Seasonal Animal Care Assistant - Pinnipeds

Company: Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
Location: Omaha
Posted on: April 4, 2026

Job Description:

Description Job Title: Seasonal Animal Care Assistant - Pinnipeds FLSA Status: Non-exempt Classification: Seasonal Hours: 35-40 hours/week; approximately May - August 2026 (584 total hours available) Pay Rate: $15.40/hour This is a seasonal position with a maximum duration of six months, based on individual performance and business operations. The exact end date will be determined by the official start date. Summary: We are seeking an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual to support the Sea Lion Shores Department in providing care of our California sea lions and Harbor seals. This position will work directly with current animal care staff and will be primarily responsible for several duties to help manage the daily departmental tasks, including area upkeep and cleaning, animal diet preparation, and assisting animal care staff as needed. This seasonal position will assist in maintaining the animal holding building, diet prep areas, animal enclosures, and public spaces. This role requires cooperation with animal care staff and willingness to complete assigned tasks by area management to facilitate quality care and operational standards. This seasonal position will help aspiring animal care professionals acquire animal husbandry experience and give them an introductory understanding of animal training with marine mammals to fulfill a pre-requisite to gaining employment in the zoological field. This position reports directly to the area Supervisor and Lead Keeper. Duties and Responsibilities: Cleaning: Public and non-public areas associated with the department. Animal Care and Husbandry: Assist in all aspects of animal care and husbandry for the animals associated with the department. Animal Enrichment: Assist in the daily enrichment of animals in the collection using the Life Strategies approach developed for the zoo. Assist with the development of new enrichment projects for the department. Safety: Continually perform within a manner which supports a safe working environment. Communication: Willingness to provide and be open with information to co-workers, other departments, and staff to ensure everyone is continually informed. Record Systems: Assist with animal training records, enrichment documents, department report sheets, and daily operational check-lists. General Zoo Operation: Assist with activities in other zoo departments, as requested. Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Must be at least 18 years of age. Strong communication and organizational skills, including attention to detail. Knowledge of a safe working environment for animal collection, employees, and visitors. Ability to work independently and with a team. Animal husbandry knowledge. Operant conditioning experience is preferred but not required. Ability to speak publicly to large and small groups. Candidates might be (depending on position) required to pass a pre-employment background check, drug test, negative skin tuberculosis test, and possess a valid driver’s license with a good history. Working Conditions and Physical Effort: Must be able to walk long distances across the zoo. Must be able to stand, sit, kneel, bend, twist, reach above head and climb. Will lift, push, pull, and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds using safe and proper lifting methods. 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.

Keywords: Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Sioux City , Seasonal Animal Care Assistant - Pinnipeds, Science, Research & Development , Omaha, Iowa