Reports to: Facilities & Animal Care Managers
Details: Full time, year-round role, 100% in person role. The schedule for this role is Wednesday – Saturday, 7am – 5pm.
Accepting applications: Applications are open until filled. Candidates must submit cover letter and resume.
Location: This is an in-person, on-site role. Candidates must be able to commute to 1 College Street, Burlington, VT. Parking is provided.
Description: ECHO inspires and engages families in the joy of scientific discovery, wonder of nature, and care of Lake Champlain. ECHO is a dynamic, nationally acclaimed, science center committed to engaging diverse public audiences and providing experiential, relevant and lifelong educational experiences for all our guests. ECHO employees contribute to a productive, respectful, inclusive workplace by modeling humor, communication, cultural responsiveness, collaboration and accountability to our colleagues, animals and guests.
The Facilities & Animal Care Specialist is a unique position that serves in a split capacity within the Facilities & Animal Care department. This position will provide part-time, state of the industry animal care and husbandry for ECHO’s reptile/amphibian/fish collection that promotes optimal health and longevity. In addition, this position will provide part-time facilities and exhibit repair assistance and support custodial and facilities maintenance needs of our 36,000 square foot, LEED-certified aquarium and science center to ensure a positive visitor experience.
Responsibilities Include:
Animal Care
- Perform observations of animals to determine health status and initiate or confer with other animal care staff to implement responsive care as needed.
- Perform observations of animal enclosures and all related life support equipment including but not limited to filtration systems, lighting, pumps, motors, aeration, etc. Implement or confer with other animal care staff regarding repairs in response to observed issues in animal enclosures or related equipment (as noted in previous bullet).
- Provides implementation of proper animal care including provision of designated diets and environmental conditions (lighting, temperatures, water quality, substrates, ‘furniture’, filtration).
- Implement veterinary care based on veterinary input or reference material recommendations; determine and administer by appropriate means, at correct concentrations and dosages. Monitor animals’ responses to treatments.
- Maintain equipment including life support systems, exhibits and all other equipment utilized in maintaining animal habitats and animal health.
- Perform water quality testing and implement measures to maintain optimal water quality in animal enclosures.
- Assist with specimen capture, collection and transportation, quarantine and introduction to displays or holding quarters.
- Provide thorough and accurate record-keeping on daily implementation of animal care, animal health, veterinary care, acquisitions and dispositions, and equipment status.
- Develop and deliver educational programs to ECHO guests and on various media networks regarding science, natural history, captive care, and environmental stewardship.
- Design, install and repair animal exhibit habitats.
Facilities
- Custodial work: dusting, mopping, sweeping, scrubbing, window cleaning, trash removal, periodic deep cleaning, carpet extraction, power washing, etc. in a timely manner.
- Stocking cleaning/repair supplies.
Installing, maintaining and repairing non-animal exhibits. - Seasonal weed removal, mowing, raking, sweeping of exterior areas.
- Maintain and repair building mechanical system, HVAC, Plumbing and aquarium life support systems, etc.
- Maintain exterior areas including parking lot, walkways, planted areas and lawns, etc.
- Building mechanical and lighting controls software
- Interior and exterior building maintenance including but not limited to painting, flooring repair, light carpentry, light electrical, signage install and repair, etc.
- Interact with staff to coordinate building and exhibit repairs.
Other Duties
- Provide quality customer service while working in high volume guest environment.
- Assist in departmental budgeting, researching and purchasing of animal care and facilities supplies.
- Train volunteers and interns and other staff in provision of animal care.
- Assist with building mechanical software package (WebCTRL) and building lighting software package (Keeper Enterprise) to optimize system functions and minimize resource consumption.
- Regular weekend and some after-hours work required.
- Other duties and special projects assigned as needed.
Essential Skills:
- High school diploma or GED, Bachelor’s degree preferred
- Minimum six months experience in facilities work and/or 6 months experience in Animal Care, preferably both
- Experience working in public setting and interacting with the public while performing job duties
- Valid driver’s license strongly preferred
- Demonstrated ability to multitask in a fast paced environment, managing multiple priorities
- Must be able to lift 50 pounds occasionally and spend the majority of the 10 hour shift moving, including bending, stooping, standing, walking, and using hands to operate cleaning equipment and tools
- Willingness to observe and learn new skills
Instructions for Applying:
To be considered a candidate for this position, please click here.
If you require assistance with the application process, or need a different form of application, please contact Katelyn Olson (she/her/hers) by email or phone (kolson@echovermont.org / 802-864-1848 Ext.116).
ECHO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state or Federal law.
Reports to: Guest Services & Membership Manager
Pay Rate: $17.50/hour
Start Date: ideally, mid-May
End Date: ideally, mid-October
Accepting Applications: Until position is filled.
Location: ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, 1 College St., Burlington, VT 05401
Description: As the first point of contact for all guests, Guest Services Representatives are charged with providing a great first impression, operating our point of sales system to check in ECHO guests, processing retail gift shop sales, selling memberships, and answering questions about ECHO and Burlington, in general.
Responsibilities Include:
Front Desk
- Open front desk including computers, cash drawer counting, and turning on all monitors and lights in time for guest arrival
- Meet and greet ECHO walk-up guests and scheduled groups
- Create a positive first impression of ECHO
- Process front desk admission, film and membership sales
- Stay informed about ECHO exhibits, programs, and gift shop merchandise
- Help sell ECHO products by explaining annual membership benefits, movies, and
suggesting gift shop merchandise - Set up Community Room, Omni Room, or Dealer.com Terrace with birthday party supplies
- Answer guest questions about ECHO and Burlington area or guide them to where they will get the question answered
- Serve as first point of contact for guest injuries or complaints; report incidents or complaints to the proper Manager and/or Director
- Make daily announcements and keep guests informed about activities, demos and public programs
- Answer phone questions directed to the Front Desk
- Close all drawers and prepare daily cash-out
- Perform reception duties (receive express mail packages, greet ECHO staff guests, keep front desk neat and organized, etc.)
- Monitor parking as needed
- Assist in daily floor closing procedures and clean-up
- During slow times, work may include covering at ECHO’s ice cream stand, including taking orders, making ice cream, and using the POS system.
Gift Shop
- Process gift shop merchandise sales
- Assists in gift shop inventory count
- Other duties may be assigned as needed
Essential Skills/Training:
- Ability to operate a cash register and learn ticketing system
- Attention to detail, facility with numbers
- Excellent computer skills and ability to learn new programs and systems
- Ability to work with changing coworker team including volunteers, interns and seasonal staff
- Can-do attitude and willingness to take on additional responsibility
- Ability to work collaboratively with others
- Skilled in customer service
Time Commitment:
- One part time (20 hours) and one full time (40 hours) opportunity available
- Schedules will include weekends and occasionally evenings, if assigned to an event
Instructions for Applying:
To be considered a candidate for this position, please fill out our online application. Resume is required to apply; cover letter is strongly encouraged.
If you require assistance with the application process, or need a different form of application, please contact Katelyn Olson (she/her/hers) by email or phone (kolson@echovermont.org / 802-864-1848 Ext.116).
ECHO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state or Federal law.
About ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
ECHO is a dynamic, nationally acclaimed, science and museum center committed to engaging diverse public audiences and providing experiential, relevant and lifelong educational experiences for all our guests. Founded in 2003, ECHO houses more than 70 species of live animal ambassadors in Vermont’s first LEED certified building. This innovative science center and aquarium displays life in the Champlain Basin and inspires visitors to positively impact the world around them. ECHO is the public face of the Patrick and Marcelle Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, a 2.7 acre environmental campus on the Burlington Waterfront.
Reports to: Guest Services & Membership Manager
Pay Rate: $17.50/hour (20hrs / week)
Start Date: ideally, mid-May
End Date: ideally, mid-October
Accepting Applications: Until position is filled.
Location: ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, 1 College St., Burlington, VT 05401
Description: The Ice Cream Specialist will work in ECHO’s food truck that will be serving the most anticipated creemees on the waterfront. The Ice Cream Specialist will be responsible for maintaining excellent customer service while being a brand ambassador for ECHO and educating guests on ECHO’s Mission.
Responsibilities Include:
- Receive and complete orders from customers for ice cream and retail items
- Complete opening and closing procedures including POS, cash drawer counting, turning on/off all monitors, lights and music as well as starting food prep and cleaning
- Keep all items on the trailer well stocked and organized
- Create a positive and welcoming first impression of ECHO
- Stay informed about ECHO exhibits, programs, and gift shop merchandise
- Answer guest questions about ECHO and Burlington area or guide them to where they will get the question answered
- Close all drawers and prepare daily cash-out deposits
- Maintain a high standard of cleanliness throughout the food trailer
- Communicate with ECHO’s Retail Manager when stock is low on retail items, food items or serviceware
- Understands and follows all policies and procedures
- Assists in ensuring a safe working environment throughout the food trailer
- During periods of inclement weather, work may move inside ECHO and include stocking, light cleaning, greeting movie guests, and/or working at the front desk on the POS system
- Open to learning new tasks
Essential Skills/Training:
- Ability to work a flexible schedule
- Ability to operate a cash register and POS system
- Can-do attitude and willingness to take on additional responsibility
- Ability to work collaboratively with others
- Skilled in customer service
- Ability to reach, bend, stoop, push and/or pull and frequently lift up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift/move up to 50 pounds
- Able to stand for multiple hours within a tight space
Time Commitment:
- 20 hours/week during Creemee Stand hours (10:30am – 9:30pm)
- Schedules will include evenings and weekends
Instructions for Applying:
To be considered a candidate for this position, please fill out our online application. Resume is required to apply; cover letter strongly encouraged.
If you require assistance with the application process, or need a different form of application, please contact Katelyn Olson (she/her/hers) by email or phone (kolson@echovermont.org / 802-864-1848 Ext.116).
ECHO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state or Federal law.
About ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
ECHO is a dynamic, nationally acclaimed, science and museum center committed to engaging diverse public audiences and providing experiential, relevant and lifelong educational experiences for all our guests. Founded in 2003, ECHO houses more than 70 species of live animal ambassadors in Vermont’s first LEED certified building. This innovative science center and aquarium displays life in the Champlain Basin and inspires visitors to positively impact the world around them. ECHO is the public face of the Patrick and Marcelle Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, a 2.7 acre environmental campus on the Burlington Waterfront.
For other opportunities to work with us, see our: