Living Collection, Animal Keeper I

Who We Are

As science and technology increasingly shape our lives, the Museum of Science strives to equip and inspire everyone to use science for the global good while keeping up with the pace of change.   Among the world’s largest science centers and New England’s most attended cultural institution, we engage nearly five million people a year – at Science Park and in museums around the world, in classrooms, and online.

The Museum’s singular location connecting Boston and Cambridge puts us at the junction of some of the world’s most influential academic institutions and industries, local and state government, schools, and the public. Trusted by each sector, we are ideally positioned to convene, inspire, and create meaningful experiences for all.  Come join us on our mission to inspire a lifelong love of science in everyone and living our vision for a world where science belongs to each of us for the good of all of us.

Why We Need You

The Animal Keeper Position plays a vital role within our Living Collections Department by supporting the care and well being of a diverse range of animals and plants that call the Museum of Science home. In this role, you’ll contribute to daily animal care, enrichment, and observation, as well as the maintenance of enclosures, equipment, and animal areas, helping to ensure high standards of welfare while supporting meaningful guest experiences. This position offers the opportunity to build skills in animal care, training, and public engagement, while gaining hands-on experience in a collaborative, mission-driven environment dedicated to science education and animal care.

Schedule: Thursday - Monday

What You’ll Accomplish

• Animal and plant care: Follow established schedules and protocols to complete daily animal care tasks efficiently and consistently. Care and husbandry of all plants and animals as assigned each day.  This includes cleaning, feeding, diet preparation, and maintaining enclosures and/or water qualities to meet the physical and psychological needs of the animals in their care. Plants may require appropriate watering, monitoring and treating for pests, and propagation when needed. Follows standard operating procedures to ensure consistency in care. Work is performed under the guidance of the Manager, Living Collections, following established procedures and protocols.
• Animal Welfare:Actively participate in welfare assessments and environmental enrichment programs to maintain high levels of animal welfare with follow-up actions and attention to detail.
• Record keeping: Record daily in digital and physical records as needed to provide accurate animal records and maintenance logs
• Medical Care: Under the direction of veterinary staff participate in veterinary procedures and delivery of medications. Promptly communicate and escalate concerns regarding animal health or safety to appropriate staff. 
• Animal training: Participate in animal training programs for husbandry behaviors and participation in animal programming using positive reinforcement training techniques and advocating for animal choice and control
• Animal Presentations: Interact with guests through educational programming and interpretations
• Perform other work-related duties as required by the

What We’re Looking For (Competencies)

• Commitment to Excellence and Integrity: Excellence in care to our living collections is a museum wide commitment to the well being of the animals and plants in our care.
• Attention to Detail and Accuracy: Demonstrates strong attention to detail in animal care, record keeping, and enclosure maintenance; follows established procedures to ensure consistency and safety.
• Collaboration and Community: Fosters positive relationships within the Living Collections team, the museum, and the wider community. Works collaboratively with team members to support daily operations and animal care activities.
• Resilience and Adaptability: Understanding that in the role of Animal Keeper, no two days will be the same and as such keepers must be adaptable to the changing needs of the department and the animals.
• Reliability and Accountability: Consistently completes assigned responsibilities on time; follows through on daily care routines and communicates any issues or concerns to supervisors.
• Learning Agility: Demonstrates willingness to learn and apply new animal care techniques, training methods, and institutional practices.
• Safety and Compliance Awareness: Adheres to all safety protocols, PPE requirements, and animal care standards to ensure a safe environment for staff, guests, and animals.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Foundational knowledge in animal care. Hands-on experience at a zoo, aquarium, museum, veterinary, farm, or similar setting is preferred
• Demonstrated interest in animal welfare, conservation, or science education
• Basic knowledge of animal biology or natural history, with a willingness to learn about the species in the Museum’s collection. Interest in animal welfare, enrichment, and science education. Coursework or degree progress in biology, zoology, animal science, environmental science, or a related field is preferred.
• Comfort engaging with the public and representing the Museum in a positive, professional manner
• Demonstrated ability to use computer systems for record keeping and day-to-day communication with staff. Experience maintaining records or logs in a professional, academic, or volunteer setting is preferred.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and after-hour shifts, as required for the health and safety of our animals and meet institutional needs
• Ability to lift 50 pounds often and push/pull 100 pounds infrequently
• Able to work in an environment that may expose you to possible allergens such as dander, dust, animal waste, and animal foods
• Ability to wear proper PPE to maintain the safety of yourself, the team, and the animals
• Ability to follow instructions and use tools and machinery in a safe manner
• Must be able to have negative TB test yearly and rabies vaccinated if able

How We Work-Our Values

Mission-Focused: We inspire a lifelong love of science in everyone.    

Audience-Driven: Everything we do begins with the people we serve.  

Innovative: We are curious, take smart risks, share responsibility, and own outcomes.  

Generous: We offer time and energy towards common goals.