Attend to daily care and rehabilitation needs for resident animals and animals brought to the ARK for rehabilitation, including taking measurements and weights as required.
Follow established protocols and treatment plans under the supervision of the ARK coordinator or veterinarians.
Administer medications and treatments as prescribed.
Prepare diets and ensure proper nutrition, adhering to specific dietary requirements.
Maintain clean and sanitary conditions in animal enclosures and rehabilitation facilities.
Perform initial physical examinations and diagnostics to determine and evaluate health condition of wildlife at the time of admission.
Assist with medical procedures and surgeries as needed.
Maintain records for all animals handled at the ARK into logs, including admittance data, general observational data, transfers, release data, and outcome. Maintain treatment files for all animals receiving care at the ARK.
Clean and maintain ARK equipment and facilities such as vehicles, pumps, filters, tanks, enclosures, scales, tools, work surfaces, etc.
Monitor and supervise daily ARK volunteer activity, provide needed tasks to volunteers, and delegate accordingly.
Communicate effectively and professionally with co-workers, management, volunteers, and the public at all times. Answer and document telephone inquiries about rescues, refer calls to supervisor as needed.
Participate in educational and outreach events and programming, and public releases as needed.
Assist with the development of outreach and social media content on ARK patients and happenings at the ARK.
Other related functions as needed.
Required qualifications
High school graduation or GED.
A year of experience in care and handling of animals in a rehabilitation or veterinary setting. Experience substitutes for the AMOUNT of experience needed. However, the KIND of experience is required.
Ability to handle and restrain wildlife safely and effectively.
Strong observational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Experience capturing and caring for wild animals that are injured or abandoned, especially birds and sea turtles.
Knowledge of wildlife species native to the region and their habitats.
Experience with animal behavior observation and enrichment techniques.
Knowledge of local and federal wildlife regulations and permits.
Driving Required
Salary Rate
$31,200
Working Conditions
May work in all weather conditions.
May work in extreme temperatures.
May work around chemical fumes.
May work around standard office conditions.
May work around biohazards.
May work around chemicals.
May work around electrical and mechanical hazards.
Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.
Use of manual dexterity.
Climbing of stairs and/or ladders.
Lifting and moving.
Work with injured animals and birds.
Radiology and laser training will be provided to work with appropriate equipment.
Work Shift
This may include work during the standard work week as well as holidays and will require some weekend availability.
Required Materials
Resume/CV
Letter of interest
3 work references with their contact information including email a
Benefits
Health insuranceVision insurance
Additional Information
Job Posting Title:
Animal Attendant ----
Hiring Department:
Marine Science Institute ----
Position Open To:
All Applicants ----
Weekly Scheduled Hours:
40 ----
FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt from FLSA ----
Earliest Start Date:
Jul 31, 2026 ----
Position Duration:
Expected to Continue Until Jan 30, 2027 ----
Location:
MARINE SCIENCE INSTITUTE ----
Job Details:
General Notes
Position is located at the UT Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas, Texas.
Purpose
To assist in caring for sea turtles, marine birds, and birds of prey at the Amos Rehabilitation Keep (ARK) at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute (MSI). Responsibilities include feeding the animals, cleaning their enclosures and tanks, record keeping, and rescuing or receiving animals when necessary. Animal Attendants work directly with the ARK's Coordinator and other ARK staff to provide daily care and rehabilitation for a variety of injured or orphaned species, following established protocols and treatment plans under the supervision of the ARK Coordinator or veterinarians.