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• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Position Summary: 

Wildlife Program Assistants support essential operations of the Wildlife Program within the Klingsberg Aviary and Litzinger Herpetarium at Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center at Penn State University. This includes completing daily tasks like diet preparation, husbandry, water tests, facility maintenance and record keeping. Assistants also work alongside and support students and other emerging professionals in comprehension, comfort, and completion of designated daily tasks.  

This is an emerging professional’s position – the selected candidate can expect to be trained on the job and is expected to gain comfort and competence in higher level responsibilities over time. The candidate will be supported with career development and guidance from full-time staff. 

Primary Duties: 

Support and ensure completion of daily tasks within the Aviary and Herpetarium  Support students in completion of daily tasks of Wildlife Care & Conservation Career Program  Develop new skills in wildlife care and conservation under support of full-time staff 

Position Scope: 

Assistants are entry-level positions for Emerging Professionals with an interest in working with wildlife under human care. Assistants work with continuing full and part-time staff to support daily operations of the Wildlife Program. 

Competencies Required: 

• Effective Knowledge  - no experience is required. Assistants will be trained in all aspects of the position, including animal behavior, husbandry, training, enrichment, and facility maintenance. 
• Accountability and Self Management - the varying daily tasks require Assistants to manage their time effectively to accomplish time sensitive assigned tasks and support daily operations flow. 
• Teamwork and Leadership - Assistants must work with a variety of staff and educational operations. Assistants must be timely and clear communicators and follow through on their obligations.  
• Communication – Assistants are expected to communicate with full-time staff to prioritize a diverse portfolio of needs. They are expected to communicate workload balance and distribution, if they need support accomplishing their work, or if assistance is otherwise needed. 
• Innovation and