Join the team at ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park, an AZA-accredited 11-acre, walk-through zoo adjacent to Hersheypark. ZooAmerica is home to more than 200 animals, representing 65 species and 5 regions of North America.

This position is responsible for the daily care and maintenance of a variety of exhibit animals' habitats and surrounding areas, as well as maintaining daily records. The Naturalist will coordinate with senior staff regarding enhancements to the animal welfare, training, and behavior-based enrichment programs.  Naturalists will work collaboratively with other staff and departments on directives to enhance ZooAmerica's vision and overall mission.

As a Full-Time Team Member, you will enjoy sweet perks like FREE admission to Hersheypark, discounts, and more as soon as you receive your Employee ID! Your total compensation consists not only of the wage that you are paid, but also includes Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage beginning the first day of the next month after you begin working, 401K Contribution, paid time off, and so much more!

Job Duties (Items marked with an asterisk are essential functions of this position):

• Administer all aspects of basic animal husbandry and daily care for cleaning, feeding, observing, administering medication and medical treatment, animal training and enrichment, and maintaining records of all associated documentation.*

• Assist with Zoo Manager on Duty shifts, development of special events, animal training, goal-based enrichment, and animal welfare in accordance with established standards that support animal welfare and the zoo's mission.*

• Execute keeper chats, behind the scenes tours, and proactively engage with zoo guests to enhance their experience.*

• Assist with obtaining, unloading, and organizing necessary food, cleaning, and medical supplies as needed.*

• Assist in training and onboarding new Naturalist aides to the Zoo Animal Care Department.*

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• 18 years of age or older.

• Minimum of 2 years of related experience.

• Industry Experience - Zoo Science, Environmental Science, Animal Behavior, Psychology

• Must have a valid driver’s license

• In accordance with Pennsylvania's Child Protective Services Law, candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a report of criminal history from the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), Child Abuse History Clearance from the Department of Human Services (Child Abuse), and Fingerprint-based federal criminal history submitted through the Pennsylvania State Police or its authorized agent (FBI), as a condition of continued employment.

• Bachelor's degree - Biology, Zoo Science, Environmental Science, Psychology, Animal behavior, Pre-veterinary

• Relevant work experience can be substituted for education - 4 years

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Skilled in the use of Microsoft Office and/or Google Drive applications.

• Proficient working with details on a daily basis for prolonged periods of time.

• Must be able to interact and communicate with a wide variety of audiences in a professional manner.

• Must comply with safe animal restraint techniques.

• Must be able to work at heights up to 15 feet.

• Must be able to climb over barriers and fences.

• Proven organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Experience with venomous reptiles and invertebrates is highly preferred

Job Demands:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:

• Climbing Ladders Occasional (<33%)

• Reaching Forward Frequent (34-66%)

• Climbing Stairs Occasional (<33%) (15ft maximum height)

• Lifting Occasional (<33%) (40lbs maximum weight)

• Reaching Overhead Frequent (34-66%)

• Finger Dexterity Constant (>67%)

• Hand/Eye Coordination Constant (>67%)

• Stooping Frequent (34-66%)

• Bending Constant (>67%)

• Sitting Occasional (<33%)

• Standing Constant (>67%)

• Walking Constant (>67%)

• This job requires minimal visual requirements. Able to distinguish unlike items, detect motion, and distinguish color.

• This job requires a good sense of vision (either corrected or uncorrected). Visual ability to operate moving equipment such as a car, truck, golf carts, etc.

• This job requires the visual ability to view work at distances of approximately 5 feet (operation and adjustment of machinery).

• This job requires the visual ability to perform detailed work at close distances (computer screens, accounting ledgers, using measurement devices).

• This job regularly requires verbal communication of detailed information to others either by phone or in person.

• Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers (Repetitive motion).

• The position is subject to atmospheric conditions. One or more of the following conditions that affect the respiratory system of the skin: fumes, odors, dust, mists, gasses, or poor ventilation.

• The position is frequently in close quarters, crawl spaces, shafts, man holes, small enclosed rooms, small sewage and line pipes, and other areas that could cause claustrophobia.

• The position is subject to hazards. Includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, exposure to high heat or exposure to chemicals.

• The position is subject to noise. There is sufficient noise to cause the worker to shout in order to be heard above ambient noise level.

• The position is subject to extreme heat. Temperatures above 100° for periods of more than one hour. Consideration should be given to the effect of other environmental conditions, such as wind and humidity.

• The position is subject to extreme cold. Temperatures typically below 32° for periods of more than one hour. Consideration should be given to the effect of other environmental conditions, such as wind and humidity.

• The position is subject to both environmental conditions. Activities occur inside and outside.

• The position is subject to outside environmental conditions. No effective protection from the weather.

• The position is subject to environmental conditions. Protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes.

• Must be able to work a flexible schedule including regularly scheduled weekends and holidays. 

• Must wear approved uniform and footwear. 

• Employees should be free of allergies that would preclude them from working around animals.

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Hershey Entertainment & Resorts is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.