Exhibit Specialist (Austin Nature Science Center/Parks and Recreation Department)

Job Description:

Exhibit Specialist (Austin Nature Science Center/Parks and Recreation Department)

Description

Minimum Qualifications
Education and/or Equivalent Experience:

• Associate’s degree in Art History, Art, Museum Science or related field, plus one (1) year of experience planning and designing exhibits.
• Experience may substitute for the education up to a maximum of two (2) years.

Licenses or Certifications:

• None.

Notes to Applicants

The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department ( PARD ) provides, protects and preserves a park system that promotes quality recreational, cultural and outdoor experiences for the Austin community. Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more! Click HERE for more information.

The purpose of the Exhibit Specialist positionis to provide care for exhibit and program animals at the Austin Nature & Science Center ( ANSC ), including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and invertebrates. Animal care is provided 7 days a week/ 365 days per year. We ensure animal health through enrichment, maintenance, diet adjustments, and health support. We also work with staff and volunteers, and respond to the public’s inquiries regarding native wildlife as well as collaborating with local wildlife rescue organizations and volunteers.

Application Instructions/Job Requirements:

• Application: A detailed, complete application is required, and applicants must include on their Employment Record all experience (work and/or volunteer) related to this job posting - up to 10 years or more; this will be used to determine your base compensation. Employment Record dates must include month and year. Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application. Statements such as “See Resume” will not be accepted and a resume alone will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online application.
• Skills Assessments: Skills assessment(s) will be required as part of the recruitment process.
• Virtual Interviews: PARD may conduct virtual interviews.
• Military/Veteran: An applicant claiming Military/Veteran status must provide a copy of his or her DD-214(s), or valid comparable document, at the time of interview.
• Physical Requirements: Tasks may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying, or using a force equal to lifting up to thirty-five (35) pounds. Work environment includes inside, and outside environmental conditions, extreme temperatures, and hazards associated with equipment operation including fumes, oils, gases, and mists. Must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond, and work with participant’s needs and safety issues.

Other Information:

• Posting Guidelines: PARD reserves the right to close posted positions prior to the advertised close date, based on recruitment strategies and business needs. This posting may be used to fill other vacancies in other divisions/work locations within the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department. Decisions on assigned selection will be made at the time of hire based on the business needs of the department.
• Travel: If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program , you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
• Tobacco and Vape-Free Workplace: PARD work site locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any PARD work site - including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicles located on the premises.

Pay Range
$23.44 - $26.83 per hour.
Hours
Work/Location Schedule Notes:

• Variable - 40 hrs per week schedule.
• Tuesday through Saturday, or Sunday through Thursday shift. 8:15 am - 5:15 pm.
• May be required to work during special events, evenings, weekends & holidays.
• Work schedule and location is subject to change based on department needs and programs.

Job Close Date 05/27/2025 Type of Posting External Department Parks and Recreation Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Technical Location 301 Nature Center Dr., Austin, TX 78746 Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Experience:

• Experience caring for exhibit and program animals, including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and invertebrates.
• Experience in the safety practices and procedures of assessing the health of exhibit and program animals.
• Experience in preparing diets and administering medications for exhibit and program animals.
• Experience cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures.
• Experience in entering animal care records.
• Experience providing wildlife presentations to the public.
• Experience providing customer service to the public, including populations with diverse social, cultural, economic, and educational backgrounds.

Preferred Licenses or Certifications:

• Certification in animal care/animal training (e.g., Exotic Animal Training, Wildlife Rehabilitation, Zoo & Aquarium Science) or other related certification, or the ability to obtain within 6 months of employment.

Other:

• Ability to travel to more than one work location.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.


1. Provides appropriate care and maintenance of, and solicits materials for, living species, facilities, collections and equipment. Plans, develops, and constructs design exhibits and displays.
2. Designs and produces visual presentation and promotional materials.
3. Implements, monitors, evaluate and improve programs, workshops, and special events.
4. Schedules and conducts guided tours, answering citizen questions and providing assistance.
5. Assists with the development and monitoring of program budgets
6. Assists colleagues in the management and care of their assigned programs.
7. Receives fees, issue receipts, and accounts.
8. Recommends purchases or de-accessions to existing collections.
9. Orders/issues supplies, parts for inventory, tracks program expenditures.
10. Compiles and submits financial and exhibit information data for reports,.
11. Works with various professional organizations and renders services from contractual sources.

Responsibilities - Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised:

• May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of the needs of various live species.
• Knowledge of Federal, State and Local laws.
• Knowledge of city practices, policy and procedures.
• Knowledge of cultural education programs.
• Knowledge of principles and methods of showing, promoting exhibits.
• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software.
• Skill in planning and organizing.
• Ability to operate various power tools such as power saws; drills; buffers; grinders; sanders to construct small to medium size structures for exhibits.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to lead, train or supervise employees.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with city employees and the public.

Criminal Background Investigation This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation. EEO/ADA
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual’s AIDS , AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.
Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* The minimum qualifications for this position requires that applicants have an associate's degree in Art History, Art, Museum Science or related field, plus one (1) year of experience planning and designing exhibits. Experience may substitute for the education up to a maximum of two (2) years. Do you meet these minimum qualifications?

• Yes
• No

* In reviewing the preferred qualifications section of this job posting, please describe in 500 words or less how you meet those preferred qualifications.
(Open Ended Question)
* In reviewing the preferred qualifications section of this job posting, please list any relevant certifications you currently possess.
(Open Ended Question)
* This position requires a criminal background investigation (CBI). By selecting the following, you are acknowledging that you understand if you are selected as a top candidate for this position, you will need a successful CBI to be hired.

• I acknowledge and understand this position requires a Criminal Background Investigation.

* Do you have the ability to travel to multiple sites as part of the regular job duties?

• Yes
• No

* Are you related to any person employed by the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department? If yes, please list the relative's name and relationship:
(Open Ended Question)


Optional & Required Documents

Required Documents Cover Letter Resume Optional Documents