About the Academy

The Academy of Natural Sciences was founded in 1812 for "the encouragement and cultivation of the sciences".  Since then, it has sponsored global expeditions, conducted pioneering environmental and systematics research, and amassed remarkable collections containing more than 18 million specimens from around the world and a peerless library and archive. Since 2011 its academic enterprise has been further strengthened through its affiliation with nearby Drexel University – a leading private non-profit research institution that focusses on innovation and entrepreneurship and provides a unique cooperative education program for its undergraduate and graduate degree students.  

Today the Academy is one of the most important natural science institutions in the world. However, the world is changing fast and the Academy – directed by its Strategic Plan 2019-24 - is changing with it.  Over the next five years the Academy will become a “force for nature” and advance its mission: “to understand the natural world and inspire everyone to care for it”. In so doing the Academy will build on its fundamental belief that diversity and inclusion generates better ideas, inspires creativity, and is essential to building a positive workplace so that in time it can become an institution that is of, by and for all Philadelphians.

Job Summary 

The Experience & Engagement division of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is seeking an experienced and passionate Animal Keeper to help maintain the animal ambassadors of multiple museum experiences including, but not limited to Outside In, educational offerings for school field trips and the general public, and the future Urban Nature Lab.

The Live Animal Center is home to a variety of invertebrates (arthropods), small mammals, and reptiles that animate these public environments. Working with many internal departments, the Animal Keeper will work with all animals at the Academy in all its exhibition spaces. They will work with staff, faculty, Drexel Co-Op Students, and interns. The ideal candidate should be an experienced Animal Keeper, a natural leader with a professional demeanor, and a creative yet organized style of working. They should be intrinsically motivated, passionate about learning and the natural sciences, and proactive in their work.

Essential Functions 

• Provides daily husbandry, health checks and behavior observations for our animal ambassadors including invertebrates, mammals, reptiles and some amphibians.
• Ensures the health and well-being of the collection in compliance with federal and state regulations and Animals Programs Protocols.
• Prepares diets, administers medications and other care as directed by veterinarians.
• Maintains records in appropriate logs and actively communicates about animal health and wellbeing with other team members.
• Cleans enclosures and surrounding areas for all animals as scheduled.
• Provides daily enrichment of animals as scheduled.
• Trains and supervises staff, interns and volunteers working with animals at ANS.
• Understands and abides by current federal, state permits and protocols required to house our collections.
• Strives to give the animals in our charge the best quality of life possible.
• Coordinates with supervisor on yearly goals, activities and acquisition of animals through the collection plan.
• Complies with all Drexel-required trainings and certifications.
• Other appropriate duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications 

• Minimum of High Diploma or GED.
• Minimum of 2-3 years experience in related field.
• 2 years of experience working in the care of invertebrates, mammals, reptiles and other animals
• Experience administering medications and restraining animals.
• Dependable; reliable attendance, including nights and weekends, and flexibility to work some special events
• Excitement and sense of passion around the natural sciences and learning with animals
• Welcoming, positive outlook and a genuine love of the sciences is highly desirable
• Computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Experience or ability to learn specialized reporting software
• Must pass Criminal Background check and Child Abuse Clearance check
• Muse be available evenings and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications

• BS degree in related field (zoology, biology, wildlife conservation, wildlife management, environmental science etc) preferred.

Physical Requirements         

• Typically standing, walking.
• Lifting demands > 50lbs.
• Typically bending, crouching, stooping.

Location 

• Philadelphia, PA.

Additional Information 

This position is classified as a Non exempt grade C. Compensation for this grade ranges from $ 17.14 to $ 25.71 per hour. Please note that the offered rate for this position typically aligns with the minimum to midrange of this grade, but it can vary based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.   

We encourage you to explore Drexel's Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies for more details on our compensation framework.  

You can also find valuable information about our benefits in the Benefits Brochure.  

Special Instructions to the Applicant 

Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application. 

A review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.