the ability to make rapid closely coordinated hand/eye movements on a patterned response space within somewhat fine tolerance demands; or the ability to make coordinated hand/eye movements within fine tolerances with large equipment as an extension of the worker.

Public Contact

Public contact and potential interaction with other organizations, requiring interpersonal skill and a high degree of customer service, as well as exceptional written communication skills.

Please contact conservation@houstonzoo.org for more information.