Some but not all animals in the collection include: Terrestrial and Aquatic Birds, Marine Mammals, a variety of Reptiles.
Tasks
- Provides for the needs of all animals within the Mammal and Bird Department by assisting with exhibit cleaning, diet preparation and feeding.
- Maintaining exhibit cleanliness and hygiene, as well as cleanliness of behind-the-scenes areas.
- Maintains records, documentation, and data collection per Aquarium of the Pacific protocols.
- Learn to identify abnormal behaviors and medical conditions of exhibit animals, and report back to paid staff.
- Learn about biology and natural history of animals and be prepared to answer guest questions.
- Participation in shows, presentations, meet and greets and on the floor guest interactions.
- Public speaking and crowd management.
- Assist with training or enrichment of collection animals as needed.
- Could include: Terrestrial and Aquatic Birds and Marine Mammals.
- May assist with other projects.
Skills/Requirements
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Possess skills to work independently and collaboratively.
- Problem solving and ability to make decisions on the spot or communicate if further assistance is required.
- Adheres to all safety practices and protocols.
- Fire, OSHA, USDA, USF&W, Dive, etc.
- Ability to climb stairs and ladders, lift 50lbs, work in wet, hot and or cold environments.
- Ability to stand or bend for prolonged periods of time.
- Must be willing to remain flexible as needs within the Mammal and Bird department can change.
- Desire to fulfill the Mission of the Aquarium of the Pacific.
Commitment and Shift Availability
- One shift of 5 hours once a week on a regular day of the week for 1 year.
- Shift Availability:
- Monday: 12pm to 5pm
- Tuesday: 7am to 12pm
- Thursday: 7am to 12pm AND 12pm to 5pm
- Friday: 7am to 12pm AND 12pm to 5pm
- Saturday: 7am to 12pm AND 12pm to 5pm
*Please apply if you’re available for one or more of the listed times above, any application with availability outside of the times listed will not be considered
Training
- All incoming volunteers must attend an Aquarium wide orientation, Aquarium 101 prior to start.
- Hands on 1:1 training will be implemented once the volunteer is onsite, as the volunteer progresses through the program.
- Volunteer Manual, additional reading, meetings and evaluations will continue as volunteer progresses.
Working Conditions
- The Aquarium of the Pacific provides all PPE for every working condition, special requests can be made based on individual needs, including but not all:
- Gloves
- Boots for wet areas
- Protective eye wear
- Knife cutting gloves
- Ear plugs for our bird barn
- Etc.
Mental Demands
The mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Flexibility and adaptability in dealing with high levels of responsibility, empathy, frustration, and patience when it comes to the care of animals with basic needs.
- Resilience and ability to prioritize sometimes competing tasks and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to maintain positive and productive relationships with colleagues and guests, even when differing perspectives present potential for conflict.
- Strong problem-solving skills to analyze issues and find effective solutions and alternatives.
- Flexibility and adaptability to handle changes in schedules or responsibilities.
- Critical thinking and decision-making abilities to handle complex situations.
- Empathy and emotional intelligence to understand and respond to the needs of colleagues or customers.
- Ability to maintain composure and handle difficult situations with professionalism.
- Ability to cope with occasional illness, injury, or loss of animals.
To Apply
Thank you for your interest but we are currently not accepting applications for this position. Please check back.
