Temporary - Nature Based Activity Specialist (Animal Care/Austin Nature & Science Center/Austin Parks and Recreation)

About This Position

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Ability to travel to more than one work location.

Austin Nature & Science Center - 301 Nature Center Dr.

• 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.

$22.15 per hour.

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 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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• 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.

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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.