Exhibits Specialist

General Summary: Under the supervision of the Director of Animal Facilities, the Exhibits Specialist provides day-to-day monitoring, repairs and preventive maintenance of all animal exhibit/holding/service area features, e.g.  rock work, pools, hot wire systems, exhibit furniture, plant material, animal enrichment, and animal caging. Additionally, the Exhibits Specialist will support the Zoo’s mission to save wildlife and protect wild places and contribute to its environmental, social, governance sustainability, conservation, education, and DEAI (Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion) goals.

Essential Functions:

Primary Functions:

• Assist Horticulture department with landscaping and planting projects, as required;
• Provide seasonal assistance with landscaping needs and pruning in and around animal exhibits;
• Provide repair and maintenance of barriers, caging and fences in and around animal habitats;
• Install and maintain hot wire systems in animal exhibits;
• Move, maintain and grade substrate to meet animal department needs;
• Advise and assist with installation of new plant material in exhibits;
• Develop a schedule of preventative maintenance for all animal habitats;
• Maintain a current inventory of exhibit construction materials and SDS information;
• Assist with the storage of chemicals per OSHA requirements
• Service and maintain department equipment, including power tools and yard equipment;
• Provide training for animal staff on safe operation of department tools and equipment;
• Assist Facilities contractor with maintenance and construction projects, as required;
• Provide construction services in the renovation of existing exhibits or exhibit features;
• Provide construction services to assist in preparing new habitats for animal and staff use;
• Maintain certification on power equipment such as skid steers and back hoes;
• Assist with pest control measures and wild animal exclusion in and around animal habitats;
• Advise Animal department management on current and new industry safety standards;
• Assist with snow and ice removal and storm clean up, as required;
• Available on call for nights and weekends, as required
• Perform other duties, as assigned;
• Adhere to all policies and procedures of the Zoo.

Communication (Internal and External):

• Actively collaborate with all areas of the Zoo to ensure that exhibit management practices are to the highest standards;
• Represent the Zoo to guests, media, donors, zoo community associates, and the general public;
• Answer the public's questions concerning exhibit management;
• Actively collaborate with the other departments to ensure that exhibit features in public areas are maintained in good repair;
• Attend area, department and All Staff meetings as required; and,
• Coordinate exhibit management activities with animal department staff.

Management of Resources (Financial, Human Resources, Facilities):

• Recommend, schedule and perform preventative maintenance services for all animal exhibits; and
• Provide repair/ maintenance service for animal enrichment devices, fences, gates, plant material (in cooperation with the Horticulture Department), rock work, hotwire systems, exhibit barriers and exhibit substrates.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: 

• High school degree required, AA or bachelor’s degree in art, science, horticulture or mechanics is desirable.

Experience/Training:      

• Two to three years of experience working in an exhibits/horticultural program at an AZA accredited zoo or aquarium or related experience in art, horticulture or mechanical field;
• Valid driver’s license; 
• Experience using heavy construction equipment;
• Fabrication experience;
• Proficiency with welding, carpentry and concrete construction;
• Proficiency with landscaping, pruning, and plant identification;
• Working knowledge of industry and government safety standards.

Traits Desirable:

• Ability to work with a wide variety of individuals from ethnic, cultural and economic backgrounds;
• Extremely well-organized; 
• Excellent customer service skills for internal customers; and,
• Self-directed, collaborative and detail-oriented.

Equipment:

• Must be able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including telephone, two-way radio, motor vehicles, electric golf carts, hand tools, gardening/carpentry tools, power equipment, e.g. leaf blower, weed eater, lawn mower, chain saw or power washer and construction equipment, e.g. backhoe, Bobcat, farm tractors, large trucks, and welding equipment.

Working Conditions:

• Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, 25 pounds frequently and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Physical demands are in excess of those for sedentary work; must be able to remain on feet for periods of time, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, push, pull, climb, balance;
• Must be able to walk large areas of the Zoo as needed;
• Must be able to work in an outdoor weather environment in all seasons and weather, including heat/humidity, cold temperatures, and/or wet conditions;
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to include weekends, holidays, and special events;
• Must be able to lift and/or carry weights of up to 50 pounds and climb a ladder;
• Exposure to zoonotic diseases and risk of animal attack;
• Exposure to potential environmental hazards such as poison oak/ivy, uneven terrain, insect bites/stings, and Hepatitis B depending on the position; and,
• TB test and physical required.

Benefits:

• We offer an excellent benefits package including 24 days of Paid Time Off (PTO), Sick and Safe Leave, and 2 paid holidays.
• Eligible for medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability and life insurance.
• 401(k) with employer match.

Disclaimer:

The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of all personnel so classified.  Therefore, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change.