Exhibit Specialist

General Summary: Under the supervision of the Director of Animal Facilities, the Exhibit 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.

Essential Functions: 

Primary Function: 

• Provide repair and maintenance of barriers, caging and fences in and around animal habitats;

• Install and maintain hot wire systems in anima exhibits;

• Move, maintain and grade substrate to meet animal department needs;

• Advise and assist with installation of new plant material in exhibits;

• Provide seasonal assistance with landscaping needs and pruning in and around animal 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 Horticulture department with landscaping and planting projects, as required;

• 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 insure 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; and, 

• TB test and physical required 

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 task be performed when circumstances change.

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