Animal Care Assistant - Meadowlark Theater
TEMPORARY•Omaha
About this role
Job DetailsJob Location: Omaha Zoo - Omaha, NE 68107Position Type: SeasonalJob Title: Animal Care Assistant - Meadowlark Theater
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Hours: Part-time (24 hours per week from February through approximately November 1st, 2026)
Pay Rate: $15.40/hour
Summary:
We are seeking an entry-level Animal Care Assistant to join the Meadowlark Theater team in the Interactive Animal Programs (IAP) Department. The Animal Care Assistant supports keepers with the husbandry, behavioral, and welfare management of all the animals in their department (primarily birds) according to Omaha Zoological Society, AZA, and USDA guidelines. The Animal Care Assistant is expected to be proficient in operant conditioning and capable of public presentation of a variety of animal species in both formal and informal settings, as this position has a high level of public interaction. Additionally, the Meadowlark Theater Animal Care Team is involved in working with Zoo Academy students, interns, and other animal ambassador handlers. This position reports directly to the Supervisor of the Meadowlark Theater.
Duties and Responsibilities (include but not limited to):
Daily husbandry, and enrichment of the Meadowlark Theater animal collection (primarily birds).
Develop and participate in animal ambassador presentations, facilitating positive and meaningful interactions with Zoo guests in both formal stage/show settings and informal settings.
Maintain trained animal behaviors for husbandry and show behaviors as well as natural behavior demonstration to enhance animal ambassador programs.
Assist in show production (pre-show preparations, sound, post show wrap-up).
Assist with student education efforts including Zoo Academy, shadows, interns, and classes.
Assist with the maintenance of the departments buildings, animal exhibits, and structures including cleaning, painting, light construction, etc. along with maintenance of Zoo grounds including plant care, raking, weeding, trash collection, etc.
Assist Zoo guests and facilitate their needs.
Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Must be at least 18 years of age or older.
High School Diploma or GED required. Pursuing B.S in biology, animal science, behavior or related field, preferred.
Basic computer proficiency in Microsoft Programs: Word, Excel, and Power Point.
Experience working with birds or exotics preferred.
Familiarity with basic animal training techniques, theory, and application, preferred.
Able to learn relevant and factual information about a diverse group of animals.
Effective and engaging public speaker. Strong desire to engage guests to become lifelong stewards for the conservation of animals and their habitats.
Self-motivated within a team setting and as an individual.
Communicate with and work well with all types of people.
Able to maintain a positive attitude while balancing multiple priorities.
Able to exhibit good judgment in making decisions.
Infectious positive attitude and sense of humor.
Candidates might be (depending on position) required to pass a pre-employment background check, drug test, negative skin tuberculosis test, and possess a valid drivers license with a good history.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort:
Will sometimes work extended/odd hours including weekends, holidays and some night programs.
Must be able to walk long distances across the zoo. Working in various weather conditions.
Must be able to stand, sit, kneel, bend, twist, reach above head and climb.
Will lift, push, pull, and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds using safe and proper lifting methods.
Working environments can include exposure to salt water, fish, shellfish (shrimp), nuts, hay, grass.
Exposure to physical and zoonotic disease risk.
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.
Qualifications
What you'll do
- The Animal Care Assistant supports keepers with the husbandry, behavioral, and welfare management of animals, primarily birds. They also develop and participate in animal ambassador presentations and assist with show production and educational efforts.
About Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
Consistently ranked as one of the world's top five zoos, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is an independent not-for-profit organization accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. As a leader in conservation, the Center for Conservation and Research focuses on areas to benefit animal husbandry and species conservation. Focus areas include conservation genetics, conservation medicine, rare plant conservation, reproductive sciences and comparative nutrition. The Zoo is recognized nationally for its conservation, animal care and exhibit design.
Ready to join Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium?
Take the next step in your career journey
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Animal Care Assistant - Meadowlark Theater do at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium?
As a Animal Care Assistant - Meadowlark Theater at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, you will: the Animal Care Assistant supports keepers with the husbandry, behavioral, and welfare management of animals, primarily birds. They also develop and participate in animal ambassador presentations and assist with show production and educational efforts..
Is the Animal Care Assistant - Meadowlark Theater position at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium remote?
The Animal Care Assistant - Meadowlark Theater position at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is based in Omaha, Nebraska, United States. Contact the company through Clera for specific work arrangement details.
How do I apply for the Animal Care Assistant - Meadowlark Theater position at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium?
You can apply for the Animal Care Assistant - Meadowlark Theater position at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquariumdirectly through Clera. Click the "Apply Now" button above to start your application. Clera's AI-powered platform will help match your profile with this opportunity and guide you through the application process.