Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is seeking a seasonal Amphibian Conservation Keeper for the summer of 2025 to join the Amphibian Conservation team and assist with efforts to reestablish endangered amphibian populations through wild reintroductions. The Amphibian Conservation Area (ACA) currently cares for 1,300 amphibians in an off-exhibit, biosecure quarantine area with a primary focus of reproduction for synchronized wild releases to natural habitats. The mission of the Amphibian Conservation Area is to address wild amphibian decline by continually advancing conservation efforts, through evolving welfare, reproduction, collaboration, and reintroduction. The species currently focused on are listed below with federal endangered status. This position reports directly to the Supervisor of Amphibian Conservation.
- Wyoming Toad (Anaxyrus baxteri) - Federally Endangered, IUCN Extinct in the wild
- Western Boreal Toad (A. boreas) - Regionally Endangered
- Southern Rocky Mountain Boreal Toad (A. boreas) - Colorado State Endangered
- Puerto Rican Crested Toad (Peltophryne lemur) - Federally Threatened, IUCN Endangered
- Dusky Gopher Frog (Lithobates sevosus) - Federally Threatened, IUCN Critically Endangered
- Frosted Flatwoods Salamander (Ambystoma cingulatum) - Federally Threatened, IUCN Endangered
- Blue-spotted Salamander (A. laterale) - Iowa Regionally Endangered
- Mountain Yellow-legged Frogs (Rana muscosa) - Federally Endangered, IUCN Endangered
- Panamanian Golden Frogs (Atelopis zeteki, A. varius) - IUCN Critically Endangered
- This is an ever-changing list.
- This department can pick up new projects/species as they present themselves based on wild population assessments.
- We also care for other amphibian species, not listed, meant for zoological habitats.
Duties and Responsibilities/Essential Functions (include but not limited to):
- Attends to all aspects of daily animal husbandry and habitat maintenance while adhering to specific quarantine protocols for the amphibian populations of special conservation needs within an AZA accredited institution.
- Writes clear, concise reports and maintains accurate records on animals and aquatic systems.
- Practices clear communication skills and has the capacity to work well with others while maintaining the ability to work effectively as an individual.
- Must have the ability to assemble research data and assist in preparing data for publication.
- Reports potential issues or concerns promptly to the department supervisor.
- Expected to assist veterinarians and technicians during medical procedures and treatments. This position may also be expected to assist other zoo personnel in making minor system/building repairs.
- Expected to have or develop the appropriate level of knowledge of the natural history and ex situ wildlife management under their care to ensure the best possible physical and psychological well-being of the animals in our care.
- Participates in and helps develop educational presentations to enhance the Zoo Experience for our 1.7 million annual guests.
- Participates in and supports collaborative efforts pertaining to the ACA conservation species, such as reproduction of selected species, research, enrichment, training, and conservation programs.
- Responsible for daily care and reproduction of several insect species (fruit flies, crickets, roaches, isopods, worms, etc.).
- Assist with the maintenance of the area buildings and structures, including but not limited to cleaning, light construction, general upkeep, equipment maintenance, isolation room maintenance and repair, etc.
- Must be team-oriented and willing to work with other team members to further not only the goals of the Amphibian Conservation Area but also of the Zoo’s mission statement.
- May be asked to mentor/supervise interns and/or Zoo Academy students.
- Keepers are expected to demonstrate safe working practices at all times and learn effective time management skills.
- Work has exposure to physical and zoonotic disease risk, correlating PPE is provided.
- This position may at times require intense public contact, requiring considerable interpersonal ability, and an appreciation for public speaking.
- Staff may also provide crowd control during peak times and emergency situations.
- Must be willing to work in extreme weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, etc.) and with potentially dangerous animal species. Amphibian Conservation keepers are expected to learn basic first aid skills and be capable in applying these skills.
- Required to create and deliver presentations in professional settings.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Must be 18 years of age.
- Must hold a valid state driver’s license.
- Must be willing to work weekends. The schedule is to be determined upon hire with equal department coverage as the prioritizing factor.
- Must have a working knowledge of natural history, biology, ex situ husbandry, and conservation issues as they apply to amphibians and be individually and independently motivated to continue expanding their knowledge base as it applies to amphibians.
- Must function with a cohesive team with abilities to communicate, solve problems, propose new ideas towards the department’s mission statement as well as Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium’s mission statement.
- Previous experience with amphibians in an AZA institution is preferred.
- Experience with laboratory and/or quarantine procedures and aquatic life support systems is preferred.
- Public speaking experience preferred.
Work Environment/Physical Demands:
- This position at times involves physical exertion, such as regularly climbing of ladders, lifting of heavy objects (up to or more than 50 pounds) and/or assuming awkward positions.
- Demonstrate safe working practices at all times and learn effective time management skills.
- There are routine exposures to significant levels of heat, cold, and moisture.
- The position may involve exposure to chemical substances; all correlating PPE is provided.
Travel Required:
- Amphibian Conservation Keepers may be afforded the opportunity to participate with in-situ conservation projects.
- Applicants must be willing to travel and able to work in strenuous field conditions.
Education and Experience:
- Previous experience with reptiles and amphibians in an AZA institution is preferred.
- Bachelor’s in biology, Animal Science or related field is preferred.
- Experience with ex situ biosecurity amphibian populations is preferred.
- General knowledge of aquatic life support systems is preferred.
- Consideration will be given to past direct experience with exotic animals in other zoological, aqua cultural, ecological and biological areas such as in schools, aquaria, nature centers, agricultural operations, and conservation centers.
- Applicants must be individually and independently motivated to continue expanding their knowledge base as it applies to reptiles and amphibians.
DISCLAIMER
- The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification.
- It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.
- Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC
