Carrie Murray Nature Center is seeking responsible, enthusiastic individuals to care for the center’s animal ambassadors. An Animal Care Naturalist ensures the safety and well-being of animal ambassadors and works as part of a team of fellow staff and volunteers. Our animal ambassadors are permanent residents of the nature center due to injury or illness and the majority are native Maryland wildlife from Baltimore or the surrounding areas. Our animal ambassadors (20) include turtles, snakes, frogs, a lizard, a tarantula, hawks, owls, and a turkey vulture. These animals allow the public a unique experience to connect to wildlife that call our park home.
A positive, hard-working attitude is key, as is comfortability with wildlife handling and care. Genuine devotion to their wellbeing is also crucial to this role.
Additional duties may include animal related programming and providing support for group volunteer projects and other outreach/special events. Visit carriemurraynaturecenter.org to learn more about Carrie Murray Nature Center.
Overview Of Responsibilities
• Provide daily care to animal ambassadors including feeding, cleaning, handling, training, and enrichment
• Perform health care checks on animal ambassadors
• Assist with and perform health maintenance tasks as needed, such as beak and talon care on birds of prey
• Maintain animal exhibits and enclosures, including making repairs as needed
• Maintain high levels of cleanliness in all areas, such as enclosures, food preparation areas and sinks
• Maintain records of care regarding cleaning, feeding, and health
• Manage and organize animal supplies, food, etc.
• Support animal care volunteers and interns
• Lead programming such as Animal Feeding Time and Animal Bath Time
• Welcome visitors to the center and park
• Facilitate engaging, safe, recreational experiences at Gwynns Falls Leakin Park
• Demonstrate professional standards of communication, attitude, and appearance for all interactions with children, parents, and BCRP staff
• Assist with other naturalist duties as needed
• No supervisory responsibility
Education and Experience
• Must have completed at least 2 years of college or equivalent 2 years of related work experience
• Experience working with and care of captive wildlife preferred, especially birds of prey
• Strong interest in wildlife biology, animal husbandry, environmental sciences, or related field
• Eager to learn and do what is needed to ensure animal ambassadors are given a high quality of life
• Excellent interpersonal skills, time management, organization, communication skills, and references
• Reliable transportation
• Kind, humorous, considerate attitude is always preferred!
• Must be able to be on feet for extended periods of time and lift 40lbs or more
• Certifications: Pediatric First Aid/CPR from the American Red Cross or similar organization preferred.
Compensation
$17-20 hour. This is a part-time position with no benefits included. Must be available for at least 25 hours/week.
Application and Selection Process
The position of Part-time Animal Care Naturalist will remain open until filled. Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to Sarah Lank at sarah.lank@baltimorecity.gov Candidates with relevant experience will be invited to an interview
