Animal Care Specialist

FLSA Classification: Non Exempt, Part Time

Salary Range: $15/hr

Reports to: Nature Center Superintendent

Date: March 2026

Summary

Under the supervision of the Nature Center Manager, the Animal Care Specialist is directly responsible for the daily care and feeding of all animals and fish at the Nature Center. The nature center has a variety of reptiles, amphibians, mammals, fish, etc. Typical animal husbandry duties are expected to be performed. 

Essential Duties

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential duties.

• Maintain and clean all cages and aquariums on a daily basis, with deep cleaning as needed.
• Perform necessary back flushing and maintenance on the large filters for the aquariums.
• Feed and care for all animals.
• Keep a daily journal of cleaning and care that was performed and noting behavioral changes in animals.
• Purchase food and equipment for all animal care needs.
• Train on proper animal handling techniques for each animal species.
• Interact with animals as needed and provide well-rounded exercise, behavioral enrichment, and care.
• Bathe, weigh, trim claws, and perform other cleanliness duties.
• Keep all animal displays neat and tidy for public viewing.
• Schedule and attend veterinary visits as needed.
• Install new animal displays when available.

Hours

Part time, approximately 15-25 hours per week. May include days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Supervisory responsibilities

None 

Work environment

Employee’s general work area indoors is a smoke-free environment with controlled temperature and fluorescent lighting. Employee may be required to work outdoors during various weather conditions, including, but not limited to, cold, heat, snow, wind, rain, etc. Outdoor environment includes a wooded area with uneven walking surfaces. 

Physical demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand; walk; sit; bend; kneel; use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; talk or hear; taste and smell; and carry materials. The employee may occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent (GED) required
• Must have some experience with animal husbandry- general care of animal habitats and feeding. Experience with exotic animal species is a plus.

Additional eligibility requirements

• Must have an appreciation for the idea of children learning through nature and animals as there will be interaction with the general public while performing duties. 
• Customer service skills
• Spanish speaker is a plus.
• Must be prompt, responsible, friendly, works well with other staff, general public including adults and children of all ages.
• CPR and AED certification or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire

Affirmative Action/EEO statement

The Joliet Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Other duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.